A Flat Trap
When you slide the trap out of its box, it lies flat. Remove any plastic tags that may be affixed and dispose of them in an environmentally friendly way.
On top of the cage, there is a U-shaped bar, which you will push down over the sides of the cage to help it hold its form without collapsing. Once this is in the correct position, the trap should look like the picture shown on the right side of the split-screen photo shown.
Note that the spring-loaded front door is shown in the closed position on the left side of the trap while the back door is shown in the open position on the right side of the trap.
Assemble the Chipmunk Trap
On top of the cage, there is a U-shaped bar, which you will push down over the sides of the cage to help it hold its form without collapsing. Once this is in the correct position, the trap should look like the picture shown on the right side of the split-screen photo shown.
Note that the spring-loaded front door is shown in the closed position on the left side of the trap while the back door is shown in the open position on the right side of the trap.
The Chipmunk Bait Cup
You're almost halfway there. Now you need to find a cup to hold the bait. Your furry friend is going to need a reason to enter the trap, and that reason will be food. For a container, I used a plastic bottle, cutting it so it measured about two-by-two inches. It just needs to fit easily into the bottom of the cage. I cut a small hole in the tab on the side, which you will also need to do.
Placing the Cup
The back of the cage is the side without the spring-loaded door. With the back door open, put the cup inside the back of the cage and insert the end of the metal hook which hangs down from the top of the cage into the hole in the side of the cup. It should look like the photo to the right on top.
For bait for a chipmunk, many people recommend peanut butter. In my case, I used parrot seeds since the chipmunk I was after had repeatedly demonstrated a fondness for discarded bags of it.
Whatever you use, place it in the cup and close the back door. Make sure the latch on the back door is secure, otherwise, the chipmunk will take the food and run.
Set the Chipmunk Trap. Very Carefully...
This part is tricky and can be a bit frustrating, so be patient. As shown in the photos above, position the triggering rod between the two poles of the front door handle. As you pull the front door fully open, work the triggering rod towards the back of the cage, until it is parallel with the cage itself. It should just reach the top part of the bar that is attached to the bait cup.
The very tip of the triggering rod will slide into the loop at the top of the bait hook. As you try to make this hold, it will probably slip off a few times. Reposition the bait cup as needed to get the needed angle and tension. You will find that it is best to have the trap in its final position before setting it, as even minor jarring will spring it.
A Properly Set Chipmunk Trap
The properly set trap should look like the photo shown. Be sure to check on the trap frequently to make sure it hasn't accidentally sprung, and to see if you have a guest. If you don't catch a chipmunk within a few days, you may want to consider trying a new location or a different bait.
Where to Relocate a Chipmunk?
So it worked, and now you have a caged chipmunk to deal with. If you live near the woods, simply transport the cage some distance from your home and open the front door of the cage, freeing the chipmunk. If you live in a more urban area you could drive to a wooded area and release it there.
Experts vary as to how far away is far enough to prevent return, but a good estimate would be at least 2-3 miles. If possible, an intervening obstacle such as a river or major highway can help, and make sure you have permission to be on that property.
Starring Mr. Chips!
In my case, the chipmunk—Mr. Chips—was causing damage in the garage and basement, so a natural habitat near a stream a couple miles away was preferable and seemed adequate for release. I found a nice bit of forest with a small stream running through it and made a video of the release, starring, of course, Mr. Chips. His scene didn't last very long, but I think it made a great ending. Hopefully he'll be happy with his new home. Good luck, and enjoy the movie!
I found a nice bit of forest with a small stream running through it and made a video of the release, starring, of course, Mr. Chips. His scene didn't last very long, but I think it made a great ending. Hopefully he'll be happy with his new home. Good luck, and enjoy the movie!
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