Are you hearing strange scratching noises coming from under your patio? Are you noticing holes and burrows in your yard near the patio area? If so, it’s likely that chipmunks have taken up residence beneath your outdoor living space.
While these furry creatures may seem cute and harmless, they can cause damage to your property and carry diseases that can be harmful to humans and pets.
In this article, we’ll explore effective methods for getting rid of chipmunks under your patio, so you can enjoy a safe and pest-free outdoor environment.
First, it’s important to identify the signs of chipmunk infestation. These include gnawed wood or wires around the patio area, visible burrow entrances in the yard or garden beds adjacent to the patio, and small piles of dirt or debris outside of burrow openings.
Once you’ve confirmed that there are indeed chipmunks living under your patio, it’s time to take action to prevent further damage and potential health hazards for you and your family.
Identify the Signs of Chipmunk Infestation
If you start noticing holes in your garden or chewed up plants, chances are there’s a chipmunk infestation lurking around. They’re small rodents that burrow in the ground and create tunnels, which can cause damage to your patio or other structures.
Chipmunks are active during the day, so you might see them running around your yard or hear their high-pitched chirping sounds. They also have a tendency to dig holes near buildings, patios, or decks where they can hide from predators.
If you spot piles of soil with no apparent reason for being there, it could be a sign of an active chipmunk burrow. They also have a habit of collecting food and storing it inside their burrows.
To prevent further damage to your property and ensure your safety, it’s important to identify chipmunk behavior patterns before taking any action. Once you know what signs to look for, you can take steps toward addressing the problem head-on by using natural methods or seeking professional help.
Prevention Methods
To prevent chipmunks from making a home under your patio, one of the most effective methods is to seal off their entry points. Check for any cracks or holes that could serve as possible entrances and use wire mesh or sealant to block them.
Additionally, remove any potential attractants like bird feeders or pet food dishes from the area to decrease their interest in the space beneath your patio.
Seal off entry points
Sealing off the entry points is a crucial step in preventing these pesky critters from accessing and potentially damaging the area beneath your outdoor living space.
Chipmunks are notorious for burrowing under patios and decks, so it’s important to check for any gaps or holes that may serve as an entrance. DIY sealing techniques such as using caulk or expanding foam can be effective, but if you’re not confident in your abilities, consider hiring a contractor for sealing.
When sealing, pay close attention to areas around pipes and wires that lead into your home since they often leave gaps that chipmunks can exploit.
It’s also important to remove any debris or clutter around the perimeter of your patio since it can create sheltered areas where chipmunks can hide. Taking these preventative measures will go a long way in ensuring that these furry creatures don’t make themselves at home beneath your patio.
After sealing off entry points, the next step is to remove attractants like bird feeders which we’ll discuss further in the next section.
Remove attractants like bird feeders
Don’t let those cute little chipmunks ruin your outdoor living space – make sure to remove any bird feeders or other attractants that might draw them in!
While it may be tempting to keep feeding the birds, especially during the winter months, it’s important to remember that alternative solutions exist. If you want to enjoy your patio without worrying about chipmunk invasions, removing bird feeders and other sources of food is an absolute must.
By eliminating these attractants, you’ll not only discourage chipmunks from hanging around your patio area but also prevent long-term effects like structural damage caused by their burrowing activities. Without food sources nearby, chipmunks will have no reason to stick around and cause trouble.
So go ahead and take down those bird feeders, clean up any spilled seed or nuts on the ground, and store pet food indoors. Your efforts will pay off in spades when you’re able to enjoy a pest-free outdoor space once again! And if removing attractants doesn’t solve the problem entirely, don’t worry – there are still humane trapping methods you can try next.
Humane Trapping
You can easily catch those little critters by using humane traps and releasing them back into the wild.
There are two options to choose from when it comes to trapping: DIY or professional. If you’re confident in your ability to trap the chipmunks safely, then you can opt for a DIY approach. However, if you’re uncertain about how to handle the process, it’s best to call in a professional.
When setting up a humane trap, it’s important to choose the right bait option that will attract chipmunks. Some of the best bait options include sunflower seeds, peanut butter, and small pieces of fruit like apple or banana.
