Question
tell me how to get rid of two chipmunks that have taken up residence underneath my front stoop.  Also I have numerous rabbits around that have been eating my flowers is there something I can do about them.

Thanks for your insight

Answer
Chipmunks and Structures

Inspection:  Find how they are entering the structure. Look for 1?holes all over (they climb too). See http://www.icwdm.org/Inspection/Course/default.asp  to learn how.

Long term management of chipmunk requires a reduction of habitat (removing stone walls and securing sheds etc.) and reduction of food supply, typically the removal of bird feeders. Details on both of those can be found at http://icwdm.org/Prevention/Default.asp

Control: Probably the best way to control chipmunks is to trap them. Be sure to check state and local laws to see which control methods are legal in your state.  Rather than repeat a lot of information you can print on your own, visit http://icwdm.org/handbook/rodents/chipmunks.asp This document is part of the Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage book which is the 揃ible?of wildlife damage control in the U.S.   Just make sure you use enough traps. Start with at least three.   Dispose of the chipmunks according to state law. Don抰 think for a minute that translocation is automatically humane. It isn抰. Visit http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/relocation.asp to learn why.  To learn how to euthanize the chipmunks visit http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/default.asp   . If you use snap rat traps be sure to use them only indoors or inside a secured box with a 2?hole in the side so that birds and other non-targets don抰 get injured. Use sunflower seeds for bait not peanutbutter.

You know the infestation is over by corking the hole with newspaper. If the paper isn抰 chewed through or removed in seven days (good weather only),  then you can be reasonably certain the hole is no longer active. Then secure it by filling it with foam and covering with aluminum flashing, unless the situation demands other materials. See http://www.icwdm.org/Inspection/techniquepaperhole.asp


Repellents:
Don抰 bother yourself with those silly ultrasonic devices. There is no scientific evidence that they work. Repellents, including urines, mothballs and other the other stuff marketed to 揹rive?unwanted animals away are typically a waste of money for domiciled chipmunks.

You can try hazing, http://icwdm.org/ControlMethods/hazing.asp but understand that driving an animal out of its home is not a non-lethal technique it is only a less lethal one as the stress of your hazing will negatively impact the chipmunks.  

Rabbits

Exclusion:
The best method of controlling rabbit damage is to simply fence your garden or trees.  Fencing is not expensive if you use chicken wire (provided you aren抰 looking to protect acres. Aesthetics may be a problem but I think there are situations where it could work if you painted the fencing so it blended with the surrounding color. Of course there is always the possibility of electric fencing if legal in your area. Cotton tails can be excluded with a fence that is 18 inches high and buried 2-3 inches into the soil (they aren抰 very good diggers).   Jack rabbits can be excluded with 36 inch high fence which is also buried 6 inches into the ground. Take care to make sure corners and gate areas are protected to prevent animals from squeezing under the door or digging underneath.

Rabbit Resistant Plants
As for plants that rabbits won抰 eat, that is a bit more difficult. There are plants rabbits are less likely to eat but if a rabbit has a choice between starvation and eating something less palatable then it will eat the less palatable plant.
The following plant list may be helpful to you.
?   TREES  Cypress Hackberry Magnolia Oak Redbud  Spruce
?  SHRUBS  Barberry Cinquefoil Cotoneaster Lilac Sage Viburnum

Repellents:
Don抰 waste your time with mothballs, ultrasound. There is no evidence that these actually work but they do have placebo value. For information on repellents, please visit http://www.icwdm.org/ControlMethods/repellents.asp  to learn why repellents fail. This site contains research based information on wildlife damage management. I may be biased, but I think it is the best in the English speaking world. Effigies won't work over the long term because they don't move. Even if they did move, the animals soon learn that they pose no threat.

Trapping:
Trapping is an option for controlling rabbits provided it is legal in your state. The problem with trapping rabbits during the spring and summer is convincing them to go into a cage when there is plenty of food not in the cage available.  If you do trap, get multiple traps. When possible, put up temporary fences to help direct the rabbits into the traps. More information on trapping techniques can be found at the link below. Understand trapping rabbits is not easy, not like catching squirrels. So you will need to be patient.

Relocation of rabbits, even if legal, should be avoided. Contrary to popular mythology, relocation is rarely humane. Rabbits moved to knew areas have to 1. find food, 2. find shelter, 3. avoid predators 4. All the while trying to get the lay of the land 5. Do it before nightfall.  I haven抰 even mentioned the trauma of any young that may be abandoned because 搈omma rabbit was relocated somewhere else?  Finally, there is the problem of moving a disease into a new area or a healthy rabbit into a diseased area.
For information on trapping, please visit http://icwdm.org/handbook/mammals/CottontailRabbits.asp   For euthanasia information visit  http://icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/default.asp By all means, if you have other questions please feel free to contact us.  

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Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. Our advice is only as good as your understanding of our recommendations and our  understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back.