A Holy War

 

Not the kind you are probably anticipating.  This Holy War is against an adorable creature that everyone finds so cute! But when they invade my flower beds and wreak havoc…. the war begins!

So…the house we now call home came with lots of hostas and very nice trees.  There were a few areas that needed landscaping and we have accomplished that slowly over the last few years.

This spring I planted a small flower bed at the corner of the house.  I was worried the plants might not survive as the soil in our area is very heavy with clay.  I did what I could to lightened it up, planted the plants, kept them watered (we’ve had a very hot summer) and was very happy when it became apparent that they were doing well in their new home. 

Then, I started noticing holes in the bed.  I kept my eye on the bed and pretty soon it became apparent who the culprit was …. that adorable, sweet little chipmunk.   

Honestly, I do not want to kill him (or them, not sure) but I have to find a way to chase them off.

Pete suggested trying moth balls.  Now, for those who are a bit younger, let me explain.  Back in the dark ages, when I was young and still living with my parents, my Mom routinely used moth balls with our wool clothes.  There is an insect that loves to eat wool….and moth balls are nasty smelling, small little balls of whatever they are made of, that chase the moths away.  They really smell awful and Pete’s theory is that if anything will disgust a chipmunk, it will be moth balls.

So, today I went to Dollar General, a sure bet to have moth balls, (and they did), bought two packages and stuffed them down the holes the chipmunks have created. 

Time will tell if it works.