How To Keep Chipmunks Out Of Your Vegetable Garden In 2023
About Chipmunks
Chipmunks are small, striped rodents that love to snack on the fruits, nuts, and vegetables of your garden. They can dig up your prized plants and leave a path of destruction in their wake. The good news is that you can take simple steps to keep them away from your vegetable patch and keep your garden safe.
Set Up Physical Barriers
One of the most effective ways to keep chipmunks out of your garden is to set up physical barriers. These can be anything from simple fencing to underground barriers. A fence with small holes or mesh can be effective, as chipmunks can't squeeze through. It should be at least two feet high and buried at least six inches into the ground to make sure they can't burrow underneath. Another option is to use underground wire mesh barriers. These should be installed at least 8 inches underground and extend two feet above the surface. Make sure to inspect the barriers regularly to check for any gaps or holes that the chipmunks could use to get in.
Keep Your Garden Tidy
Chipmunks love to hide in tall grass and piles of fallen leaves, so it's important to keep your garden neat and tidy. Make sure to trim back any overgrown grass and weeds and remove any dead leaves or branches. This will make it much harder for chipmunks to hide and make your garden less attractive to them. It's also a good idea to keep your garden free of any food scraps or other potential sources of food, as chipmunks are attracted to these as well.
Grow Plants That Chipmunks Don't Like
Some plants have an unpleasant smell or taste that chipmunks don't like. Growing these plants in your garden can be a great way to keep them away. Examples of these include garlic, onions, chives, and mint. You can also plant marigolds, as their strong scent is thought to be a deterrent for chipmunks.
Create a Water Barrier
If you have an irrigation system in your garden, you can use it to create a water barrier that will keep chipmunks away. Set up a sprinkler head to shoot water in the direction of any entry points the chipmunks might use. This will make them think twice before entering your garden. It's also a good idea to keep a birdbath filled with water in your garden, as chipmunks can't swim and will avoid areas with water.
Use Repellents
There are a variety of natural and commercial repellents that can be used to keep chipmunks away. Examples of these include castor oil, peppermint oil, and garlic oil. You can also buy commercial repellents that contain these ingredients as well as other compounds that are designed to deter chipmunks. These should be applied in areas around the perimeter of your garden and re-applied every few weeks.
Set Up Live Traps
If you have a large infestation of chipmunks in your garden, you may want to consider setting up live traps. These traps are designed to capture the chipmunks without harming them. Once captured, you can then release them in an area away from your garden. Check the traps regularly, as leaving a chipmunk in a trap for too long can be harmful to the animal.
Conclusion
Keeping chipmunks out of your vegetable garden doesn't have to be a difficult task. With the right techniques and the right products, you can protect your garden from the pesky rodents and keep your plants safe. From setting up physical barriers to using repellents and live traps, there are a variety of methods you can use to keep chipmunks out of your garden.
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