Chipmunks Under Stoop & Rabbits Eating Flowers: Integrated Control

Question: Two chipmunks under front stoop. Rabbits eating flowers. How to remove both?

Chipmunks: Structure Invasion

Inspection

• Find ALL entry holes (1.5 inch; they climb)
• Inspection course

Long-Term Management

• Reduce habitat: remove stone walls, secure sheds
• Reduce food: eliminate bird feeders (guide)

Control: Trapping

• Check state laws
• Use ≥3 traps (rat-sized cage or snap in boxes)
• Bait: sunflower seeds (not peanut butter)
• Euthanize per law—relocation inhumane (why)
• Confirm done: newspaper in hole 7 days undisturbed → seal with foam + flashing
• Full guide: chipmunk handbook

Repellents: Waste of Money

• Ultrasonic, urines, mothballs—no evidence
• Hazing = stress, not non-lethal

Rabbits: Garden Damage

Exclusion (Best)

• Chicken wire fence: 18″ high (cottontails), 36″ (jackrabbits)
• Bury 2–3″ (cottontails), 6″ (jackrabbits)
• Secure corners/gates
• Electric fence option if legal

Rabbit-Resistant Plants (Partial)

• Trees: Cypress, Hackberry, Magnolia, Oak, Redbud, Spruce
• Shrubs: Barberry, Cinquefoil, Cotoneaster, Lilac, Sage, Viburnum
• Starving rabbits eat anything

Repellents: Limited

• Reapply after rain; coyote urine, blood meal, garlic spray work best
• Garlic & marigolds help but not foolproof

Trapping

• Multiple Havahart traps; bait: carrot, lettuce, apple+peanut butter
• Direct with temporary fencing
• Difficult in spring/summer (abundant food outside traps)
• Relocation inhumane; euthanize per law
• Guide: cottontail handbook