Looking for the best chipmunk trap money can buy? Great you're in the right place!
In this Pest Strategies guide you'll learn:
- Our #1 rated trap
- The most popular types of chipmunk traps
- If traps use poisons (or something else)
- If homemade traps are a good idea
- If traps kill chipmunks
- And the 5 traps we reviewed
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
(updated as of 4/24/2018)
Out of the chipmunk traps we looked at, our top pick went to the to the AB Humane Trap.
Why?
It's simple, comes assembled out of the box, HIGHLY sensitive trigger, and has an EXTREMELY quick cage to ensure even the fastest chipmunks are captured.
It's a fairly light trap and will need to be weighted down a bit. Something like a book for inside use or rocks for outside use should do the trick.
Bait it with tomcat attractant and let it sit. If you don't get any bites, try a couple bait variations (sunflower seeds, peanut butter, etc) to see what your specific chipmunks like to chew on.
It is a humane trap and will not kill your chipmunk. If you want to go the killing route we suggest the Pestrax trap, which an electric no-mess trap perfect to kill without leaving a nasty sight after use.
For more information on Chipmunk traps and how to use them, keep on reading. Also see the 5 traps we reviewed down below!
We all know the warning signs...
...holes scattered throughout the yard and gardens completely ransacked.
Upon first glance, this scene looks like it was created by a large, vicious nuisance animal; a raccoon, or maybe even a fox perhaps?
And yet, this destruction is just the tip of the iceberg.
Soon, you’ll be finding the wires of your car gnawed clean through, and maybe even hearing the scuttle of small footsteps within your walls.
Of course, these are the signs of a chipmunk invasion on your property, which can escalate to serious damage if you’re not proactive in driving them away.
If you’ve already tried using repellents for your chipmunks and haven’t had any success, using a trap to do a little more "permement" damage to these pests.
Follow along with our guide to learn about the best products to trap chipmunks, and your property will soon be chipmunk-free!
The Chipmunk Traps We Reviewed
Short on time? Take a look below for the top 5 in our list. Otherwise, check out our buying guide!
What Types of Chipmunk Traps Are Most Popular?
When it comes to trapping chipmunks, there are a few different types from which to choose. These traps work in different ways, and some will be better suited to use than others, depending on the severity of the infestation and other environmental factors.
- Box cages with spring-activated doors. These are metal cages around the size of a shoebox which function via a spring level on the inside. When bait is taken from a certain area, the chipmunk’s weight activates the spring, which closes the door and traps the animal inside.
- Electronic zappers. This is also a box shape with a spring door, but this trap takes elimination to a higher level: the trap will send volts of electricity through the chipmunk which, in turn, will usually kill it.
- Rolling bars over a bucket. Sometimes labeled the “chipmunk bucket of death,” this trap works by attaching a rolling bar over the top of a five-gallon bucket. The user will also affix ramps to either side of the bucket and use a sticky type of bait on the rolling bar to attract chipmunks. Normally, users will fill the bucket halfway with water. Chipmunks climb up onto the bar to take the bait, then fall into the bucket when the bar rolls, where they inevitably drown.
- Spring-activated stun/kill "mousetrap style" traps. These are what most people picture when they think about a rodent trap: the vintage image of cheese at one end of a wooden spring trap used to lure mice in cartoons.
Do Traps Use Chipmunk Poison?
Despite what many skeptics may think, these most traps are poison-free.
Though they may cause the chipmunk bodily harm or death, chemicals are not used in eliminating these rodents.
Because of this, these types of traps are not only safe, but absolutely recommended for families with small children and/or pets on the property.
Chipmunk bait containing poison is on the market, but it’s rarely used for these traps. Normally, a chipmunk will respond much better to a natural bait like peanut butter or sunflower seeds.
Poison baits are usually only reserved as a last-ditch effort to eliminate chipmunks, so you can rest assured that in using a trap, you’re not harming others. In fact, the objective of most traps is to simply contain the animal for release in the wild.
Should I Make a Homemade Chipmunk Trap?
The chipmunk bucket trap is the most popular remedy to get rid of chipmunks. As described above, its effectiveness lies in its simplicity: this trap utilizes gravity to drown pesky chipmunks. However, this option isn’t always the most hygienic.
