Anyone have non-lethal means of getting chipmunks to go away?

3 years ago by Tarasovich to c/gardening

While they're cute and all, chipmunks are destroying the root systems of some well-established shrubs in my yard. Does anyone have any tested and proven methods for repelling them from certain areas? I don't want to poison or trap the little buggers, but I'd like them to stop killing things. I also don't want to make any of the other wildlife (mainly the neighborhood owls, hawks, and other birds) or my dog sick.

MermaidsGarden 12 points 3 years ago

Have you tried reasoning with them?

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Phyrin 6 points 3 years ago

This is what I missed from Reddit - a question I didn’t know I had, on the front page, with legitimately helpful answers

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ChootchMcGooch 5 points 3 years ago

For a non reddit meme answer, as those have grown quite old: a quick Google says planting or spraying peppermint around, or used coffee grounds around the roots. Either are a natural deterrent according to Google.

I personally have used coffee grounds as a rose bush fertilizer for a while and it's worked great. Might be a good move if you're a daily coffee drinker.

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cryptiod137 3 points 3 years ago

Put them in a box with a cat, and I can't stress this enough, don't let anyone open it.

Failing that, I'm pretty sure peppermint oil is supposed to keep them away.

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buddhra 2 points 3 years ago

Maybe try a predator decoy like a snake or owl?

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Treatyoself 1 point 3 years ago

I’m liking these answers so far.

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Phyrin 1 point 3 years ago

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theragu40 1 point 3 years ago

I believe you can purchase natural predator scent spray to spray around the areas you need help. It's not permanent obviously but it should get them to move on.

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