How to Fill Underground Chipmunk Holes: Complete Guide, Tips & Materials

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Plus, how to plug holes in your home to keep the critters out
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Chipmunks may look cute when you first spot them in your yard, but they can be a nuisance when they start borrowing in your lawn and ruining your garden. Chipmunk burrows can extend 20–30 ft (6.1–9.1 m) underground, but they can be plugged to prevent chipmunks from getting in or out. If you notice chipmunks in your yard, plug any holes you can find and take preventative measures to keep chipmunks away. After you make sure your lawn is safe from chipmunks, make sure to check around your home for any areas where chipmunks could get in.

Stopping Chipmunks From Making Holes in Your Yard

To stop chipmunks from burrowing under your lawn, start by plugging up any holes you see. Once you've plugged all the burrows, install a fence to keep chipmunks out, and use humane traps to catch any that get through.

Section 1 of 3:

Plugging Burrows in Your Lawn

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  1. When chipmunks start digging holes, they collect the soil in their cheeks and make it difficult to spot their burrows. Look for holes that are 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) in diameter near stumps, stones, and woodpiles that offer cover for the chipmunks. [1]
    • Check underneath any outdoor patios or stairs for other holes as well.
  2. As you find more chipmunk holes, use potting soil or dirt to fill in the hole as best as you can. Tamp the soil down with your foot or with the back of a shovel so the dirt is tightly packed in the hole. Continue filling in each hole around your yard. [2]
    • Chipmunks may dig through the dirt to get into their burrows again. Check your yard every day to see if any of the holes have reappeared.
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  3. Gravel is more difficult for chipmunks to dig through since it doesn’t move around as easily. Use a trowel to pour the gravel into the hole until it fills up to the top. Step on the hole to tamp it down and tightly pack the gravel in place. [3]
    • Gravel can be purchased at any home and garden or landscaping store.

    Tip: Mix 3 parts gravel with 1 part soil to make the soil difficult to dig through while still providing nutrients to your plants.

  4. Mix quick-setting concrete in a wheelbarrow or bucket following the instructions on the package. Transfer the mixed concrete into the burrow to plug the hole. Let the concrete set and dry for at least 20-30 minutes. [4]
    • Only use concrete in areas where you don’t want to plant.
    • Grass may not regrow in areas where you used concrete to fill in chipmunk holes.
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Section 2 of 3:

Keeping Chipmunks out of Your Yard

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  1. Build a fence 8 in (20 cm) deep so chipmunks can’t dig into your yard. A tall privacy fence will help keep chipmunks out since they can’t climb very well. Put the fence around the perimeter of your yard, making sure the fence extends down at least 8 in (20 cm) into the ground so chipmunks can’t get underneath. [5]
    • Avoid using a chainlink fence since chipmunks will be able to squeeze through the holes.
    • For added protection, you can bury mesh 2 in (5.1 cm) deep along the fence line.
  2. Look for catch and release live traps small enough to catch chipmunks. Leave the traps near burrows or in areas where you’ve seen chipmunks before. Place peanut butter, nuts, or seeds in the trap as bait. Leave the trap open so the chipmunks get used to feeding from it without getting trapped. After 1 week, set the trigger on the trap so it closes next time a chipmunk enters. When you catch the chipmunks, take them to an area at least 1 ⁄ 2  mi (0.80 km) away from your home to release them.
    • Live chipmunk traps can be purchased at lawncare stores or online.
    • Check with your local Department of Natural Resources to see if trapping chipmunks is legal in your area.
  3. Foxes and coyotes are natural predators for chipmunks, so they’ll avoid any areas that have that scent. Spray the urine around the perimeter of your yard and near any holes that you notice in your yard. Reapply the urine every 2-3 weeks to keep chipmunks out. [6]
    • Coyote or fox urine can be purchased from yard care stores or online.
    • The urine also can be purchased in granular form.

