Plants That Repel Chipmunks

If you’re tired of chipmunks digging up your bulbs and nibbling your seedlings, you’re in the right place. You can use plants that repel chipmunks to naturally deter these garden pests and protect your hard work.

This method is safe, chemical-free, and adds beauty to your garden. It works by using strong scents and tastes that chipmunks find unpleasant. Let’s look at how you can use these plants effectively.

These plants act as a natural barrier. Their strong aromas or flavors confuse and deter chipmunks, making them less likely to invade your space. Planting them strategically is key to success.

Alliums (Onions, Garlic, Chives)

Alliums are some of the most effective plants for this job. Chipmunks have a keen sense of smell and find the pungent odor of these plants overwhelming.

Plant garlic and onions around the perimeter of your garden beds.
Use ornamental alliums, like ‘Globemaster’, in flower beds for beauty and protection.
Chives can be planted around vegetable plots or in pots near entry points.

Mint Family (Peppermint, Spearmint)

The strong, refreshing scent of mint is a powerful deterrent. Be careful, as mint can be invasive. It’s often best grown in containers to control its spread.

Place pots of peppermint near garden borders or seating areas.
Crush leaves occasionally to release more scent, especially after rain.
You can also use dried mint leaves in mesh bags around the garden.

Daffodils and Other Bulbs

This is a two-for-one solution. Daffodils contain lycorine, a substance that is toxic and tastes bitter to rodents. Chipmunks will avoid them and the area around them.

Plant daffodil bulbs in a ring around trees or garden beds you want to protect.
Interplant them with more vulnerable bulbs, like tulips, which chipmunks love.
Other repellent bulbs include snowdrops and hyacinths.

Marigolds

Marigolds have a distinctive smell that many pests, including chipmunks, dislike. Their roots also release a substance that can deter soil nematodes.

French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are particularly potent.
Use them as a colorful border around your vegetable garden.
Plant them near entry points to burrows if you can find them.

Fritillaria

The Crown Imperial fritillaria (Fritillaria imperialis) has a skunky odor that rodents avoid. Its tall, striking appearance makes it a unique garden addition.

Plant the bulbs in the fall. They prefer well-drained soil and can be a real focal point while doing their job.

Geraniums, Especially Scented Varieties

Scented geraniums, like lemon, rose, or citronella types, have strong fragrances. While chipmunks might not avoid all geraniums, the potent scented ones can help mask the smells of plants they like.

How to Plant for Maximum Effect

Just putting these plants anywhere won’t work well. You need a plan. Think like a chipmunk and block their paths.

Create a Perimeter: Plant your strongest-smelling repellents, like alliums or mint in pots, around the edge of your garden.
Use Companion Planting: Place repellent plants right next to vulnerable ones. For example, plant garlic between your strawberry plants.
Protect Specific Areas: Circle valuable plants or beds with daffodils or marigolds.
Layer Your Defenses: Combine different repellent plants for a stronger effect. A border of marigolds with alliums behind it creates a powerful scent barrier.

Other Natural Deterrents to Combine

For a really robust defense, combine your repellent plants with other natural methods. This multi-layered approach is often the most succesful.

Predator Scents: Sprinkle used cat litter or dog hair around the garden. The scent of predators can make chipmunks nervous.
Physical Barriers: Use hardware cloth under raised beds or around bulbs. A little gravel mixed into soil can deter digging.
Ultrasonic Devices: These emit sounds unpleasant to rodents but inaudible to most humans. Their effectiveness can vary.

What to Avoid Planting

Knowing what attracts chipmunks is just as important. If you have a major problem, you might want to limit these plants or place them far from your home.

Sunflower Seeds: Chipmunks love these and will go to great lengths to get them.
Corn: Another favorite that can draw them in from a distance.
Certain Bulbs: Tulips and crocus are like candy. Always plant these with a deterrent bulb like a daffodil.

Maintaining Your Natural Defense

Your repellent plants need care to be effective. A healthy plant produces more of the oils and scents that do the work.

Water and fertilize your repellent plants as needed.
Prune or pinch mint and geraniums to encourage bushy growth and more scent.
Reapply predator scents after heavy rain, as it will wash them away.
In the fall, plant more deterrent bulbs for spring protection.

Remember, the goal is not to harm chipmunks, but to encourage them to forage elsewhere. It might take a season or two for the plants to establish and for the chipmunks to get the message. Consistency is key. By creating a garden full of scents they dislike, you make your yard a less inviting place for them to dine.

FAQ: Naturally Deterring Garden Pests

What smells do chipmunks hate the most?
Chipmunks strongly dislike pungent smells like garlic, onion, and the musky scent of crown imperial flowers. Strong mint and marigold aromas are also effective at repelling them.

Will these plants also repel other animals?
Yes, many of these plants can deter other pests. Marigolds repel rabbits and some insects. Alliums can keep away aphids and deer. Mint is known to deter ants and mice.

How quickly will I see results?
Results can vary. You may notice a difference within a few weeks as plants establish and scents build up. For a major infestation, it may take a full season of growth and be combined with other methods.

Is it safe to use these plants around pets?
Most are safe, but always check. For example, alliums (onions, garlic) are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested in large quantities. Mint is generally safe but can cause stomach upset in some pets if they eat a lot.

Do I need to plant them everywhere?
Not necessarily. Focus on creating borders and protecting your most valuable plants. Strategic placement is more effective and sustainable than trying to fill your entire garden with them.