Luring a chipmunk requires some knowledge about their preferred food and their natural behavior. These small rodents are known for their love of nuts and seeds, so using these as bait can be quite effective. Some commonly used baits include nutmeats, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans. You can also try using pumpkin or sunflower seeds, as these are also highly appealing to chipmunks.
Another option is to use dried fruits like raisins or prune slices. Chipmunks have a sweet tooth and are attracted to the natural sugars in these fruits. Breakfast cereal grains, such as oats or cornflakes, can also be used as bait. These grains can be scattered around the trap or placed inside as an additional lure.
When setting up the trap, it’s important to place it along the pathways where chipmunks have been seen frequently. Observing their movements and behavior can help identify the best locations for trapping. Chipmunks tend to follow well-defined paths, often near walls or fences, so placing the trap along these routes increases the chances of success.
It’s important to note that chipmunks are cautious creatures, so using a live cage trap is recommended. This type of trap allows the chipmunk to enter without getting harmed, increasing the chances of catching them. Make sure to choose a trap with appropriate dimensions for chipmunks and set it up correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
To increase the effectiveness of the bait, it can be helpful to create a trail leading to the trap. This can be done by scattering some of the chosen bait in a line starting from a distance away and leading towards the trap. This helps to pique the chipmunk’s curiosity and draw them towards the trap.
Personal experiences can also provide valuable insights. For example, I once had a chipmunk problem in my backyard. I observed their movements and noticed that they often frequented a bird feeder filled with sunflower seeds. I decided to use sunflower seeds as bait in a live cage trap placed near the feeder. Within a few days, I successfully caught the chipmunks and relocated them to a more suitable habitat.
In summary, to lure a chipmunk, use baits such as nutmeats, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, raisins, prune slices, or breakfast cereal grains. Place the trap along the chipmunks’ frequently used pathways and consider creating a bait trail leading to the trap. Live cage traps are recommended to catch chipmunks safely.