Chipmunk Traps

In this article I will discuss the range of chipmunk traps that are available to you for getting rid of chipmunks.

For detailed information about ALL techniques to get rid of chipmunks, including chipmunk traps, check out my free full guide to getting rid of chipmunks.

I will cover everything from chipmunk traps that you can build yourself to chipmunk traps that you can buy as well as both humane and lethal chipmunk trapping methods. This should enable you to make an informed choice of which chipmunk trap is right for you.

THE BUCKET OF WATER TRAP

First up, we have the bucket of water trap, which is the least expensive way to trap a chipmunk.

It is a lethal trap, so if killing chipmunks goes against your beliefs in any way, this is not the right trap for you.

To construct the bucket of water trap, simply fill a gallon bucket with water and rest a plank of wood against it. The timber will act as a kind of ‘gangplank’ for the chipmunk to reach the water’s surface.

Next, scatter a few pumpkin seeds (or similar chipmunk bait) on the wooden plank and in the water – pumpkin seeds are ideal because they float on the water’s surface. If you have difficulty getting the seeds to stay on the wood because they keep rolling off, you can stick them in place with a little peanut butter (which will also attract chipmunks).

Finally, leave the trap overnight. The chipmunk will be attracted by the bait, walk up the plank and attempt to ‘fish’ the seeds out of the water. The chipmunk will then fall into the water and drown.

The dead chipmunk can then be transferred to the garbage can. I would recommend using gloves or a net to do this.

HUMANE CHIPMUNK TRAP

Humane chipmunk traps catch the chipmunk alive, without hurting it, allowing you to release it into the wild (a long way away from your home).

One of the leading brands of humane chipmunk traps is Havahart.

They manufacture a large range of humane traps for catching pests as small as a mouse to as big as a raccoon, so it is important to get the right size.

The trap pictured is the 1083 model and has dimensions of 17x7x7, making it an ideal size for trapping chipmunks.

They also do a two-door version, however this only provides the chipmunk with 2 methods of entry and doesn’t (as some folk think) catch 2 chipmunks at once!

Bait the trap with fruit, nuts, seeds or berries (I’ve also heard that chipmunks are rather fond of cat food and dog food, as well) and leave overnight.

The chipmunk will be enticed by the bait, enter the trap and trigger the mechanism making the door slam shut behind it.

The next day, take the chipmunk trap and live chipmunk at least 2 miles away from your home and release it into the wild. Then reset the trap and repeat until you no longer have a chipmunk problem.

ELECTRIC CHIPMUNK TRAPS

Electric chipmunk traps work by zapping the chipmunk with a jolt of electricity, killing it instantly.

One of the best electric chipmunk traps is the Agri Zap RZU001 Rat Zapper Ultra although the Classic Rat Zapper is also very effective. You can also get the useful Rat Zapper Tale, which lets you know when the trap has been activated remotely, so there’s no need to keep checking it.

Simply bait the trap and leave overnight. The chipmunk will be enticed the bait and be electrocuted.

The next morning you can carry the trap to the trashcan to dispose of the corpse (the dead chipmunk will simply slide out of the trap, without you having to touch it).

Electric chipmunk traps don’t have any of the blood and gore that you get with spring-loaded chipmunk traps (see below), however it will cost you extra for batteries (the Rat Zapper Ultra requires four alkaline ‘D’ batteries that are not included and each set of batteries is good for around 30 kills).

SPRING-LOADED CHIPMUNK TRAPS

Sprint-loaded chipmunk traps work by crushing the chipmunks head and spine between two jaws, just like the classic mousetrap.

One of the most effective spring-loaded traps is the Big Snap-E Rat Trap (pictured).

You bait the trap and leave overnight and when the chipmunk tries to take the bait, the trap kills it instantly.

Getting rid of the corpse is a bit messier than the other traps because there can be blood and gore to contend with (be sure to wear gloves), however these traps are under $5, so they are very inexpensive. Because of how cheap they are, you can buy 4 or 5 of them and catch lots of chipmunks at the same time.

SUMMARY

I would advise using the bucket of water method in the first instance because it is cheap and relatively easy.

If you don’t have any luck with that buy a Rat Zapper.

If you have a large infestation that needs clearing up quickly, use multiple Big Snap-E Rat Traps.

And if you don’t like the idea of killing chipmunks, then humane chipmunks traps are for you.

Other methods of getting rid of chipmunks are discussed in our ‘How To Get Rid of Chipmunks‘ guide.