Critters in the House

[Guiness]

Does anyone know the best way to get Chipmonks out of your house? I found a spot on my eve where they get in and out. Looks to be a small family of ~ 4. I don't want to close them in. Is there a time when they tend to be out? Does anyone know of a method that works or someone skilled in removal???

Any thoughts / help would be appreciated!!!

Thanks

[Bear Islander]

One method is to construct a flap as a one way door. Let them out but not back in.

[ApS]

I think chipmunks get a bad rap on living in homes. If you have a seasonally-used chimney, it's a good idea to cap it. Chipmunks will chew their way out of homes.

They are not particularly good chewers (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17372&postcount=11), so they may have entered thorough a "large enough" existing hole , or one previously chewed by red squirrels (who are good chewers).

Although they are decent climbers, chipmunks prefer to live in burrows in the ground. I unintentionally provided ideal quarters for them by dumping a small pile of "rip-rap" rocks to support a driveway's edges.

If it's a "family-of-four", then a one-way door may prevent feeding of youngsters. (Male chipmunks don't assist in raising the young).

By the end of June, they should be out of there. Then seal the entry with "hardware cloth" -- a metal mesh -- available at...um...hardware stores.
:)

.

[CEP]

I to have had similar situations.
Try to cut back any tree limbs that hang to close to the building and remove them. They seem to climb up a tree, get on the limbs and jump to the building and then find some where to enter the building.
If that is not possible, then try to put a small container of Ammonia near where they enter. They don't like the smell and go elsewhere.
If that doen't work, you can buy coyote urine and spray it here and there on the tree trucks or even the base of plants and that chases them any.
This works for raccoons and skunks as well. Coyotes are a predetor and their little noses pick up the smell and head out.
Coyote urine can be found at any lawn & garden shop.
I hope this helps!

Good luck!
CEP

[Misty Blue]

Chipmonks hate moth balls.

Place some moth balls or flakes in the are that they are inhabiting and they will find an other place to hang.

Misty Blue.