How to Eliminate Chipmunks and Keep Them Out of Your Yard for Good

If you grew up with Alvin and the Chipmunks—whether from the Christmas song, the animated series, or the movie—you're probably fond of these little terrestrial squirrels. The real-life versions can be just as charming, but they’re also clever, fast, and quite resourceful. However, if you’re a homeowner and chipmunks make regular visits to your yard, these creatures—much like their animated counterparts—can cause some trouble. Here’s everything you need to know about safely removing chipmunks from your yard.

Why is it important to keep chipmunks out of your yard?

While chipmunks may appear harmless due to their small size, they can cause significant harm by burrowing beneath your lawn, according to Meg Pearson, training manager at Critter Control. She explains, “If their tunnels are near your home or beneath your patio, they can crack your cement and basement floors, compromising the structural integrity of your house and deck.” Pearson warns that if left unchecked, chipmunks can cause serious damage over time.

For context, chipmunk burrows can extend up to 30 feet in length and reach depths of 3 feet, adds Nick Masengarb, virtual handyperson expert at Frontdoor.

Chipmunks also pose a threat to your garden and landscaping. Aside from digging holes, they may chew on irrigation lines and wires, devour fruits, bulbs, and young plants, and tear up leaves.

Chipmunks aren’t just an outdoor problem. “They may enter your crawl space to build nests and chew on insulation and wiring,” says Lori Johnson, president at The Grounds Guys. A chipmunk issue outside can quickly spread indoors as well.

How to recognize the signs of a chipmunk infestation

If you haven’t spotted chipmunks in your yard and are unsure if they’ve taken up residence, Masengarb suggests looking for these unmistakable signs:

• Seed or grain piles
• Chewed holes in low-hanging fruits and vegetable plants
• Flower bulbs that have been uprooted
• Small, deep holes grouped together
• Damaged irrigation lines or chewed-up wiring

Why chipmunks are drawn to your yard or garden

If you’ve confirmed that chipmunks have indeed made themselves at home around your property, you may wonder what attracted them in the first place. Chipmunks are drawn to yards and gardens that offer plenty of food, water, and shelter. “Things like bird feeders, which contain seeds and other treats chipmunks enjoy, tall grass, and trees that drop nuts, bark, and branches are common enticements,” explains Masengarb.

Humane methods to remove chipmunks from your yard

So, how can you make your property less inviting to chipmunks? Pearson suggests starting by eliminating food sources. “Remove any nuts, berries, seeds, or pet food that might attract them, and ensure any garden plants they may be tempted to nibble on are completely out of reach.” If the issue persists, she recommends installing a fence that extends several feet into the ground to block them from your garden. If you’re not ready to part with your bird feeder, Pearson advises making it chipmunk-proof. "Use feeders equipped with protective baffles, cages, or weighted hoppers that let birds in but keep chipmunks out," Johnson says.

Another humane approach is to use scents that chipmunks dislike. “Sprinkling spices such as cayenne pepper, peppermint, apple cider vinegar, garlic, or even coffee grounds around your yard can discourage chipmunks from staying,” explains Masengarb.

You can also invest in ultrasonic devices that emit vibrations and sounds inaudible to humans but disruptive to chipmunks. Masengarb suggests placing these devices in areas where you’ve spotted chipmunks.

Chipmunks aren’t fond of water or rain either, so if you have an irrigation system, Masengarb recommends using sprinklers to drive them away.

Although you may adore the vibrant plants in your yard, some varieties are naturally unattractive to chipmunks.

Another way to protect your yard is by planting flowers and shrubs that naturally repel chipmunks. “Try adding daffodils, marigolds, lavender, and alliums to your garden—plus, they'll brighten up the space,” recommends Masengarb.

Additionally, Johnson offers these three practical tips to help keep chipmunks away:

• Trim tree branches. To prevent chipmunks from reaching your house or bird feeders, trim back tree limbs and shrubs so they are at least 10 feet away from these structures.
• Seal all entry points. Close up any gaps, even small ones, where HVAC systems, gas lines, dryer vents, and cables enter your home.
• Install covers on downspouts. Chipmunks can block downspouts with bedding, leading to water damage. Attach wire mesh covers to the downspouts and clean them regularly.