One effective way to keep chipmunks from eating impatiens is by using a repellent such as finely ground cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper is readily available at most grocery stores and can be a great addition to both your food and your backyard.
To apply cayenne pepper as a chipmunk repellent, start by identifying the areas where the chipmunks are causing damage. This could be around your impatiens plants or any other areas where they have been digging up the soil. Once you have identified these areas, sprinkle a generous amount of cayenne pepper onto the soil.
The strong scent and taste of cayenne pepper is often enough to deter chipmunks from coming near your plants. It is important to evenly distribute the cayenne pepper, making sure to cover the soil around the entire plant and any areas where the chipmunks have been active.
It is worth noting that cayenne pepper can irritate the eyes and skin of both humans and animals, so it is important to wear gloves and avoid direct contact with the pepper while applying it. Additionally, it is advisable to keep pets and children away from the treated areas until the pepper has settled into the soil.
Another option for chipmunk repellent is to use commercial repellents specifically designed to deter small mammals like chipmunks. These repellents are available at garden centers and usually contain natural ingredients such as garlic or castor oil. They can be applied in a similar manner to the cayenne pepper, by sprinkling them onto the soil around the plants.
In addition to using repellents, there are a few other measures you can take to keep chipmunks away from your impatiens. One option is to create physical barriers around your plants. This can be done by placing wire mesh or chicken wire around the perimeter of the planting area, creating a barrier that chipmunks cannot easily penetrate.
Another method is to make your garden less attractive to chipmunks by removing any potential food sources. This could include cleaning up fallen fruits or nuts, removing bird feeders, and keeping trash cans securely closed. By eliminating these food sources, chipmunks will be less likely to frequent your garden in search of a meal.
It is important to note that while these methods can be effective in deterring chipmunks, they may not guarantee complete elimination of the problem. Chipmunks are agile and resourceful creatures, and they may find ways to overcome the repellents or barriers. Therefore, it may be necessary to combine multiple strategies and remain vigilant in your efforts to protect your impatiens from chipmunk damage.
In my personal experience, I have successfully used cayenne pepper as a chipmunk repellent in my own backyard. I had a problem with chipmunks digging up my plants and causing damage, but after applying cayenne pepper to the soil, I noticed a significant decrease in chipmunk activity. The strong scent of the pepper seemed to deter them from coming near my impatiens.
Using cayenne pepper or other repellents can be an effective way to keep chipmunks from eating impatiens. By creating a less appealing environment and using deterrents, you can protect your plants and enjoy a chipmunk-free garden.
