Beautiful flowerbeds can quickly become an eyesore if they’re suddenly home to multiple chipmunk tunnels. From what chipmunks eat to how to keep them out of your flowerbeds, learn how to get rid of chipmunks from R. Wayne Mezzitt, chairman of
Weston Nurseries, which has locations in Hopkinton, Chelmsford, and Hingham, Massachusetts.
How to Get Rid of Chipmunks
Chipmunks are making their home in my flowerbeds. Can you suggest plants that they’ll avoid? — M.B., Nashua, NH
What Do Chipmunks Eat?
Chipmunks eat seeds, fruits, nuts, and insects; except for certain bulbs, they generally don’t prefer the flowering plants we typically grow in our gardens, unless no other food is available. But they certainly do dig tunnels, and your plant loss is probably from disruption of the soil.
How to Deter Chipmunks
To get rid of chipmunks, removing water, shelter, and potential food sources (including leaky hoses, brush piles, and pet-food and bird-feed spills) will reduce these critters’ desire to hang around your yard. They may be repelled by hot-pepper extract, predator urine (available at your local garden center), and other strong scents.
Cats and dogs may be helpful in getting rid of chipmunks (if they’re so inclined). If installed properly, physical barriers like wire screening may deter digging and climbing.
Chipmunk Predators
As with all pests, natural controls will ultimately moderate the problem. Snakes, hawks, and other wild predators will move in once the chipmunk population level is sufficient, if you have the patience to wait.
This content first appeared in Yankee Magazine
and was published online in 2011. 
