![]() ![]() A group of pups that are born to the same mother, at the same time, is called a litter. Female chipmunks usually give birth to two to eight young at one time and give birth one to two times per year, once in the late spring and sometimes again in the fall. Like other rodents, chipmunks have live births after carrying their young for a gestation period of around 30 days, according to National Geographic. Chipmunks also eat other creatures such as insects, baby birds, frogs and bird eggs, according to the Wildlife Hotline. Part of their diet consists of vegetation such as mushrooms, berries, nuts, seeds and grains. DietĬhipmunks are omnivores, and they aren't picky about what they eat. Their heart rates can drop from 350 beats per minute to around 4 beats per minute, and their body temperature can drop from 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius) to as cold as 40 F (4.44 C), according to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). During the winter, they eat from their food cache for energy.ĭuring hibernation, chipmunks can seem like they are dead. When they have a full load, they carry the food to their home and store it. They can stretch to be three times larger than the chipmunk's head, according to Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. ![]() During the warm months, chipmunks will stuff extra food into their cheek pouches. ![]() A single chipmunk can gather up to 165 acorns in a day, according to National Geographic Kids (opens in new tab).Ĭhipmunks hibernate, but they don't store fat to see them through long winters like bears do. Chipmunks spend most of their days foraging. They like to keep to themselves and only interact during mating season, which is in the spring. Or simply shake a healthy sprinkle of cayenne pepper on affected areas.Though you may see chipmunks around each other, they are not social animals. Use a product like Shake Away (available on Amazon)-which doesn’t kill chipmunks or other pests-in attics, near house foundations, around flowerbeds, and along garden paths. Create barriers to access by sprinkling granular repellents in key areas. Dry repellents: Dry products are longer-lasting than liquid sprays and will help prevent chipmunk burrowing.Fall gardening tip: Protect vulnerable tulip bulbs by dipping them into a liquid repellent before planting. Reapplication and patience are essential, as it may take a bit of time (and favorable weather conditions) for chipmunks to come into direct contact with the distasteful stuff. Store in a labeled spray bottle and shake well before spraying directly on infested areas. Liquid repellents: Purchase a non-toxic commercial product like Rodent Defense Spray (available on Amazon) or make a DIY solution of one quart of water boiled with two tablespoons of cayenne and, once cool, two tablespoons of olive oil.Keep in mind, however, that sound waves and water sprays won’t dislodge chipmunk nests and burrows underground. A high-quality, non-toxic, and top-rated electronic pest repeller costs between $20 and $30 and can cover 900 to 1,200 square feet via a safe, consistent power source: typically an AC 110 volt plug outlet or AA batteries ( view example on Amazon). Electronic repellents: An electronic repellent system uses ultrasonic pulses or sprays of water to get rid of chipmunks as well as deer, raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels that may be drawn to your lawn.The human smell frightens chipmunks and other pests away yet is perfectly harmless-in fact, the nitrogen in human hair breaks down slowly and may offer your plants a natural fertilizer boost, according to a study at Mississippi State University that was published in the journal HortTechnology. Natural repellents: Ask your barber or hairstylist for a bag of hair clippings and sprinkle these around your garden.There are four main types of chipmunk repellents, which can be used together and for different purposes: Use a combination of chipmunk repellents. ![]()
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