Wire mesh to prevent chipmunks from digging tunnels

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Hello,

I have read several threads on chipmunk control and I don't want to have a debate about giving them the Jimmy Hoffa treatment. I am more interested in what might be called witness protection/relocation. Normally, I wouldn't mind them in my hood, but they are now deciding the lawn and gardens are not enough, they are getting into walls. We have to stop it.

So given that, we are live trapping the cute little critters and moving them to a very heavily wooded area over 7 miles away.

Once we think we have them all relocated (they are living in a den right next to my foundation in a courtyard garden area), we want to try some preventative measures. Hence, my question:

I have found this wire product that I can lay over the ground and then cover with topsoil/mulch. https://www.twpinc.com/wire-mesh-by-project/pest-control.

My assumption is that if I can prevent them digging, then part of the problem is solved. Never going to get rid of the mafia completely, but I do hope to make them find a new avenue of "employment".

Has anyone used something similar? Chicken wire? Window screen? Any luck?

And again I don't want to discuss killing them.

Featured Answer

Iris S (SC, Zone 7b)

9 years ago

I am sorry I don't have an answer for you. Just wanted to thank you for being kind.

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Comments (6)

kimmq
9 years ago
Where in the world are you?

Is it legal for you to move wild animals around like that?

Compare that wire with hardware cloth from your local hardware store. They look very similar and your local store may be less expensive.

Chipmunks will simply tear apart chicken wire and window screen material.
User
Original Author
9 years ago
Kimmq, I am in the midwest in the United States. And NO it is not illegal in my state to move the chipmunks. I checked.

They have died in the walls of my house. That bothers me a lot. The scratching as they attempted to get out was very upsetting. We eventually broke open the drywall (and took a big chance of them running around the house) but it was too late.

I don't want a debate. I am trying to be humane.

I appreciate your opinion about the chicken wire and window screen.
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User
Original Author
9 years ago
I bought some inexpensive "hardware" cloth at Ace Hardware. My goal is to keep them from building their dens near the perimeter of the house. I really don't care what they do to my lawn. I consider it a form of aerating! When they are destructive or trapped in a wall, not good.
gracie01 zone5 SW of Chicago
8 years ago
They will just tunnel under the hardware cloth; I've covered their entrance holes with big rocks, only to have them moved by the destructive critters.
User thanked gracie01 zone5 SW of Chicago
User
Original Author
8 years ago
My husband wants to put rocks the size of golf balls in the bed but I don't think they would help -- they will just dig closer to the foundation. I really wish there was a way to keep them getting inside the walls of my house. We are at our wits end.