Ever spot those little chipmunks darting around your yard and wonder what’s pulling them in? Chipmunks can’t resist food like nuts, seeds, fruit trees, and a bunch of garden plants. They’ll go for snacks like walnuts, apples, berries, and sunflower seeds—anything easy to grab and squirrel away.
You’ll probably notice chipmunks hanging out near bird feeders, too. Spilled seeds basically mean free food for them.
Besides food, chipmunks look for places to hide, like under patios or bushes. Figuring out what draws them in can help you decide if you want to watch them or keep them out.
What Chipmunks Are Attracted To
Chipmunks go for certain foods, scents, and safe spots. You’ll see them dig burrows in cozy places, snack on seeds and fruits, and show up where bird feeders or garden plants are around.
Favorite Foods and Scents
Chipmunks seem obsessed with sunflower seeds, peanuts, and grains. Toss in pumpkin seeds, raisins, and nut butter—they’ll go for those, too.
They’ll forage for berries like strawberries and raspberries if they find them. Their diet isn’t just plants; sometimes they’ll eat insects, bird eggs, or even tiny critters.
The scent of nut butters or fresh seeds really pulls chipmunks in. If you want to keep them away, don’t use spicy peppers like cayenne or serrano near their favorite hangouts—those actually push chipmunks out.
Shelter Preferences and Burrowing Spots
Chipmunks dig burrows near shrubs, rock piles, or along the edges of gardens. Their tunnels have separate spots for nesting and storing food.
You’ll spot small holes, about 2 to 3 inches wide, without dirt piled up outside. They prefer shady, cool places close to food.
In your yard, they might dig near foundations, under decks, or around flower beds. Those spots give them cover and a quick snack nearby.
Common Yard Features That Lure Chipmunks
Bird feeders attract chipmunks like magnets. If you use black oil sunflower seeds, expect them to forage underneath.
Gardens with veggies, bulbs, and berries make great buffets for chipmunks. Mulch, leaf piles, and firewood stacks also give them cover.
Want to bring chipmunks closer? Scatter seeds in open areas or set out small bowls of their favorite treats near hiding spots.
For more ideas on attracting chipmunks, check out how to attract chipmunks to your yard.
How to Repel Chipmunks and Prevent Attraction
If you’re hoping to keep chipmunks away, make your garden less appealing. Use natural scents, barriers, or just change up their favorite spots. Mixing a few of these tricks can really help protect your plants.
Natural Repellents and Plants to Deter Chipmunks
Try natural repellents to make chipmunks think twice. Sprinkle cayenne pepper or crushed garlic around your plants—chipmunks really hate those smells.
You’ll need to reapply after it rains to keep the effect going. Some plants, like daffodils and mint, do the job too.
Chipmunks avoid daffodils, so plant them near your bulbs for a little extra protection. Mint’s strong scent can keep chipmunks away if you plant it along the garden’s edge.
You could also use granular repellents made for chipmunks. Pick ones that are safe for pets and kids, and don’t go overboard—just follow the directions.
Barrier Methods and Exclusion Techniques
Physical barriers work well for protecting your bulbs and garden beds. Put chicken wire cages around bulbs so chipmunks can’t dig them up.
Lay wire flat over bigger areas to block burrowing. Spreading gravel over the soil makes digging tough, since chipmunks like soft ground.
Motion-activated sprinklers can help, too. When they sense movement, they spray water and give chipmunks a harmless surprise—hopefully teaching them to stay away.
Habitat Modification and Wildlife Control
If you want to keep chipmunks away, start by cutting down on the food and shelter in your yard. Pick up fallen fruits, nuts, and birdseed—these little snacks just invite them in.
Try to keep pet food indoors, or at least clean up right after your pets eat. Honestly, it makes a difference.
Clear out brush piles, rocks, and logs. Chipmunks love to hide or nest in those spots. When you tidy up those areas, you take away their favorite hiding places.
Still having trouble? You might want to reach out to wildlife control pros. They know how to move chipmunks humanely, and your garden won’t pay the price.
If you’re curious about more natural ways to keep chipmunks at bay, check out this article on humane ways to deal with chipmunks.
