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If you’re anything like me, you probably love seeing fuzzy chipmunks darting around the yard. But when these furry little rodents start burrowing in your garden and filling your house with discarded sunflower seeds, it can become a real nuisance.
Thankfully, there is an effective way to get rid of them without resorting to lethal measures—the buckets method. This tried and true technique relies on a mix of simple ingredients that work together to create an environment inhospitable to chipmunks; but don’t be fooled by its simplicity.
With the proper set-up and timing, this method ensures permanent removal of these pesky critters with minimal effort. Read on for an informative guide on how to apply the buckets method for long-term chipmunk eviction.
How to Get Rid of Chipmunks Bucket Method: Overview
The Bucket Method Explained
The bucket method is a humane and effective way of getting rid of chipmunks from gardens and yards. This method involves setting up a bucket with a ramp and bait inside it to lure the chipmunks into the bucket.
Once the chipmunks climb up the ramp and enter the bucket to get the bait, they fall into the water and drown.
To set up the bucket method, a 5-gallon bucket is needed. The bucket should be sturdy and have a wide opening to accommodate the chipmunks. A long, sturdy pole or dowel is also required to serve as the chipmunk’s pathway toward the bucket. The bait used to lure the chipmunks can be sunflower seeds, nuts, or dried fruit.
Setting up the bucket involves pouring water into the bucket and adding the bait. The wood piece angle should be set to create a pathway for the chipmunks to climb up the ramp and enter the bucket.
The wood piece should be placed at an angle to make it easier for the chipmunks to climb up. The bait should be placed inside the bucket, and the ramp should be set up to lead to the bait.
Once the bucket is set up, it is important to check it regularly to remove any trapped chipmunks. The bucket should be placed in an area where the chipmunks are known to frequent.
It is also important to ensure that the bucket is stable and cannot be knocked over by other animals or weather conditions.
Materials Needed for the Bucket Method
To get rid of chipmunks using the bucket method, you will need a few supplies. Here are the materials required to set up a chipmunk trap using the bucket method:
- Bucket: Choose a sturdy bucket with a wide opening and at least 5 gallons capacity. A 5-gallon plastic bucket is a good option for this method.
- Wood Piece: A piece of wood will be used as a ramp for the chipmunks to climb up to the bucket. The wood piece should be long enough to reach from the ground to the rim of the bucket.
- Dowel: A long, sturdy pole or dowel will serve as the chipmunk’s pathway toward the bucket. The dowel should be placed through the middle of the wood piece to create a balanced ramp.
- Bait: Select an appealing food item to entice the chipmunks, such as sunflower seeds, nuts, or dried fruit. Place the bait at the end of the wood piece, near the opening of the bucket.
- Water: Pour water into the bucket, deep enough to cover the bottom. This will ensure that the chipmunks cannot escape once they fall into the bucket.
Choosing the Right Bait
When it comes to catching chipmunks using the bucket method, choosing the right bait is crucial. The bait should be something that chipmunks find irresistible, so they climb the ramp and fall into the bucket. Here are some of the best baits to use:
- Sunflower seeds: Chipmunks love sunflower seeds, making them an excellent bait for the bucket method. You can sprinkle them inside the bucket or on the wood piece angle to lure the chipmunks.
- Peanut butter: Another great bait option is peanut butter. Spread a small amount on the wood piece angle to attract the chipmunks.
- Nuts: Chipmunks are also fond of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans. You can place a few inside the bucket or on the wood piece angle to entice them.
- Fruits: Chipmunks have a sweet tooth and enjoy fruits like apples, bananas, and grapes. You can place a piece of fruit inside the bucket to lure them.
It’s important to note that the bait should be fresh and not rancid. Rancid food can deter chipmunks and make them avoid the trap altogether. Additionally, you can try using a combination of baits to increase your chances of catching chipmunks.
Humane Trapping and Relocating
If the bucket method is not suitable or effective for getting rid of chipmunks, another humane way to catch them is by using live traps. Humane traps are designed to capture the animals without harming them, allowing for safe relocation to a new area.
