How to Get Rid of Chipmunks in Garage

Are you tired of chipmunks destroying your garage and making a mess? These small, furry creatures may look cute, but they can wreak havoc on your belongings and cause damage to your property.

Chipmunks can be adorable in the wild but troublesome when they invade your garage. These tiny rodents can cause damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and stored items, not to mention the mess they might leave behind. If left unchecked, a chipmunk infestation can lead to more significant problems within your household. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies for safely and humanely removing chipmunks from your garage and preventing their return.

This guide on how to get rid of chipmunks in garage will walk you through understanding their behavior, identifying their entry points, and implementing the best methods to keep your garage chipmunk-free.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Rid of Chipmunks in Your Garage?

Not only are chipmunks destructive pests, but they can also pose health hazards to you and your family. These rodents carry diseases such as Lyme disease, hantavirus, and plague. Additionally, their urine and droppings can contaminate surfaces and food sources in your garage.

By getting rid of chipmunks in your garage, you will:

• Protect Your Property: Chipmunks are known for causing damage to buildings by gnawing on wires, insulation, and wood.
• Maintain Cleanliness: With less debris and mess from chipmunk activity, your garage will be cleaner and more organized.
• Prevent Potential Health Risks: By removing chipmunks, you reduce the risk of exposure to diseases and contamination from their droppings.
• Save Money: Preventing damage caused by chipmunks can save you from costly repairs in the future.
• Enjoy Peace of Mind: Say goodbye to the constant worry and stress of dealing with a chipmunk infestation.

What Will You Need?

Before you begin the process of getting rid of chipmunks in your garage, make sure to gather the necessary tools and supplies. Here are some items that may come in handy:

• Protective Gear: Wear gloves, long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect yourself from bites or scratches.
• Trap(s): Live traps are a humane and effective way to capture chipmunks.
• Bait: Peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or nuts make great bait for chipmunk traps.
• Repellents: Several natural repellents are available such as predator urine or peppermint oil that can help keep chipmunks away.
• Sealant: Seal any holes or gaps in your garage to prevent chipmunks from entering.
• Cleaning Supplies: You may need to clean up droppings, urine, and debris left behind by the chipmunks.

Once you have all the necessary supplies, it’s time to start taking action against these pesky critters.

9 Easy Steps on How to Get Rid of Chipmunks in Garage:

Step 1: Identify the Problem Areas 

Start by thoroughly inspecting your garage to pinpoint where the chipmunks may be entering and where they are most active. Look for small holes, cracks, or gaps along the walls, baseboards, and near windows or doors. Pay special attention to corners and cluttered areas, as chipmunks often seek out hidden spaces to nest.

Additionally, look for signs of chipmunk activity, such as droppings, chewed materials, or burrow holes near the foundation of your garage. Identifying these problem areas will help you focus on sealing entry points and strategically placing traps or repellents for maximum effectiveness.

Step 2: Clear Out the Clutter 

Remove any unnecessary clutter from your garage to eliminate potential hiding spots for chipmunks. Items such as boxes, woodpiles, or gardening tools should be organized and elevated off the ground where possible. Clearing the space makes it less appealing for chipmunks and allows you to assess their activity better and locate entry points. A clean, organized garage is key to deterring chipmunks and maintaining a pest-free environment.

Step 3: Seal Entry Points 

Scrutinize your garage for any cracks, holes, or gaps that chipmunks could use to gain access. Use materials like steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth to seal these openings effectively. Pay particular attention to areas around vents, pipes, and the edges of doors or windows. Weatherstripping around garage doors can also help block potential access points. Ensuring your garage is sealed correctly is crucial in preventing chipmunks from entering and establishing a nest.

Step 4: Set Up Traps or Repellents 

If chipmunks are still an issue despite your preventative measures, consider using traps or repellents as a next step. Live traps can humanely capture and relocate chipmunks to a more suitable habitat away from your home.

Alternatively, ultrasonic repellents or natural deterrents like predator urine or spicy scents (such as cayenne pepper) can discourage chipmunks from coming near. Be sure to follow local regulations regarding wildlife handling and apply repellent methods safely. This step helps to address any persistent chipmunk activity in your garage actively.

