What will repel chipmunks?

As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have dealt with my fair share of chipmunks and their pesky habits. Luckily, there are several effective methods to repel these little critters from your yard.

One natural and non-toxic solution is to use deterrents that chipmunks find unappealing. Sprinkling hot cayenne pepper around your plants and gardens can be highly effective in keeping chipmunks at bay. The strong scent and taste of the pepper will deter them from coming near your precious plants.

Another option is garlic. Chipmunks have a strong aversion to the smell of garlic, so placing garlic cloves or spraying garlic-infused water around your yard can be a great deterrent. Not only does it repel chipmunks, but garlic also has many health benefits for plants.

Apple cider vinegar is another effective repellent. Its strong odor is unpleasant to chipmunks, so spraying a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar around your yard can help keep them away. Be sure to reapply after rainfall to maintain its effectiveness.

Peppermint is another scent that chipmunks dislike. Planting peppermint around your yard or using peppermint oil as a natural repellent can help deter them. Additionally, peppermint has a pleasant aroma that can enhance your garden’s overall scent.

Coffee grounds, which many of us have readily available, can also be a useful chipmunk repellent. Sprinkle coffee grounds around your plants and gardens to create a barrier that chipmunks will avoid. Coffee grounds are particularly beneficial for acid-loving plants, so they serve a dual purpose in your garden.

In my personal experience, I have found that a combination of these deterrents can be most effective. For instance, I sprinkle a mixture of hot cayenne pepper, garlic, and coffee grounds around my garden beds. This multi-pronged approach has proven successful in keeping chipmunks away for extended periods of time.

To summarize, repelling chipmunks from your yard can be achieved by using natural deterrents such as hot cayenne pepper, garlic, apple cider vinegar, peppermint, and coffee grounds. These repellents can create an environment that chipmunks find unappealing and encourage them to seek alternative habitats. By incorporating these methods into your gardening routine, you can enjoy a chipmunk-free yard and protect your plants from their destructive behavior.

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Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.