How to live trap chipmunks in Delaware | Chipmunk

How to live trap chipmunks

Live trapping offending animals is one of the most practical solutions for homeowners. Use small cage traps — 5-inch x 5-inch x 16-inch with ½-inch x 1-inch mesh. Bait the traps with sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or pieces of fruit. Place the traps along foundations where chipmunks have been seen, at den openings, or where damage is occurring. Make sure the trap is sitting flat and level so that it does not move when the chipmunk enters.

Prebaiting the trap will increase your likelihood of success. Place bait in the trap for 2-3 days with the doors wired open, so the chipmunk will get conditioned to this new food source. If the bait from the trap is disappearing regularly, set the trap.

Check frequently to remove captured animals, making sure to avoid direct contact.

Breeding seasons should be considered; trapping should be delayed until young are active and able to be trapped.

Note: Relocating wildlife is often prohibited; animals often die and it may result in spreading disease or transferring your problems to someone else. 

State specific solution - Delaware - How to trap and relocate animals

Wildlife that are relocated must be released in suitable habitat, preferably within 10 miles of the capture location. Wildlife are not to be released in an area close to human dwellings or businesses, which would result in a transfer of, rather than a solution to, the nuisance problem. Wildlife shall NOT be released within the city limits of any city, State Wildlife Area, State Park property, or National Wildlife Refuge. Landowner permission is required before any wildlife are released onto a new location.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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