Dealing with Chipmunks

[PurpleChicken]

Chipmunks love to invade the very expensive generators and other
equipment I work on. I refuse to use poison which kills them slowly
and poisons animals that feed on the dead rodents.

So far the most effective thing has been Bounce Dryer sheets. Chipmunks
and mice seem to hate the smell. Moth balls seem to have some repellant
quality to them also, just not nearly as much.

Some folks use the traps that shock and kill the rodents. Problem is, there
is always another chipper waiting to move in.

If they are only stealing food and not moving into your house then just
feed them. They don't eat much and you'll have another pet. We feed
our chippers my conure's left over seed. They are cute little things.

 

[Frozen Feathers]

They may not eat much but they steal a heck of a lot to store!! About 3 pounds of (very expensive) bird seed they took the other day, my fault for trusting DH to put it away properly, but still.... It's not even fall yet!

 

[PurpleChicken]

Chippers took 3 pounds of feed? How many do you have?
I come across food stashes all the time but never like that.

I think they're selling it on the fur market or something.

 

[Frozen Feathers]

I've seen 4...but I'm sure there may be more...they don't have those puffy cheeks just for good looks, lol!! They are little thieves...

 

[chickbea]

I once found almost a whole bag of feed in an old tree that had fallen down. I couldn't believe it!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Our property is over-run with chippies. I find it amazing that they are legally protected, because they BREED LIKE RATS!

I don't mind the eating. The holes all over are a pain, especially when the dogs enlarge them, trying to dig them out. It really annoys me when they eat my strawberries, while I am out there weeding!

Really, though, I would be ok with them being here if they would just shut up! They sit on the stoop outside my front door and go on and on some days! I do send my pets after them for that. Dog, cat, I don't care.

 

[usbr]

WoodlandWoman, where did you get that they are protected? In Wisconsin, you have the green light for them as well as many other animals that are a nuisance if you are a land owner or occupant.

What is illegal is "rehoming" or "relocating" them (it can be done, just not as simple as driving 5 miles and dumping).

Hope that helps.

 

[ChickaChickaBoomBoom]

Quote:
When i was young we had a small mouse problem in our house/garage. One thing we tried was a glue board. Never did catch any rodents, but one day we heard this sound like something being drug slowly across the floor in the garage. My mom and I opened the door, only to find our poor wiener dog pitifully moving towards the door, both rear feet firmly entrenched in the glue. She cleaned up fine, and we got a good laugh, but I am glad that we never had to deal with the slow death process of the rodents.

-Dave

 

[lurky]

I love the chippies at our house. The chickens dont mind sharing with them. I find it easier to share with them. Its a lot easier to enjoy them than to get 'rid' of them because there is an endless supply.....there will always be another.

 

[hinkjc]

It is illegal to kill them here in PA too. That info came directly from the PA Game Commission. I would recommend checking your local laws, as I don't know if that is federal or based on states.

Jody