Chase Away Chipmunks

I put several planters on my deck each summer, but the chipmunks destroy them. How can I keep these pests at bay?

—Debra Scully, Hortonville, Wisconsin

Melinda:

Chipmunks are cute—that is, until they dig up your plants, move your bulbs, raid the birdseed...the list goes on and on. Here are a couple of things you can do to provide relief in the garden.

Sprinkle hot cayenne pepper on the plants or use a commercial repellent labeled for chipmunks. The key is to start treatment before they start digging. It's easier than trying to break a bad habit. Be sure to repeat as needed throughout the season.

You can also try covering the planters with netting immediately after planting. This often discourages the chipmunks, and they'll move on. Once the plants are well established, remove the netting, but continue to keep a watchful eye out for those pesky visitors.