The small rodents are related to the larger rodents.They can be cute little animals to have in your backyard, and as they typically don't cause much damage, you may want to take steps to attract them to the area.You can provide food, water, and shelter to your little friends if you choose plants that will attract chipmunks.
Step 1: Plants that are seed-bearing can be used to feed the chipmunks.
Black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and Coreopsis are some of the flowers you can try.The flowers provide seeds that will draw birds to your yard.As the weather gets colder, don't clear these plants.The seed heads are what the rodents like to eat.
Step 2: Plants with fruit can be used for food.
These plants can be eaten.You can add flowering crabapples, flowering dogwood, high bush cranberry, and hawthorns.You can also plant fruit that you can eat if you don't mind sharing.Other options include bayberry, chokeberry and elderberry.
Step 3: Put in nut-bearing plants.
Hickories, beeches, oaks, and black walnuts are some of the nuts chipmunks will enjoy.You will need to be patient if you plant one of these trees because they will take time to grow to maturity.You can purchase small trees from garden centers so you don't have to wait as long for your trees to grow.
Step 4: Shelter and to entice insects can be found in patches of grasses and wildflowers.
If unmowed patches are not feasible for you, you can use decorative grasses and wildflowers.There will be insects and animals in these areas.These areas can also be used for shelter.
Step 5: There are evergreen trees and shrubs in your yard.
These plants are great for hiding because they stay green all year.You will get to enjoy their leaves all year.Some evergreens include furs, pines, and cedars.
Step 6: Don't use pesticides in your yard.
There are pesticides that will drive off insects.If they eat enough insects that have been sprayed with the insecticide, they could harm the chipmunks.You should avoid it for the same reason.Natural pesticides and herbicides can be used.
Step 7: If you want diversity in your plant life, aim for it.
Diversity will draw a variety of wildlife to your yard, but it will also give the chipmunks choices in what they eat and use as a shelter.You can plant different types of seeds, nuts, flowers, and so on to lure these animals into your backyard.
Step 8: Water can be found in a birdbath, a bowl, or a pond.
All animals need water.The water will be used for bathing and drinking.They don't need a lot of water if you fill it up regularly.If you live in an area prone to mosquitoes, change the water out regularly or use a water feature that creates moving water to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding.The sound of running water will attract animals to your yard.
Step 9: Both the birds and the chipmunks will benefit from birdfeeders.
Squirrels can easily climb bird feeders to get at the treats.You can draw both birds and chipmunks to the yard by filling your birdfeeder with seeds that the animals will love.Pick the seeds that the marauding rodents like so you have a birdfeeder.Leave seeds on the ground for your friends to find.
Step 10: Remove nuts, seeds, or other favorites from bowls.
nut butters, pumpkin seeds, raisins, nuts, and oatmeal and other grains are some of the things that Chipmunks like to eat.You can place these in small bowls around the yard to draw the animals in.Squirrels, rats, and rabbits are some of the animals that may be drawn to these.Other dried fruits and fresh fruit can also be tried.
Step 11: Allow dead trees and bushes to stay where they are for a simple shelter.
If you don't mind a dead tree in your yard, leave it there.The trunk is a good place to hide.They are able to build a nest in the knots and holes.If you have a large backyard that backs up onto the woods, this step would work well.Adding colorful glass or plastic balls to the trunk is one way to make it more aesthetically pleasing.The dead wood will be used to store food for the animals.
Step 12: If you don't rake the leaves in the fall, there will be no food or shelter.
If you rake up the leaves, you're less likely to find friends in your yard.They can use the leaves for warmth and housing.If you don't want to leave your whole yard unraked, you can keep a small pile of leaves in a corner.
Step 13: Old clay pots can be used to make a shelter.
The pots need to be turned on their sides.Try to bury half of them in the ground.You can make a geometric arrangement out of the pots.The pots could be painted in fun patterns.
Step 14: In the corner of your yard, make a brush and leaf shelter.
A simple shelter can be created by piling leaves and branches in a corner of your yard.In the winter, rodents will burrow under it for warmth and protection.For a more elaborate shelter, tie branches together with twine at the top to make a teepee or tent shape and then pile more leaves and branches around it to create the shelter.There are large branches across the bottom of the shelter.Once you've created a dome with the branches, switch to smaller and smaller branches.Use evergreen branches to keep snow out of the ground.Plastic pipe and flower pots are non-wood items that can be added to your shelter.
Step 15: Shelters should be away from your house to help animals feel safe.
If the shelters are too close to the windows and doors, the animals will be frightened.Set them in the back of the yard to draw the animals in and make them feel safe.