My garden is doing wonderfully this summer. The flowers are stunning due to the extra sun they get since we removed a large diseased maple tree. I made a small little container pond that I cannot get enough of—having coffee in the garden listening to the tiny waterfall is my morning ritual. I’m also excited that those pesky lily leaf beetles have finally left the scene of their previous crimes, and my pink lily is looking pretty good with multiple blooms. But a new type of pest has entered the garden: chipmunks. I’ve tried sprinkling cayenne, but the little buggers seem to like a spicy kick when eating my strawberries. I’ve also added bars of Irish Spring everywhere; they bubble and froth every time I water or we get a good rain. My latest trick is plastic snakes placed along their path of travel and under and around everything they might nibble or dig up. I’ve also shut down their favorite restaurant (the birdfeeder) in hopes they pack up and move to a location with better amenities. Of course, that means my backyard birds are none too pleased. Hopefully I’ll be able to refill it again once Chip and Dale and their buddies move on—fingers crossed. Hit me with your best chipmunk control ideas (just not deadly ones!) at cg****@58****.com .Â
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2026 issue of Upstate Gardeners’ Journal.
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