Chipmunks are adorable, but they can also be pesky little critters that love to eat acorns.
Have you ever wondered if chipmunks eat acorns?
The answer is yes – but do they only eat acorns or do they like other types of food as well?
In this article, we’ll explore the various types of acorns chipmunks prefer to eat, some tips on how to prevent them from eating your precious crop, and how to use plants to discourage chipmunks from entering your garden. So grab a handful of acorns and let’s get started!
Chipmunks Will Eat Any Acorn, But They Prefer The Following Types:
Chipmunks will eat any acorn they can get their little hands on, however, there are certain types of acorns that they seem to prefer.
Emory oak is one of the most popular types of acorns for chipmunks because it has a sweeter flavor than other varieties.
Coast live oak and black oak acorns are also popular among chipmunks due to their mild flavor and larger size.
Bur oak and white oak acorns have a more bitter taste but they still attract chipmunks due to their abundance in the wild.
Hickory nuts are also favored by chipmunks due to their unique nutty flavor, as well as their availability in dry or wet environments.
No matter what type of acorn you may have in your yard or garden, chances are that a chipmunk will find it appetizing.
The best way to avoid having your crop damaged by these adorable critters is to take preventative measures such as using netting or fencing around your garden area or planting plants like daffodils, garlic, marigolds, and peonies which naturally deter rodents like chipmunks from entering the area.
In conclusion, yes – chipmunks do eat acorns and they generally prefer Emory oak, coast live oak, black oak, bur oak, white oak, and hickory nuts over other types of food.
However, it’s important to remember that any type of acorn can be eaten by these furry creatures so taking extra precautions like using netting or planting certain plants can help keep them away from your precious crop!
1: Stop acorn-munching chipmunks.
It is possible to prevent chipmunks from eating acorns by taking a few precautionary steps.
The first step is to use netting or fencing around the garden area to keep them away.
Additionally, scattering crocus flowers or other fragrant annuals atop the straw in fall can create a pleasant scent barrier that will deter chipmunks.
Plant tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths – their annual death offers winter preparation.
Cover the top of the straw with a layer of gravel to deter chipmunks.
In addition to these preventative measures, it’s important to remove any uneaten acorns from your yard or garden since these can still be attractive for chipmunks.
If you have Emory oak, coast live oak, black oak, bur oak, white oak, or hickory nuts growing on your property then you should be especially diligent about removing them since these are all favored by chipmunks due to their flavor and availability.
By following these simple steps and regularly monitoring your yard for signs of chipmunk activity you can effectively reduce the chances of your acorns being eaten by these critters!
2: Protect seedlings and new trees with a gravel barrier to deter chipmunks
If you’re having trouble with chipmunks eating acorns in your yard, one of the best ways to prevent this is by placing a barrier of gravel around your seedlings or newly planted trees.
This barrier should be at least an inch or two thick and should surround the tree from all angles.
Rodents struggle to climb branches from the stone surface.
Additionally, this will help keep any leaves or needles dropped by the chipmunks in place, which can be beneficial during the autumn and winter months.
It’s important to note that this method is only effective if you keep up with it regularly; chipmunks can quickly learn how to bypass these obstacles over time!
Additionally, if you’re worried about the aesthetics of adding gravel to your garden beds, try using mulch instead – its natural color blends better into existing landscapes.
Finally, make sure to regularly monitor your yard for signs of chipmunk activity and remove any leftover acorns as soon as possible.
With a combination of these preventative measures and regular upkeep, you can ensure that your acorns won’t be eaten by these critters!
3: If gravel or petals don’t work, use a chipmunk repellent
If you’ve tried using gravel or flower petals to keep chipmunks away from your acorns, but it’s still not working, then you may want to try a repellent.
There are plenty of natural and synthetic repellents available on the market that can help deter chipmunks from coming near your garden.
Most of these products contain ingredients like cayenne pepper, garlic oil, castor oil, and/or other essential oils that act as unpleasant deterrents for rodents.
All you need to do is apply the repellent around the perimeter of your garden beds and reapply it after every rainfall.
It’s important to note that no single product will work in all situations; different animals may respond differently to different repellents.
So if one product doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, don’t hesitate to try another one until you find the right fit for your particular problem.
Additionally, make sure that any product you use is safe for both humans and animals; some products may contain harmful chemicals or toxins that can cause harm if ingested or absorbed into the skin or eyes.
With careful research and regular reapplication, however, a good quality animal repellent should help keep pesky chipmunks away from your garden!
4: Put a chicken wire fence around your garden or trees
Chicken wire fencing is an affordable and effective way to keep chipmunks from getting near your garden or trees.
Ensure openings in the fence are small (e.g. 1″x1″), and bury 6” below ground to prevent chipmunks from digging under.
Secure the fence in place with staples to prevent it from loosening.
This physical barrier will work to deter chipmunks from accessing your acorns, as they will be unable to climb or jump over them.
Additionally, if you have a garden bed with more delicate plants, make sure to use a softer material like chicken wire rather than metal fencing so that it does not damage your plants.
With careful installation and regular maintenance, a good quality chicken wire fence should help keep pesky chipmunks away from your garden!