Step 5: Maintain a Regular Inspection Routine 

To ensure long-term success in keeping chipmunks out of your garage, it’s essential to establish a regular inspection routine. Periodically check for new signs of activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or burrow entrances around the exterior. Reassess the condition of seals, weatherstripping, and traps to ensure they remain effective over time. Promptly address any issues as they arise to prevent reinfestation. Consistent monitoring and maintenance are key to keeping your garage chipmunk-free.

Step 6: Seek Professional Help if Necessary 

If your efforts to keep chipmunks out of your garage are unsuccessful or the infestation becomes unmanageable, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Wildlife control specialists have the expertise and tools to handle the situation safely and effectively. They can identify hidden entry points, provide tailored solutions, and ensure that chipmunks are removed humanely. Additionally, professionals can advise on preventing future issues and maintaining a secure environment. Don’t hesitate to contact an expert if needed, as their assistance can save time and avoid further damage.

Step 7: Implement Long-Term Prevention Strategies 

Consider implementing long-term prevention measures to ensure chipmunks stay out of your garage for good. Begin by maintaining a clean and organized space, as clutter can provide hiding spots for these critters. Store food, birdseed, and pet supplies in secure, metal containers to remove potential attractions.

Regularly inspect your property for signs of chipmunk activity and make adjustments as necessary. Additionally, consider using natural deterrents, such as planting mint or other strong-scented plants around your garage, as these smells can discourage chipmunks from coming too close. Consistent vigilance and proactive measures will help maintain a chipmunk-free garage over time.

Step 8: Try Natural Home Remedies 

In addition to professional or store-bought repellents, there are several natural home remedies that can help keep chipmunks away. These include using essential oils like peppermint, citronella, and eucalyptus in a spray around potential entry points or nesting areas.

Alternatively, sprinkling cayenne pepper or chili powder near vulnerable spots can deter chipmunks with its spicy scent. Using these methods in combination with other preventative measures can be an effective way to keep chipmunks out of your garage without harsh chemicals.

Step 9: Educate Your Family and Neighbors 

A key element in keeping chipmunks out of your garage and surrounding property is ensuring that everyone in your household and nearby neighbors is informed about preventative measures. Explain the importance of removing attractants like food sources and sealing off potential entry points. Share the benefits of using natural deterrents and remedies, and encourage others to adopt consistent habits to avoid reintroducing chipmunks into the area.

By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can keep chipmunks out of your garage and maintain a pest-free environment.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Using Poisonous Chemicals: While it might seem practical, poisons can harm other unintended animals or even pets in the vicinity. It can also lead to complications if the chipmunks die in hard-to-reach places.
2. Ignoring Entry Points: Simply removing chipmunks without addressing how they entered your garage will result in repeated infestations. Failing to seal cracks or openings leaves your garage vulnerable.
3. Setting Traps Without Precautions: Placing traps without proper consideration can harm other animals or yourself. Always use humane traps and follow safety guidelines to avoid unnecessary conflicts or injuries.
4. Using Loud Noises or Scaring Tactics: Relying on scare tactics, such as loud noises or ultrasonic devices, often proves ineffective and causes unnecessary stress to the animals without resolving the problem.
5. Handling Chipmunks Directly: Attempting to catch or handle chipmunks directly is not only stressful for the animals but could also be unsafe for you. Chipmunks may bite when scared and can potentially carry diseases. Always opt for humane and safe removal methods.

By avoiding these five things, you can effectively and humanely deal with chipmunk infestations in your garage.

Conclusion

How to get rid of chipmunks in garage requires a combination of preventative measures and humane removal strategies.

Start by sealing all entry points and keeping the space clean to make it less inviting. Use humane traps with appropriate safety precautions, and consult wildlife professionals for effective solutions if necessary. Avoid harmful methods that may cause animal stress or pose risks to your safety.

By addressing the problem thoughtfully and responsibly, you can ensure your garage remains chipmunk-free while respecting the wellbeing of wildlife.