How to Keep Pesky Chipmunks Out of Your Garden in New England

Yes, they are adorable, but they can wreak havoc on your garden as they scurry around looking for food.

Chipmunks have long been noted for having thickly-packed cheeks as they consume everything possible in the great wide world of your yard.

I've watched them scurrying across my deck, then diving into a large potted flowering plant, digging deep down, looking for bulbs, roots, or any other thing they can gnaw on.  Meanwhile, their precious paws throw dirt all over my table and deck, which is a sure sign they have targeted my yard.

I've tried putting small rocks in my plants, and even sea shells to cover the dirt around the plants, but somehow, they dig through it all.

If you're having a similar problem, here are some ideas to get these little creatures out of your domain.

First of all, turn on your sprinkler.  The waves of water can scare them off, or at least out of your garden.

Next, try using coffee grounds around your plants, which actually help acid-loving hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and azaleas.  Chippy doesn't like grounds, nor any spices which might be in your cabinet, so sprinkle away the cayenne, garlic, and peppermint, according to marthastewart.com.  Apple cider vinegar is worth a try too.

Bird feeders are also a common source of food for chipmunks, so make sure they can't reach your feeder or climb on railing or ledges close by.  Clean up any seeds on the ground to avoid attracting more chipmunks and other animals.

Oh, and one more thing. A dd some kind of wire, like chicken wire, over bulbs and seeds when planting, so it's less likely to be dug up by the little critters.  Chicken wire over gutter openings can cut down on the tunneling situation too.  Good luck.