5: Beetles deter chipmunks from consuming acorns
Beetles harm acorns but protect them from chipmunks.
Beetles have an interesting behavior when it comes to eating acorns: they will usually eat one or two and then drop the rest off near their food source.
This means that while there are plenty of acorns available for the beetles to consume, they also help prevent chipmunks from getting easy meals by dropping off the excess in areas where other animals cannot reach.
Acorn caps provide nutrients for fungi and bacteria until spring.
Thus, although beetles may seem like a nuisance when it comes to eating your acorns, their presence is beneficial in keeping chipmunks away!
6: Put compost far from the garden to deter rodents
Compost piles are a great way to add nutrients to your garden and reduce food waste, but they can also attract rodents like chipmunks.
Rodents love snacking on acorns, so if you have a compost pile near your garden, then the rodents may be drawn to it in search of an easy meal.
To avoid this problem, it’s best to keep your compost pile far away from the vicinity of your garden.
This will help discourage chipmunks from coming close enough to munch on any acorns that might have fallen off the trees.
If possible, try to store the compost in an enclosed container with a secure lid that the rodents cannot get into.
By doing this, you can help ensure that your plants and vegetables stay safe from hungry chipmunks while still reaping all the benefits of having a compost pile in your yard.
7: Plant shrubs with thorns around your yard to keep out chipmunks
Keep chipmunks out with thorny shrubs.
Planting thorny plants like pyracantha, blackberry, or rose bushes around the perimeter of your property will create an impenetrable barrier that chipmunks won’t be able to climb over or jump across.
The prickly thorns will discourage any rodents from trying to enter in the first place, and they provide an additional layer of protection against other animals like cats or birds as well.
It’s important to keep these shrubs pruned low to the ground too, otherwise, they could become a highway for rodents looking for an easy way into your garden.
With regular trimming and maintenance, you can use thorny shrubs as an effective deterrent against pesky chipmunks and other unwelcome visitors.
8). Make a DIY repellent.
If you’re looking for a natural way to deter chipmunks from entering your yard and garden, a DIY repellent can be an effective solution.
Making your repellent is easy and requires only a few simple ingredients which can be found at most grocery stores.
To start, create a mixture of three parts salt and one part cayenne pepper in a bowl or container.
You can then sprinkle the mix around your plants, trees, and garden beds to deter chipmunks from approaching them.
Mix 1 tbsp cayenne pepper and 2 cups hot water in a spray bottle.
When combined, spray this mixture onto the plant foliage to deter chipmunks.
With regular reapplication, this DIY repellent should help keep chipmunks away from your yard and give you peace of mind that your plants will remain intact during their visits.
9: Use a trap
Live traps are an effective way to remove chipmunks from your yard and garden.
These traps can be purchased at most hardware stores or online, and they’re easy to set up.
All you need is a container that’s big enough to fit the chipmunks, such as a large bucket or box, and some bait like acorns, peanuts, or sunflower seeds.
Place the trap in an area where chipmunks frequent, such as close to their burrows or near your plants.
Once it’s set up, check the trap periodically throughout the day until you’ve caught all of the chipmunks in your yard.
Let them go free from far away.
With this simple setup, you can quickly and easily rid your yard of pesky chipmunks without having to resort to using toxic chemicals or poisons.
10: Use an electronic repelled.
Using an electronic repeller is a safe and effective way to keep chipmunks away from your property.
These devices emit an unpleasant noise for rodents, keeping them away from your garden.
To use one effectively, place the repeller close to the areas where you see the most activity.
You should also replace the batteries when they start to run low since this will ensure that the device continues to work properly.
It’s important to note that these devices are not 100% effective in keeping chipmunks away, but it is an excellent option if you’re looking for a humane way of dealing with these pesky creatures.
With a little bit of patience, you can quickly rid your yard of chipmunks using this simple method.
11: Plant with acorns to deter chipmunks
One of the best ways to prevent chipmunks from eating acorns is to plant other plants near your oak tree.
By planting deciduous trees that yield nuts, such as walnuts and hazelnuts, you can encourage chipmunks to eat from these new sources instead of raiding the acorns.
Additionally, consider planting multiple types of nut-bearing trees nearby so that chipmunks are enticed by all of the different options.
This will help to ensure that they don’t solely focus on the acorns from your oak tree and keep them away from those still on the branches.
When planting these trees, be sure to choose ones that are native to your region and require little maintenance.
With a bit of effort, you’ll soon have an abundance of nut-yielding plants that will keep the chipmunks at bay!
Conclusion
In conclusion, chipmunks are known for their love of acorns and will often go to great lengths to get them.
However, with a little bit of effort, you can easily keep them from eating your prized acorns.
By planting deciduous trees that yield nuts like walnuts and hazelnuts near your oak tree, you can provide chipmunks with an alternate source of food while still enjoying the benefits of having an oak tree on your property.
Additionally, by taking the time to ensure these nut-bearing plants are native to your region and require little maintenance, you can be sure that you’ll have a plentiful supply of food sources for the chipmunks without sacrificing those delicious acorns.
