Chipmunks are easy to trap with the right tool, and the best traps are small, sensitive, and quick. Because chipmunks are small and active during the day, traps need frequent checking. Here are the traps worth using.
- Snap traps and small live traps both work for chipmunks.
- Chipmunks are active during the day, so check traps daily.
- Bait with seeds or peanut butter.
- Covered traps protect pets and non-target animals.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRATPER Rat & Chipmunk Trap | Covered snap | Best Overall | Check price |
| Kat Sense Covered Trap | Covered snap | Best Covered | Check price |
| Anyhall 2-Pack Live Trap | Live trap | Best Live | Check price |
| Kat Sense 6 Snap Traps | Snap trap | Best Value | Check price |
| Anyhall Live Chipmunk Trap | Live trap | Best Humane | Check price |
| Wanqueen 2-Pack Live | Live trap | Budget | Check price |
Best Overall: TRATPER Rat & Chipmunk Trap
Best Overall- Type
- Covered snap trap
- Target
- Chipmunks and rats
- Safety
- Covered trigger
- Bait
- Seeds or peanut butter
The TRATPER trap is a covered snap design that prevents accidental triggering and keeps pets and fingers away from the trigger. It is sized for chipmunks and rats, with a sensitive mechanism that fires reliably on a small animal.
The covered design makes it safer around the yard than an open snap trap, which matters when pets or children are present.
Best Covered: Kat Sense Covered Trap
Best Covered- Type
- Covered snap trap
- Target
- Chipmunks and rats
- Safety
- Enclosed housing
- Bait
- Peanut butter or seeds
Kat Sense’s covered trap is designed to prevent accidental triggering and keep non-target animals safe. The enclosed design means only the intended animal reaches the bait and trigger.
It is the right choice when you have pets that roam the yard, since the covered housing keeps them away from the mechanism.
Best Live: Anyhall 2-Pack Live Trap
Best Live- Type
- Live cage trap (2-pack)
- Target
- Chipmunks, voles, mice
- Humane
- Catch and release
- Bait
- Seeds
The Anyhall two-pack of live traps lets you catch chipmunks without killing them, so you can relocate them. Each trap is a small cage with a trigger door that closes when the animal enters.
Live trapping is the humane choice if you plan to relocate, but you must check traps frequently, since a trapped chipmunk is stressed and needs release promptly.
Best Value: Kat Sense 6 Snap Traps
Best Value- Type
- Snap traps (6-pack)
- Target
- Chipmunks and mice
- Reusable
- Yes
- Bait
- Peanut butter
This six-pack of snap traps gives you enough coverage for a chipmunk colony at a low per-trap cost. Each trap is a reusable snap design sized for chipmunks and mice.
The multi-pack is the economical way to treat a yard with several chipmunks, since you can place traps along multiple runways at once.
Best Humane: Anyhall Live Chipmunk Trap
Best Humane- Type
- Live cage trap
- Target
- Chipmunks
- Humane
- Catch and release
- Bait
- Seeds or nuts
This single live trap is the humane option for catching and releasing a chipmunk. The cage design closes the door when the animal enters, so you can relocate it without harm.
Live trapping is the right choice if you prefer not to kill the animal, but you must release it promptly and check local rules on relocation.
Budget: Wanqueen 2-Pack Live
Budget- Type
- Live cage trap (2-pack)
- Target
- Chipmunks and mice
- Humane
- Catch and release
- Budget
- Low cost
The Wanqueen two-pack of live traps is the budget entry into humane chipmunk trapping. Two traps at a low price let you try catch-and-release without a big investment.
The small cage design is sized for chipmunks and mice, and the low cost makes it a reasonable first step before spending more.
How to Choose a Chipmunk Trap
Humane vs. Snap
Live traps let you relocate the animal, but require frequent checking and legal release. Snap traps are quicker but kill. Choose based on your preference and local rules.
Safety
Covered traps protect pets and children from the trigger. If pets roam the yard, a covered or enclosed trap is the safer choice.
Placement
Place traps along runways, near burrow entrances, and along walls where chipmunks travel. Bait with seeds, nuts, or peanut butter, and check daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
A covered snap trap or a small live trap both work well. The covered design is safer around pets, while a live trap is the humane choice if you plan to relocate.
Seeds, nuts, and peanut butter all work. Sunflower seeds are a reliable choice, and a small dab of peanut butter holds the seed in place.
Yes, chipmunks are less wary than rats and respond well to traps. Place traps along runways and check them daily for the best results.
Rules vary by state, and some restrict relocation. Check with your state wildlife agency before relocating a trapped chipmunk.
Two to six, depending on the population. A multi-pack lets you place traps along several runways at once.
