Well today while tending my plants I observed a chipmunk checking out my figs and eating my tomatoes. So I decided that perhaps a plastic owl was in my future. But I had read that the smarter pest learn that the owl is fake because it does not move. So I decided to try something. I printed up a close up picture of an owls face, taped it on a CD and then tied it on hanging with a piece of fishing line to a bamboo stake slanted at an angle. what happens is when the wind hits the CD it spins it, the shinny side makes the animal look at the CD and then the owls eyes look at the animal. Also the moving disk simulates the owl turning its head. I have never seen a chipmunk jump so high. It flew off my deck so fast it must have broke the sound barrier.

Sounds like that's worth a try for me. I have a couple of chipmunks that are digging in some potted trees making a mess. It might be good to make a few of them and move them around every couple of days so they don't get use to them always standing guard in the same place.
Paul, Thanks for the idea.

I bet you had a good laugh, I would have. That sounds like a really good idea especially if there is the special fig that's almost ripe and needs 2 more days.

I hope this trick really works for me.  Has anyone else tried this?

For many many years chipmunks have had a home near my front porch and I really didn't mind them so much.. eventhough they would occassionally dig up some of my potted plants.

Now that they are digging up my one-gallon fig plants that I have nurtured for the past few months it's a different story.  If I don't find a way to stop them from digging them up then I will be forced to give the chipmunks their walking papers!

Would have loved to see that chipmunk when he flew off the deck.

I humane trap and relocate. Caught 6 so far this year. They can be pretty destructive. Problem is they wont eat the whole fruit, but will take bites out of multiple.
Usually if you see one theres atleast 2 more. They are very nimble and lightweight will go for berries, tomatoes too.

I would trap and perhaps set out water. I have an old bird bath sitting on the ground. Im not sure if it really helps. Trapping for sure works.

That might work in Rhode Island but Connecticut chipmunks would eat the disc LOL 

That's probably what the state/local authority would suggest...for bigger animals, they'd probably have other suggestions. 

This is an issue that is a 'hot button' one with me...as I live 'out in the sticks' and tend to be on the receiving end of the transplants...

I guess its that time of year now .I went outside this morning to find several organza bags under my tree
with just fig stems in them.Maybe rats or mice? we dont
have chipmunks in la.

Ive trapped and released for years also. They go to a huge local 409 acre park. The squirrels and chipmunks show up every year...an endless supply, huge population. We just simply dont have enough predators. I wish there was more hawks, foxes to keep these guys in check. But people see a fox and freakout, end up killing them. Mind you my trap is only for small critters...squirrels and cgipmunks. Perhaps rats but we dont have them in my area. If i forgot, and leave the trap out overnight i may catch a possum, i let those guys go in my yard.

I think I may start doing this.I have a couple of these in storage.We have racoons that come out in the daytime
out here(very unusual). I have beautiful tomatoes ripening
on the vine and the critters bypass them ,and go straight
for the figs.As some said earlier,they take just take a bite
out or nock them off the tree.