    Making a Natural Repellent

    Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of pureed garlic and red pepper flakes with 1 cup (240 ml) of soapy water. Use a spray bottle to apply the solution around the chipmunk holes and the perimeter of your home. [7]

  4. Many chipmunks feed off of the seeds that fall out of bird feeders and make their burrows near them. If you notice chipmunks near your home or feeder, move the feeder away from the area so the chipmunks don’t cause any damage.
    • Don’t overfill your bird feeders since many seeds will fall to the ground and give chipmunks food.
  5. Even if your pets don’t catch any chipmunks, the presence of predators will keep them out. Let your dogs or cats out a few times each day so they can roam around the yard. [8]
    • If you don’t have any pets, you can also place a fake owl in your yard to scare chipmunks. If you use a fake owl, move it every day so it seems that it’s alive.
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Section 3 of 3:

Sealing Holes around Your Home

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  1. Chipmunks may try to get into your home during the winter months if there are openings large enough. Look near the foundation of your home for any holes or cracks that chipmunks may be able to squeeze through. [9]
    • Look for broken siding on your exterior walls or shingles on your roof. Chipmunks may climb up and find ways to enter your home.
  2. Use clear or white caulk to fill in smaller patches along your exterior. Squeeze the trigger on the caulk applicator to dispense the caulk and seal the area. For holes larger than 2 in (5.1 cm), mix quick-setting concrete to make a patch for the hole. [10]
    • Once concrete is applied, it can be sanded and painted .
  3. Check your home for any exposed pipes, vents, or chimney holes. If they don’t already have mesh in place, cover the area so chipmunks or other pests can’t get inside. Either drive a nail every 1 in (2.5 cm) around the edge of the mesh, or caulk the edges so it stays in place. [11]
    • Mesh sheets can be purchased from your local hardware store.
    • Make sure the material you use is breathable so gases and liquids can still pass through it.
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      Warnings

      • Chipmunks may carry rabies. Use caution when getting near a chipmunk while it’s trapped. [12]
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      Things You’ll Need

      Filling Burrows in Your Lawn

      • Potting soil or dirt
      • Gravel
      • Trowel
      • Quick-setting concrete
      • Wheelbarrow or bucket

      Keeping Chipmunks out of Your Yard

      • Fencing material
      • Coyote urine
      • Garlic
      • Red pepper flakes
      • Dish soap
      • Chipmunk traps

      Sealing Holes around Your Home

      • Caulk
      • Caulk applicator
      • Concrete
      • Mesh sheets
      • Nails
      • Hammer

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.24hpestpros.com/blog/how-to-fill-chipmunk-holes/
      2. ↑ http://www.walterreeves.com/gardening-q-and-a/chipmunk-control/
      3. ↑ http://www.walterreeves.com/gardening-q-and-a/chipmunk-control/
      4. ↑ http://www.walterreeves.com/gardening-q-and-a/chipmunk-control/
      5. ↑ https://www.gardenmandy.com/how-to-get-rid-of-chipmunks/
      6. ↑ https://www.gardenmandy.com/how-to-get-rid-of-chipmunks/
      7. ↑ https://www.gardenmandy.com/how-to-get-rid-of-chipmunks/
      8. ↑ https://www.pests.org/get-rid-of-chipmunks/
      9. ↑ https://www.pests.org/get-rid-of-chipmunks/
      1. ↑ https://www.pests.org/get-rid-of-chipmunks/
      2. ↑ https://www.pests.org/get-rid-of-chipmunks/
      3. ↑ https://www.pests.org/get-rid-of-chipmunks/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you have chipmunk holes in your yard, filling them in with soil is a quick, easy fix. If you want to be sure that chipmunks don’t burrow in the same holes again, fill them in with gravel or sand, and top them off with some topsoil or turf. You can also use concrete to permanently seal off chipmunk holes. Fill the holes with sand until you reach the last 4-5 inches (10-13 cm), then pour concrete in to create a cap. Leave 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) for some topsoil so you can blend the holes in with the rest of your yard. If chipmunks continue to make holes in your yard, you may need to set up live traps and relocate them all at least ½ mile (0.8 km) away from your home. For tips on how to prevent chipmunks from getting into your yard, keep reading!

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