How to Keep Chipmunks Off Tomato Plants

Chipmunks are cute, furry creatures that may seem harmless, but they can easily destroy your tomato plants by digging up the roots, eating the fruit, and even gnawing on the stems. Here are some effective ways to keep chipmunks away from your garden:

1. Install a Fence

One of the most effective ways to keep chipmunks away from your tomato plants is to install a fence around your garden. The fence should be at least 2-3 feet high and buried at least 6 inches into the ground. This will prevent chipmunks from digging their way into your garden. You can also add a mesh or wire cover on top of the fence to prevent them from climbing over it.

2. Use Repellents

Another way to keep chipmunks away from your tomato plants is to use repellents. There are many natural and commercial repellents available that are safe for your plants and environment. Some common natural repellents include garlic, pepper, and essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus. You can also use commercial repellents that contain predator urine, which mimic the scent of natural predators like foxes or coyotes.

3. Set up Traps

If you have a small garden, you can set up traps to catch and remove chipmunks. You can use humane traps, live traps, or lethal traps depending on your preference. Humane traps capture the chipmunk and allow you to release it far from your garden, while live traps capture the chipmunk for relocation. Lethal traps, on the other hand, kill the chipmunk instantly. Ensure that you follow the instructions on the trap and dispose of the captured chipmunks properly.

4. Create Barriers

Creating barriers around your tomato plants can also keep chipmunks away. You can use chicken wire, plastic netting, or hardware cloth to create a barrier around your plants. Ensure that the barrier is at least 18 inches high and buried at least 6 inches into the ground to prevent chipmunks from digging under it. You can also use this barrier to cover your plants and protect them from other pests besides chipmunks.

5. Keep Your Garden Clean

Keeping your garden clean can also help to reduce the likelihood of chipmunk infestation. Ensure that you pick up fallen fruits, clean up any debris, and regularly remove any weeds from your garden. This will reduce the food sources available to chipmunks and make your garden less attractive to them.

Conclusion

Overall, ensuring the protection of your tomato plants from chipmunks requires a combination of preventive measures such as installing a fence and creating barriers, using natural and commercial repellents and setting traps, and keeping your garden clean. By following these steps, you can keep your tomato plants healthy and luscious for a bountiful harvest.