Chipmunks and Ground Squirrels
The chipmunk has 5 dark brown lengthwise stripes from the head to its rump and runs with its tail straight up. The 13-lined ground squirrel has 13 lines on its back from the head to rump. Chipmunks prefer timber borderlands but have adapted to suburban neighborhoods. The 13-lined ground squirrels prefer open grasslands. The holes to the tunnels are approximately 2” in diameter and both chipmunk and 13-lined ground squirrels will have multiple entrances to their burrow.
Chipmunks and 13-lined Ground Squirrels Living in your Yard:
- Do not encourage chipmunks or ground squirrels by feeding them
- Do not allow spillage to accumulate outside bird feeders
- Use welded wire to exclude animals from underneath decks, elevated sheds, openings under concrete slabs and porches. Secure outside access to crawl spaces.
- Chipmunk and ground squirrels are easily frightened. Leave blown up beach balls in your yard. The wind will blow them around and frighten them. Place plastic bags on sticks in various spots in your yard for the same effect. Scarecrows and objects that move in the wind are also effective. However, the animals will grow used to these things and their effectiveness will fade.
- Daffodils, squills, grape hyacinths and crown imperial bulbs are known to be distasteful to chipmunks and ground squirrels. The crown imperial has a horrible smell and below ground diners are known to avoid it. Interplant crown imperials among tulips and other “tasty” bulbs. Use chicken wire as a barricade by placing it on the flower bed surface, scatter a light layer of mulch or leaves over the chicken wire. Be sure to pick up bulb skin that flaked off during planting and spread a thick layer of mulch over the bulbs to remove any signs of recent planting. The chicken wire should be pulled up in early spring, so the bulbs can grow.
- Recommended taste deterrents are: mixing 2 tablespoons of hot sauce with 1 gallon of water, make a garlic puree and spray onto plants, or check with your local nursery or home center for commercial products. Taste deterrents will need to be reapplied after a heavy dew or rain. Place rags soaked in ammonia around planters to keep chipmunks/ground squirrels from eating plants.
Chipmunks and ground squirrels are not a protected species. However, there are strict trapping laws and trapping is not always the solution to the problem. Removing the animal creates an open space for another animal. Trapped adults may be leaving young behind to die of starvation in an inaccessible area. Focus on removing the attraction, not the animal.
Other Common Wildlife Issues
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