15 Best Chipmunk Repellents To Reclaim Your Yard

Those adorable little chipmunks with their striped backs and puffy cheeks sure look cute, but they can turn into a real nightmare for anyone trying to keep a nice garden. These tiny troublemakers love to dig up flower bulbs, munch on young plants, tunnel under patios, and empty bird feeders faster than you can fill them up.

Don’t worry though! There are plenty of ways to keep chipmunks away without hurting them. Whether you want to buy something ready-made or try a homemade solution, this guide covers repellents that actually work. From sprays you can buy online to plants that naturally keep them away, you’ll find the perfect chipmunk repellent for your situation.

The key to success is picking the right method for your yard and sticking with it. Some solutions work right away, while others take time to show results. Let’s jump into the best chipmunk repellent options that will help you take back control of your garden.

1. Store-Bought Spray Repellents

Commercial spray repellents are one of the easiest ways to start fighting back against chipmunks. These products mix together several scents that chipmunks hate, all in one convenient bottle.

Top Products That Work:

• Natural Armor Repellent Spray keeps working for up to 90 days in dry weather
• Bonide Chipmunk, Squirrel & Rodent Repellent uses natural ingredients that won’t harm animals
• Safer Brand Critter Ridder works best on flat surfaces

The best part about store-bought sprays is that they’re ready to use right out of the bottle. Just spray them around your garden beds, on plants, or anywhere you see chipmunk damage. These products combine multiple chipmunk-hating scents like peppermint, pepper, and other natural oils.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to reapply these sprays regularly, especially after it rains or when new plants start growing. Most sprays need fresh applications every 30 to 90 days to keep working well.

2. Granular Repellents

Granular repellents last longer than sprays and work in any weather. These small pellets or granules slowly release scents that chipmunks can’t stand, creating a protective barrier around your plants.

Best Options:

• Plantskydd Granular Animal Repellent works on chipmunks, deer, rabbits, and many other animals
• Safer Critter Ridder Granules use black pepper and capsaicin to keep critters away

To use granular repellents, just sprinkle them around the areas where you’re having chipmunk problems. Focus on garden edges, around your home’s foundation, and near any holes where chipmunks might be living. The granules work by releasing strong smells that chipmunks hate, making them want to find somewhere else to hang out.

Unlike liquid sprays, granules don’t wash away as easily when it rains. This makes them perfect for creating long-lasting protection around important areas like vegetable gardens or expensive flower beds.

3. Ultrasonic Devices

Ultrasonic repellers send out high-pitched sounds that humans can’t hear but chipmunks find really annoying. These electronic devices are popular because they don’t use chemicals and run on solar power.

Popular Models:

• Apello Solar Chipmunk Repeller covers 6,500 square feet and charges in sunlight
• Pest Destruct Ultrasonic Repeller uses electromagnetic technology to keep animals away
• Most solar models work for up to 45 feet in all directions

These devices work by making sounds that irritate chipmunks and make them want to leave the area. The solar-powered ones are especially convenient because you don’t need to worry about changing batteries or running electrical cords.

However, it’s important to know that results with ultrasonic devices can be mixed. Some people see great results, while others don’t notice much difference. The Federal Trade Commission has pointed out that there isn’t strong scientific proof these devices always work. Chipmunks might also get used to the sounds over time, making the devices less effective.

4. Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Motion-activated sprinklers are one of the most effective ways to scare chipmunks without hurting them. When a chipmunk gets too close, these devices spray a quick burst of water that startles the animal and sends it running.

Top Sprinklers:

• Orbit Yard Enforcer covers 3,800 square feet and works day, night, or 24/7
• Solar-powered models that don’t need electrical connections
• Most models can detect movement from 40 feet away

These sprinklers work because they surprise chipmunks with something they don’t expect. The sudden spray of water doesn’t hurt them, but it teaches them to stay away from that area. Over time, chipmunks learn to avoid the protected space entirely.

Motion sprinklers are perfect for protecting specific areas like vegetable gardens, bird feeders, or flower beds. Many models let you adjust the spray pattern and sensitivity, so you can customize them for your yard’s specific needs.

