How To Catch A Chipmunk | 3 Proven Ways

Trapping is the most feasible means of eradicating chipmunks in most residential scenarios. But how to catch a chipmunk?

There are three easy methods to do so. The shoebox method, bucket trap, or chipmunk Havahart can be efficiently used to catch a chipmunk without harming it. 

You can get rid of chipmunks in your yard, garden, or house by making your DIY chipmunk trap. Even while it is designed for chipmunks, this trap also works well for rodents and other pests, like red squirrels.

How to Catch a Chipmunk

The most common method to capture a chipmunk or deal with a skunk infestation is to use an animal trap. Chipmunk baits are used in humane animal traps, such as the Havahart cage trap.

Bird seed, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, pet food, or other food sources may be used as bait. To avoid being able to escape, the chipmunk penetrates the wire cage by following the scent of food.


Most trappers release the animals in a field distant from their residences in hope that they will not return. This cage is a compassionate way to capture a chipmunk and release it into a more suitable habitat away from your house.

Shoe Box Method

It is best to use a shoe box to capture the chipmunk if you can see it well. 

While it may take a little time to get the little fellow into a corner, scooping them up and closing the lid on a shoebox is straightforward once you get there.

If you do not have a shoebox, you can use any medium-sized container with a cover.

However, what if you can not see the chipmunk? ‘ There is always the possibility that it is discovered to be a place to hide behind the couch cushions. Live traps can help you in this case.

Bucket Trap

Using bucket traps to capture chipmunks and rats is a common practice. These rat traps are mentioned because some instructions tell the user to fill the bucket half-full to prevent the rat from escaping.

Bucket Trap is a safe method to catch chipmunks

Please do not use a water-filled bucket trap to capture a chipmunk. Not killing these animals is what we want to do.

This bucket trap has two primary variations: “Spinning Log” and “Walking Plank.” You can buy commercial copies of both designs, but you can construct your own Spinning Log.

DIY Bucket Trap

It is easy to create your bucket traps out of household objects. The chipmunk can’t get out of the trap once it is inside. DIY skunk traps follow the same idea. 

You will need-

  • Bucket
  • Wooden plan
  • Stick
  • Paint stick
  • Bait

To begin, choose the ideal location for your trap. Look for new burrows in your garden and flower beds.

Lay the thin stick over your bucket and set the paint stirring stick crosswise to it to reach halfway across the opening.

Assemble a ramp for the stir stick using the long piece of wood. Place bird seed or peanut butter out in the yard to attract chipmunks. When using a stir stick, the bait should be placed at the tip of the stick.

🐿️ Read More: How To Fill Chipmunk Holes? | Learn The Best & Efficient Methods

This trap has two parts: a ramp or slope and a stir stick that rests on top of a thinner stick.

A rodent can not get out of the bucket because the stir stick turns over when it passes the thin stick. Rodent traps like this one are widespread and have a decent capture rate.

Chipmunk Havahart Trap

Operating the cage traps is a breeze. It is as simple as putting the trap door in its “up” position and putting bait on the lever pad/trigger. It will be easy to relocate the chipmunk after activating the trigger and shutting the door behind it.

Methods To Catch A Chipmunk

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Do You Catch A Live Chipmunk?

Fortunately, trapping chipmunks is a cinch. All you have to do is identify their dens or the paths they use to and from their holes each day. Peanut butter and oats baited live traps should be placed just next to the active den.

2. How To Trap A Chipmunk In Your House?

If possible, let fresh air in via a window or a door on the outside. So that the chipmunk can find its way out, you should leave it alone. If there is no way out, place a peanut butter-baited live trap near the chipmunk for a few hours.

Conclusion

If you are dealing with pesky chipmunks, ground squirrels, or mice, hope this guide on how to catch a chipmunk guide will assist. Using just simple materials and a few minutes of your effort, you may create an effective trap.

By the way, take the highest safety measures when dealing wid wild animals. And also, deal with care so that any hamper doesn’t happen to them.

Lisa G

Meet Lisa G, the founder and author of RodentsFact.com. With over 3 years of experience studying and observing various species of rodents. Lisa has established herself as a credible expert in the field. Her passion for these often-overlooked animals shines through in her in-depth articles and engaging writing style. Follow her blog to learn fascinating facts and gain a new appreciation for the furry creatures that share our world.

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