Once you have chosen your bait option and set up your trap, place it near where you suspect the chipmunks are living under your patio.
Humane trapping is an effective way to remove chipmunks from underneath your patio while keeping them safe. However, keep in mind that this is only one step in getting rid of these little pests for good.
The next step involves using natural repellents that will make your property less appealing for these critters.
Natural Repellents
If you’re looking for natural ways to get rid of chipmunks under your patio, essential oils and sprays might be worth considering.
Peppermint oil is known to repel chipmunks, as are hot pepper sprays.
You can also plant certain herbs and flowers around the perimeter of your patio that are known to deter chipmunks, such as daffodils, garlic, and marigolds.
Essential oils and sprays
Using essential oils and sprays can be a safe and effective way to drive those pesky chipmunks away from your outdoor space.
When it comes to choosing between DIY or store-bought options, it’s important to consider the ingredients used in these products.
Essential oils like peppermint, citronella, and eucalyptus have been known to deter chipmunks due to their strong scent. You can create your own DIY spray by mixing a few drops of these essential oils with water and spraying it around the perimeter of your patio.
If you prefer a store-bought option, make sure to read the label carefully before purchasing. Look for products that use natural ingredients rather than harsh chemicals that could harm both the chipmunks and other wildlife in your area.
Always follow the instructions on the label and wear protective gear when applying any type of spray. With proper use, essential oil sprays can be an effective way to keep chipmunks at bay without putting yourself or others at risk.
When it comes to keeping chipmunks away from your patio, using essential oils and sprays is just one step towards creating a critter-free zone.
Next up: planting certain types of foliage that naturally repel these furry little creatures.
Plants that repel chipmunks
Planting certain types of foliage can naturally repel chipmunks, so consider adding them to your outdoor space. Not only do they serve as a natural barrier against these critters, but they also add beauty and benefits to your garden.
Here are some plants that may help keep chipmunks away:
- Alliums: These plants have a strong odor that deters chipmunks and other pests.
- Daffodils: The bulbs contain lycorine, which is toxic to rodents.
- Fritillaries: Their strong scent can make the area unappealing for chipmunks.
By incorporating these plants into your garden, you not only create a beautiful outdoor space but also create a barrier between your patio and pesky chipmunks. It’s an easy DIY garden project that can provide long-lasting results.
However, if planting foliage doesn’t work or you want a more immediate solution, it’s time to seek professional removal services.
Will Using Vinegar to Clean Patio Stones Affect Chipmunks Living Under the Patio?
Using vinegar to clean patio stones may affect chipmunks living under the patio. The strong smell of vinegar can deter chipmunks from the area, potentially disrupting their habitat. It’s important to consider the impact on wildlife when using harsh chemicals in outdoor spaces.
Professional Removal Services
Hiring a professional to handle the removal of chipmunks under your patio is often the most efficient solution. While there are DIY solutions available, these may not always be effective and can even be dangerous if not executed properly. Professional removal services have the necessary equipment and expertise to safely remove the critters from your property.
Before hiring a professional, it’s important to consider the cost of their services. Prices can vary depending on location, size of infestation, and type of removal method used. It’s recommended to get quotes from multiple companies before making a decision. Keep in mind that while DIY methods may seem cheaper initially, they can end up costing more in the long run if they don’t effectively solve the problem.
In addition to removing the chipmunks from your property, professional removal services can also provide preventative measures to ensure they don’t return. This can include sealing off entry points and installing barriers around your patio area. By investing in professional removal services, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe from unwanted critters and potential damage they may cause.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting rid of chipmunks under your patio is possible with the right methods. You should first identify the signs of their infestation and then use prevention methods to keep them away from your property.
Humane trapping can be an effective way to remove them, but natural repellents may also work as a long-term solution. If DIY methods don’t solve the problem, it’s best to seek professional removal services. They have the expertise and equipment needed to safely and effectively remove chipmunks without causing harm.
Remember that it’s important to handle these animals in a humane and ethical manner, while also protecting your property from damage. With these tips in mind, you can say goodbye to unwanted chipmunk guests under your patio for good!