5. Essential Oil Repellents

Chipmunks have very sensitive noses, and certain essential oils smell terrible to them. Peppermint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and citrus oils all work well to keep these critters away from your plants.

Best Oils:

• Peppermint essential oil (works the best)
• Cinnamon and eucalyptus oils
• Citrus essential oils
• Ready-made essential oil pest repellent mixes

To make your own spray, mix 10 drops of peppermint oil with one cup of water and a few drops of dish soap. Shake it well and spray around areas where chipmunks are causing problems. The strong smell will make them want to find somewhere else to spend their time.

Essential oils are a natural chipmunk repellent that many people prefer because they’re safe around kids and pets. However, you’ll need to reapply them often since the scents fade quickly, especially after rain or in hot weather.

6. Predator Urine

Using predator urine might sound gross, but it’s actually one of the most effective natural ways to keep chipmunks away. Since chipmunks are always watching out for predators, the smell of coyote or fox urine makes them think danger is nearby.

Products:

• Coyote urine granules and liquid (most effective option)
• Fox urine products
• Predator scent tags that last longer
• Both liquid and granule forms available

To use predator urine, put a few drops around chipmunk burrows and in areas where you see lots of activity. You can also create a scent barrier around your property’s edges to keep chipmunks from coming onto your land in the first place.

This method works well because it taps into chipmunks’ natural fear of being eaten. The smell tells them that a dangerous predator has been in the area recently, so they’ll look for safer places to live and eat.

7. Hot Pepper Products

Scientists at the University of Florida found that products containing capsaicin (the stuff that makes peppers hot) are some of the most promising ways to keep chipmunks away. The spicy compounds create an unpleasant experience that chipmunks quickly learn to avoid.

Pepper Products:

• Bulk cayenne pepper powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Capsaicin-based animal repellent sprays
• Hot pepper wax for long-lasting protection

You can sprinkle cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes directly around your garden beds, or mix them with water to make a spray. Researchers at Brigham Young University tested this method by coating seeds with pepper powder and found that most chipmunks stopped eating them completely.

Hot pepper products work great around edible plants because they won’t hurt your vegetables or fruits. Just remember to reapply after rain since the pepper can wash away. Also, be careful not to touch your eyes after handling hot peppers!

8. Hardware Cloth and Physical Barriers

Sometimes the most straightforward solution is the best one. Physical barriers like hardware cloth and chicken wire can completely stop chipmunks from getting to your plants. This best chipmunk repellent method is 100% effective when installed correctly.

Barrier Materials:

• Hardware cloth with 1/2 inch mesh or smaller
• Chicken wire rolls
• Garden fabric and landscape fabric
• Pre-cut wire mesh pieces

To install barriers, dig a shallow trench around the area you want to protect. Bury the hardware cloth at least 6 inches deep and bend the bottom part outward to create an underground wall. This stops chipmunks from digging under the barrier to reach your plants.

The Humane Society recommends making an L-shaped barrier that’s harder for chipmunks to dig around. While this method takes more work upfront, it provides permanent protection that doesn’t need reapplication like sprays or granules.

9. Castor Oil Treatment

Castor oil creates a smell that chipmunks absolutely hate, making it an excellent natural deterrent. This oil is safe for plants and animals but smells terrible to chipmunks and makes them want to find somewhere else to live.

Castor Oil Products:

• Pure castor oil for mixing your own solutions
• Ready-made castor oil animal repellents
• Mole and gopher repellents that also work on chipmunks

If you can find the holes where chipmunks are living, pour castor oil around the entrances. You can also mix castor oil with warm water and a few drops of dish soap to make a spray for your plants. This method works because the oil interferes with chipmunks’ ability to smell food and other important scents.

Castor oil treatment is particularly good for protecting specific areas like flower beds or newly planted bulbs. The smell lasts longer than many other natural repellents, so you won’t need to reapply it as often.

10. Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds work double duty as both a chipmunk repellent and natural fertilizer. The strong, bitter smell bothers chipmunks’ sensitive noses while adding nutrients to your soil at the same time.