When the bucket trap is effective, you’ll be left with a bucket full of waterlogged chipmunk carcasses. If you’re not cleaning out the trap in a timely manner (which is an unpleasant task in and of itself), you’ll be attracting flies, maggots, rats, and other scavengers. This, of course, poses an even larger pest dilemma than the original chipmunk problem.
Will a Trap Kill a Chipmunk?
If you’re on the fence about using a trap, we understand.
Most people want help with trapping chipmunks in the yard, and aren’t interested in lethal chipmunk traps. For those looking for options on how to catch a chipmunk alive, no-kill traps like the box traps are for you.
Simply place bait in the trap and check it regularly for new captives to release in the wild.
Take a look at the video below to see how the "box trap" works in action!
However, if this is a measure you’ve already attempted and gotten unsuccessful results, a kill trap might be the next option to try...
This method will eliminate your problem one by one, and stop chipmunk reproduction in its tracks.
Only you can decide which option is best for you, but being able to stop the spread of chipmunks is in everyone’s best interest. Sometimes, only trial and error will work in order to make that decision.
The Chipmunk Traps We Reviewed
In the below section we break down each of our product recommendations in a little more detail.
- Reusable trap
- Chemical free (no poisons, etc)
- Catches without injury to the animal
This sturdy trap made of galvanized steel is perfect for catching all sorts of unwanted animals that can wander into your yard, especially chipmunks.
This trap will enclose a chipmunk humanely, ensuring a safe release to the animal as well as the user.
It comes pre-assembled ready to go out of the box. Just drop some kind of bait (sunflower seeds, peanut butter, etc) and you're ready to go!
Pros
Cons
- Lighter than other traps
- Safe for kids and pets
- Humane capture of chipmunks without injury
This trap is ideal for chipmunk removal from your home. Like the AB Trap, the Amazing Rat Trap uses a spring-activated door to enclose chipmunks inside.
However, this trap utilizes a spring and latch system rather than a guillotine door, which can create a different user experience.
Trap comes assembled out of the box and is lighter than you might expect. Just bait and leave it in an infested area. Once captured, transfer to different wilderness area to remove the rodent!
Pros
Cons
- Sensitive cantilever trigger to ensure trap activates
- Heavy duty construction
- Comes with a lifetime warranty and a 60 day money back guarantee
This heavy-duty trap will stop a chipmunk or other rodent right in its tracks.
Rather than using chipmunk poison, the PestExcel trap will kill a chipmunk using pressure from a spring which slams down on its head as it reaches for carefully-placed bait.
It uses a cantilever trigger mechanism to set off and instantly kill your chipmunk without prolonged pain. The key is to find a bait your chipmunk likes (seeds, etc) and place in an active area.
The device itself feels well made as opposed to some other cheap plastic traps.
Pros
Cons
- Humane non-kill trap setup
- Lightweight and easy to setup
- Made in the USA
If you've ever wondered what the "chipmunk bucket of death" was, you're about to find out.
Sometimes called the "chipmunk bucket trap," this rolling log sits on top of a bucket and works by tipping unsuspecting chipmunks into the vessel below.
Pros
Cons
- Pet safe design
- Good for indoor and outdoor usage
- Electric shock provides for no-mess kill (better than snap traps)
Don't let the name fool you: this trap isn't only used for catching mice. This electronic rodent trap uses battery power to trap vermin inside, then use a 7000 voltage electric shock to kill the animal swiftly and humanely.
It provides a no-mess kill indoors or outdoors.
Similar to other traps you need to try a couple baits to see what works for your specific chipmunk.
Pros
Cons
Our Top Pick: AB Humane Trap Catch
When considering every aspect of trapping a chipmunk, we advise that consumers go with the AB Humane Trap Catch over all others.
Not only does this trap pull its weight in terms of efficiency and price, but its galvanized steel bars will stand the test of time as well as the elements; guaranteed to last for many years to come.
It can weather all seasons with minimal maintenance, and is guaranteed to trap your chipmunks without doing them any harm.
Other Chipmunk Guides
Curious about other cat related products? Check out our other detailed guides to help you deal with your pest problems.
