Keep Chipmunks Away with Coffee Grounds and More
Chipmunks are small, cute rodents found in North America. They are part of the squirrel family and have brown striped fur. If you’re wondering how to keep chipmunks out of your garden, read on.
While I am not a wildlife expert, we are gardeners and all gardeners will experience little nuisances from time to time like bugs, pests, rodents, weather and more….so, for homeowners and gardeners, chipmunks can be a nuisance. They love to eat fruits, nuts, and vegetables, which you might be growing in your yard.
Keep Chipmunks Away with Coffee Grounds
Old coffee grounds are a great natural way to help keep animals out of your garden. Animals have an acute sense of smell, and the strong scent of coffee can help stop them from coming into your yard. This simple method is definitely worth a try!
Simply sprinkle old used coffee grounds around your garden or any areas where you’ve noticed chipmunk or squirrel activity. Coffee grounds work by masking odors that attract rodents, making them less likely to investigate further.
But, first of all, let’s find out more about chipmunks.
Chipmunks’ Favorite Foods
Chipmunks enjoy seeds, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. They especially like apples, pears, carrots, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes, as well as all kinds of nuts, seeds, and berries.
Their favorite berries include raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Low-growing strawberries are easy for chipmunks to reach.
Chipmunks also love sunflower seeds and tulip bulbs. They will even get into your flower pots, so keep an eye out for them there, too! Learn how to protect your fall flower bulbs from chipmunks!
Furthermore, chipmunks have sharp teeth that can easily gnaw through things like bird feeders as they are looking for seeds.
How to Use Coffee Grounds for Pest Control
To use coffee grounds for pest control, spread them around your garden or areas where you see chipmunks. Sprinkle used coffee grounds around your garden beds or near plants that chipmunks might damage.
Tip: If you don’t drink coffee, you can still get coffee grounds. Just ask at your local coffee shop for their leftover grounds. They often have plenty to give away!
You can also make a spray with coffee grounds. Mix equal parts water and brewed coffee, then add a few drops of dish soap.
Put the mixture in a spray bottle and apply it around areas you want to protect from chipmunks, like flower beds or vegetable gardens. Avoid spraying directly on the plants; just spray the ground around them.
If you use coffee grounds, remember to refresh them often. The scent fades over time, especially after heavy rain or watering.
Coffee grounds may help some people, but they might not work for everyone. If the infestation is severe, consider other methods like live trapping or fencing.
Note on controlling chipmunks:
While coffee grounds can help keep chipmunks away, don’t rely on them alone. Keep food sources out of reach by storing birdseed and pet food in sealed containers and regularly picking up fallen fruit from trees.
Alternatives to Coffee Grounds
You can keep chipmunks away without hurting them by using natural methods. One way is to spread coffee grounds or plant flowers like daffodils and marigolds in your garden. Chipmunks dislike their smell.
Another option is to set up motion-activated sprinklers that spray water at animals that come too close. For a quick fix against squirrels and chipmunks, try using try safe mint deterrent pouches that are safe for gardens, attics, and cars.
Choosing the Best Option
Find the best way to deal with your situation. Starting with natural methods is often better than using poisons or traps. The goal is to keep chipmunks away while respecting nature.
Hot Peppers and Chili Powders
Instead of coffee grounds, use hot peppers, chili powder, or red pepper flakes. These contain capsaicin, which repels many animals, including chipmunks.
Sprinkle cayenne pepper around your plants or make a spray for areas where you see chipmunks. Reapply it after heavy rain, as the scent will wash away. You can also use apple cider vinegar and peppermint oil, but spray the ground around the plants to avoid damaging them.
Small Wire Barrier
For bushes or bulbs, place small wire around each plant. Bury the wire to create a barrier. This method can also stop other small rodents. Be careful with chicken wire since its openings might let chipmunks through.
Plants That Chipmunks Dislike
Plant herbs and flowers that deter chipmunks. Mint, lavender, marigolds, and garlic are great choices due to their strong smells. These plants can protect your garden without using harmful chemicals.
Using Predator Urine
Predator urine can keep unwanted animals away by making them think a predator is near. Coyote urine is effective for deterring small mammals like chipmunks. Remember to reapply it after rain since moisture can wash away the scent.
Trapping and Professional Help
If natural methods don’t work, consider using a live trap to relocate chipmunks to a nearby park or forest. If that doesn’t help, contact pest control professionals for effective solutions to keep your property free of pests without harming wildlife or the ecosystem.
Conclusion:
There are natural ways to keep chipmunks and small rodents away, but they may not always work perfectly. To answer the question of do coffee grounds keep chipmunks away, the answer depends. Coffee ground might help deter chipmunks, but they are not always 100% effective.
So, watch your garden plants closely to stay ahead of any pest issues.