Where to Get Coffee Grounds:

• Free from local coffee shops (just ask!)
• Save your daily coffee grounds at home

Simply sprinkle coffee grounds around plants you want to protect. The smell will encourage chipmunks to look for food somewhere else, while the grounds slowly break down and feed your plants. This makes coffee grounds perfect for organic gardeners who want to avoid chemicals.

Coffee grounds work best when combined with other methods since the smell fades as they dry out. You’ll need to add fresh grounds regularly, especially after rain washes the old ones away.

11. Daffodil Bulbs

Daffodils are one of nature’s best chipmunk repellent plants because they contain a compound called lycorine that tastes terrible to animals. While chipmunks love eating most flower bulbs, they’ll leave daffodils completely alone.

Daffodil Options:

• Mixed daffodil bulb collections
• Narcissus bulb varieties
• Pre-chilled bulbs ready for planting

Plant daffodil bulbs around areas where chipmunks cause problems. These flowers work as a natural barrier while adding beautiful yellow blooms to your garden each spring. Daffodils grow well in most soil types and need only partial to full sunlight.

The best part about using daffodils is that they provide year-round protection. Even when the flowers aren’t blooming, the bulbs underground continue producing the compounds that keep chipmunks away. This makes them perfect for long-term chipmunk control.

12. Marigold Flowers

French marigolds produce a strong scent that chipmunks can’t stand, making them excellent natural guardians for your garden. These bright flowers are easy to grow and work great as borders around areas you want to protect.

Marigold Products:

• French marigold seeds in multiple colors
• Marigold starter plants
• Seed mixes with different varieties

Plant marigolds around vegetable gardens, flower beds, or anywhere chipmunks are causing trouble. These flowers come in beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows that add color to your garden while keeping pests away. Marigolds are some of the easiest flowers to grow and can handle hot summers without much care.

The strong scent from marigolds works best when you plant them close together to create a solid barrier. This concentrated smell is more effective at keeping chipmunks away than scattered individual plants.

13. Garlic and Allium Plants

Garlic and ornamental alliums produce powerful smells that chipmunks hate. These plants work as both decorative garden additions and effective pest deterrents.

Allium Options:

• Ornamental allium bulb collections
• Garlic cloves for planting
• Garlic chive seeds for herb gardens

Plant garlic around your garden’s edges or mix crushed garlic cloves with water to make a spray. Garlic chives are especially useful because they repel chipmunks while giving you fresh herbs for cooking. Ornamental alliums create beautiful purple, blue, and white flower balls that look great in any garden.

You can also use store-bought garlic powder mixed with water as a quick spray solution. This works well for immediate protection while you’re waiting for planted garlic to grow and establish itself.

14. Remove Food Sources and Hiding Spots

The most important step in chipmunk control is making your yard less attractive to them in the first place. Chipmunks come to your property looking for food, water, and safe places to hide, so removing these things will encourage them to move somewhere else.

Tools for Cleanup:

• Thistle bird seed (chipmunks don’t like it)
• Airtight containers for storing seeds
• Yard cleanup tools
• Caulk and sealants for closing holes

Replace regular birdseed with thistle, which chipmunks avoid. Pick up fallen fruits and nuts regularly, and store any seeds in sealed containers. Remove wood piles, brush, and other debris where chipmunks might hide. Also, seal any cracks or holes around your home’s foundation with caulk.

This method takes the most work but provides the best long-term results. When chipmunks can’t find food or shelter on your property, they’ll naturally move to areas that better meet their needs.

15. Human Scent Deterrents

Chipmunks are naturally afraid of humans, so items that smell like people can help keep them away. This method uses things you probably already have around the house.

Items That Work:

• Hair clippings from the barber or home haircuts
• Old clothing that smells like people
• Used kitchen towels or rags
• Worn socks or other fabric items

Scatter hair clippings around your garden, especially in areas where you see chipmunk activity. The human smell will make chipmunks think people are nearby, encouraging them to find safer places to spend their time.

This method works best when combined with other deterrents since human scents fade quickly. You’ll need to replace the items regularly, especially after rain or windy weather that can blow the scents away.