When using humane traps, it is important to choose the right size trap for the animal you are trying to catch. Chipmunks are small, so a trap that is too large may not be effective. It is also important to place the trap in an area where the chipmunks are known to frequent, such as near their burrows or feeding areas.
Before releasing a chipmunk, it is essential to identify an ideal relocation site—one that is distant enough from your residence to discourage the critter from returning, but close enough to ample resources of sustenance and protection.
Be sure to confirm with local authorities if relocating wildlife is permitted in your region as certain restrictions may be enforced. By carefully selecting its new habitat, you can ensure the chipmunk can thrive in its new environment.
Humane trapping and relocating can be an effective way to get rid of chipmunks without harming them. However, it is important to use the proper equipment and techniques to ensure that the animal is not injured during the trapping and relocation process.
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Preventing Future Infestations
After successfully eliminating chipmunks from the yard, it’s important to take measures to prevent future infestations. Here are some effective ways to keep chipmunks at bay:
Fencing
Installing a fence around the yard is one of the most effective ways to prevent chipmunks from entering. A fence made of wire mesh or hardware cloth should be at least 2 feet high and buried at least 6 inches deep to prevent chipmunks from digging underneath it.
Natural Repellents
There are several natural repellents that can be used to keep chipmunks away. These include planting mint, lavender, or other strong-smelling herbs around the yard. The strong scent of these plants is unpleasant to chipmunks and will keep them away.
Rock Boundaries
Chipmunks are not fond of crossing rock boundaries. Creating a rock border around the yard can help prevent chipmunks from entering.
Spray
Spraying a mixture of hot pepper sauce and water around the yard can also be an effective way to keep chipmunks away. The spicy scent will deter them from entering the area.
Fences
Another type of fence that can be used to keep chipmunks out is an electric fence. This type of fence delivers a mild electric shock to any animal that touches it, including chipmunks.
Additional Tips and Tricks
In addition to the bucket method, there are several other tips and tricks that can help get rid of chipmunks from your yard. These tips include:
- Clean your yard: Keep your yard clean and free of debris, as chipmunks are attracted to areas with plenty of hiding places. Remove any piles of leaves, grass clippings, or other yard waste that could provide shelter for chipmunks.
- Use cayenne pepper or hot sauce: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or hot sauce around the perimeter of your yard to deter chipmunks. The spicy scent will keep them away without causing harm.
- Garlic: Plant garlic in your garden or yard. The strong smell of garlic will repel chipmunks and other pests.
- Mint: Plant mint around the perimeter of your yard. The strong scent of mint will help keep chipmunks away.
- Peppermint oil: Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around your yard. The scent of peppermint will repel chipmunks and other pests.
- Beach balls: Place beach balls in your yard to scare away chipmunks. The movement of the balls will make them think there is a predator nearby.
When to Call a Professional
While the bucket method is an effective and humane way to get rid of chipmunks, there may be situations where it is best to call a professional exterminator. Here are some scenarios where it may be necessary to seek professional help:
Large Infestation
If the chipmunk population in your yard has grown significantly, it may be difficult to control them using the bucket method alone.
In this case, a professional exterminator can help you assess the extent of the infestation and determine the most effective course of action.
Health Risks
Chipmunks can carry diseases such as plague, hantavirus, and Lyme disease, which can be transmitted to humans through bites or contact with their droppings.
If you or someone in your household has a weakened immune system or is at higher risk for infection, it may be safer to call a professional to handle the infestation.
Property Damage
Chipmunks can cause damage to property by burrowing under foundations, decks, and patios.
They can also chew on electrical wires and cause fires. If you notice signs of property damage caused by chipmunks, it may be necessary to call a professional to prevent further damage.
Nuisance Wildlife
While chipmunks may be cute and entertaining to watch, they can become a nuisance if they start raiding bird feeders, digging up bulbs and plants, or nesting in your attic or crawl space.
If you find that the chipmunks are causing too much of a nuisance, it may be time to call a professional to help you remove them.
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