About Squirrel Traps
The most common squirrel in North America is the gray squirrel and it usually resides in forested areas filled with hickory, oak, beech and other nut trees. However, squirrels are also common in suburban forested areas and can become pests when it comes to looking for food. Birdseed, garden produce and even pet food are tempting to squirrels that reside close to your backyard. Squirrels can even turn your attic space into their new home. There are several ways to trap squirrels that have become a pesky problem. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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A squirrel trap is usually considered a live animal trap that is specifically designed for small animals that weigh under 1 pound. The marketing or packaging may or may not specify "squirrel," but most will list the types of animals for that trap. A small live animal trap can also be used for rats and marmosets. A squirrel trap, or live animal trap, consists of an elongated metal cage with a trap door at one end. The door is set open and latched to a spring. The spring is attached to a trigger that goes off when a small animal puts pressure on it, usually when eating the food bait set nearby. The door closes and locks, and the animal is humanely trapped and ready for disposal.
Size
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A small animal trap is generally no bigger than 18 by 7 by 7 inches. If the trap is much larger, the trigger may not be sensitive enough to spring for a lightweight squirrel. If the trap is too small, the squirrel may not be completely enclosed when the door is sprung and the animal can be injured or even escape. The traps are made of wire mesh, usually with a 1/2-inch or 1-inch grid.
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Benefits
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A squirrel trap is one of the only ways that you can remove a squirrel from your area. Many cities and counties have regulations against setting out poison for pests and most people prefer not to poison squirrels. This is because they will crawl off to the attic or crawl spaces and die, causing problems in an entirely different way. Live-trapping is effective and humane and a squirrel trap allows the animal to remain unharmed and keeps you from getting injured by the animal's biting or scratching.
Operation
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Setting a squirrel trap is relatively simple. While the manufacturer may recommend a specific type of bait, most pest control experts recommend peanut butter as an excellent and enticing bait for squirrels. Determine the path that the squirrel takes to and from its home, whether that is a hole in your fence or the roof of your house. Observe the squirrel at dawn and dusk, when it will go in search of food, and determine a solid, level place for the trap that is along the path. During the day, place the trap in the designated location and set it. Smear peanut butter onto the trigger platform and fasten the door open. Leave the trap with the door locked open for a day so the squirrel will investigate, enter and eat the bait a few times without the door springing closed. When you are ready, set the door so that it will spring closed and wait for the squirrel, who will be expecting another easy meal, to spring the trap.
Warning
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When setting a squirrel trap, be aware of other animals in the area, such as cats and small dogs, that may also be enticed by the bait. Also, when you have trapped a squirrel in the squirrel trap, remember to wear heavy leather gloves when carrying the trap by the handle. A squirrel should be relocated anywhere from 3 to 5 miles away from your home to ensure that it won't come back. Simply set the trap down, open the door and wait for the squirrel to exit and run off.
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