How to Catch a Chipmunk Outside

Chipmunks attract easily to bait in a trap.

Although these cute, furry creatures may seem harmless, little chipmunks can cause damage to landscapes, gardens and buildings with their digging. When you have nuisance chipmunks in your yard, one remedy involves catching a chipmunk outside. By using a live trap, you can catch the chipmunk without harming it. After relocating the chipmunk, you can enjoy a respite from the tiny burrowing animals.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Leaves and pine needles
• Live chipmunk trap
• Peanut butter, oatmeal and sunflower seeds

Instructions

1. Observe chipmunk activity to determine where to set the trap. Notice where the chipmunks travel throughout your yard -- this is the best place to catch a chipmunk.

2. Dig a hole so you can hide the trap. Use the shovel to remove soil so you can place the trap on the ground where the chipmunks will not see it. Cover the trap with leaves and pine needles to conceal all sides except the opening of the trap.

3. Mix up a concoction of peanut butter, oatmeal and sunflower seeds and place the bait in the trap. Wire or adjust the trap so it stays open and allow the chipmunks to eat the bait for two to three days without springing the trap. This will condition the chipmunks to trust the trap and the bait.

4. Set the trap to capture the chipmunk and place bait in the trap. Watch the trap or check every one to two hours to see if you caught a chipmunk.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish to relocate a captured chipmunk, check with a local humane society or Department of Natural Resources to learn about local ordinances. If you do relocate the animal, use care to avoid injury by the stressed chipmunk. You will need to drive the chipmunk at least 2 to 3 miles away from your home.

References

• Ohio State University Extension; The Eastern Chipmunk; Gary Gao, et. al.
• University of Kentucky College of Agriculture; Managing Chipmunk Problems in Kentucky; Thomas G. Barnes