Why Do People Use Coffee To Repel Chipmunks And Does It Actually Work?

Chipmunks are viewed by many as adorable little critters, but gardeners often find them to be a nuisance. This is because the rodents love to feast on seeds, berries, and certain plants. They also make their way to bird feeders to consume seeds intended for your flying feathered friends. To avoid all of these mishaps, some homeowners sprinkle coffee grounds in vulnerable areas to repel chipmunks from their yards and gardens. You may have come across this hack while browsing the internet yourself and questioned its effectiveness. So, do coffee grounds actually repel chipmunks? Some reputable sources recommend this DIY pest control method, but it is important to note that there has been limited scientific research into its effectiveness.

If you decide to use coffee grounds to protect your yard against these chipmunks, just keep in mind that it is an experimental DIY repellent that may not be as effective as methods that have been heavily researched. You may be tempted to try it out given the minimal risk and low cost involved. However, coffee grounds are not the best option for those dealing with a serious chipmunk problem that needs to be tackled as quickly and effectively as possible. There are a number of different pest control methods you may want to use instead for better results.

What is it about coffee grounds that some people believe keeps chipmunks away from plants they would otherwise indulge in? The strong odor is said to repel rodents from yards and gardens. Many gardeners claim that rodents like rats do not like the smell. This kind of anecdotal evidence likely contributed to the popularity of the coffee ground hack. Taste repellents like Ro-Pel are more reputable than coffee grounds when it comes to keeping chipmunks away. If you would like to try out a taste repellent, you should be able to find a few options at your local garden store. Just be sure to follow the product instructions carefully when applying to achieve the best results.

Physical barriers are another great tool you could use to protect your home and yard and from pests like chipmunks. You can bury hardware cloth 6 to 12 inches into the soil around your garden to deter chipmunks. This protective measure will also keep other rodents away, such as moles and voles. If you would like to try out this physical barrier, you may want to use the Garden Craft Galvanized Steel Hardware Cloth because it is priced at only $13.99. There's a chance that chipmunks have been invading your flower pots rather than plants growing from the ground. In this case, consider hanging aluminum foil to keep them out of your flower pots.