3 Easy Ways to Fill Chipmunk Holes
Chipmunks, although cute and seemingly harmless, can cause significant damage to your yard through their burrows and holes. These small creatures dig extensive tunnel systems in search of food and shelter, often creating unsightly holes and potentially undermining the stability of structures on your property. With that in mind, here are three easy ways to fill chipmunk holes and protect your landscape.
1. Use a Natural Repellent
Before you actually start filling the holes, it’s a good idea to use a natural repellent to deter chipmunks from digging new ones. One effective solution is to sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or garlic powder around the hole and nearby areas. The strong smell is unpleasant to chipmunks and will keep them away without harming them. After applying the repellent, wait for a day or two to give the chipmunks time to vacate the area.
2. Fill Holes with Soil
The simplest method to fill chipmunk holes is by using soil that matches the surrounding area’s consistency. This not only helps maintain the appearance of your lawn but fosters proper water drainage as well.
To fill the hole, first remove any debris such as leaves or twigs from the entrance. Then, shovel soil into the hole until it’s completely filled and firm to touch. Lastly, tamp down the soil with your foot or a special landscaping tool known as a tamper to ensure the soil is compacted enough to prevent future digging.
3. Use Gravel or Sand Mixture
For more persistent chipmunk problems or in cases where there are larger areas affected by burrows, you might consider filling the holes with gravel or sand. This method makes it more challenging for chipmunks to redig in these locations due to the increased effort required in excavating such materials.
Begin by filling the bottom half of each hole with coarse gravel or sand. Next, top off the remaining space with soil that matches the appearance and texture of the surrounding area. As before, use a tamper or your foot to compact the material and ensure stability.
In conclusion, filling chipmunk holes can be accomplished with relative ease through the application of natural repellents, and by using filling materials such as soil, gravel, or a combination of both. By taking these simple steps, you will not only keep your lawn looking pristine but also protect structures on your property from potential subsidence or collapse as a result of chipmunk burrows.