How to eliminate chipmunks using rat traps in Massachusetts | Chipmunk

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Massachusetts > Animal is eating my flowers > Chipmunk

Lethal trapping might be practical in areas less than an acre where children, pets, or other wildlife are not likely to disturb traps. Use rat-sized snap traps baited with peanut butter and sunflower seeds, pieces of fruit, or vegetables. Place the traps where chipmunks have been seen moving or feeding, or at burrow entry points.

To avoid attracting birds or non-target squirrels, conceal traps by placing them under plants next to active burrows, or under inverted boxes with a 2-inch hole cut in each end. Alternatively, if placing the traps next to a wall or structure, conceal them by leaning boards over the traps.

Breeding seasons should be considered. Delay trapping until young are active.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Massachusetts

Trap Types Restricted in Massachusetts A person shall not use, set, place, maintain, manufacture or possess any trap for the purpose of capturing furbearing mammals, except for common type mouse and rat traps, nets, and box or cage type traps, as otherwise permitted by law. A box or cage type trap is one that confines the whole animal without grasping any part of the animal, including Hancock or Bailey's type live trap for beavers. Other than nets and common type mouse or rat traps, traps designed to capture and hold a furbearing mammal by gripping the mammal's body, or body part are prohibited, including steel jaw leghold traps, padded leghold traps, and snares.
Firearm Discharge A person shall not discharge any firearm or release any arrow upon or across any state or hard surfaced highway, or within one hundred and fifty feet, of any such highway, or possess a loaded firearm or hunt by any means within five hundred feet of any dwelling in use, except as authorized by the owner or occupant thereof.
Legal, Regulated Trapping The use of legal, regulated, trapping by licensed trappers can be useful for reducing local wildlife populations and can help reduce nuisance problems in Massachusetts.

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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