How to Catch Ground Squirrels
Trapping and catching ground squirrels can be labor-intensive, however, it is a highly effective approach to reducing squirrel populations on small acreages. Trapping can be effectively conducted any time the squirrels are out of hibernation, which depends on the climate in your region. For humane reasons, it is best to avoid trapping squirrels during the period when females are nursing their young, so please inquire about hibernation and birthing patterns with your local Wildlife Control Agency. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Invest in a sufficient number of traps. Because ground squirrels procreate rapidly, you will need to buy multiple traps to keep the population under control. As a rule of thumb, you should purchase one trap for every 10 to 15 squirrels that you estimate are present.
-
2
Catch ground squirrels with a pocket gopher trap. These are kill-type traps, so if you plan on relocating the squirrels, it is best to purchase a different style. However, these traps are effective as a control method if squirrels are damaging your crops. Pocket gopher traps should be placed near burrow openings found in trees or on trails where the crops are being ravaged. Bait the traps with nuts, orange slices or melons.
-
-
3
Use a spring-loaded jaw trap, similar to larger bear traps, another kill-trap method that does not require bait. Spring-loaded jaw traps are only effective when placed over burrow openings, however a trap box modifications are available that encase the trap jaw inside of a box. If using the trap box modification, you must bait the trap to entice the squirrels inside.
-
4
Choose a more humane live-catch wire or wooden trap to capture squirrels and remove them humanely. These common traps are widely available and often used for stray cats, raccoons and other animals. Again, you will need to bait the trap so that the squirrel will be drawn in.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Releasing ground squirrels into other areas is illegal in some states, so inquire with your local Wildlife Control Agency about rules and regulations for catching and releasing squirrels.
Obtain maximum results by placing the traps unset and baited for at least a week so that the squirrels become accustomed to them. After a week or so, re-bait and set the traps.
More Like This
Comments
-
Live traps are not always humane. my first use I found the squirrel dead in the trap, I guess he was in it about 6 to 8 hours as I checked every day. trauma and stress, not a pleasant death. I am sad.
-
Growing up in Iowa we had a lot of those little suckers tearing up the yard. A (sort of) humane way of trapping them takes time and effort on your part. The first time I tried it I thought no way this will work, but it does. Fill a gallon milk jug full of water and keep the cap. Now the tricky and patient part. You have to sit and wait for one to show itself. When it does chase it in the hole and immediately pour the water from the jug into the hole making sure to seal the jug opening with the hole. The animal will panic and actually run back out of the hole and (they will) run into the jug where you can capture and do what you will with it. I know it sounds far fetched but I swear on the Holy Bible it does work.
-
Oh yea, it's also a lot of fun if legal in your area to set up a scope on a.22 or any varmint riffle and snipe them out one by one. That is very humane because they die instantly. Good to use subsonic ammunition or super sniper 60gr. subsonic.
-
Ground Squirrels also carry deadly diseases unlike tree squirrels. Be very careful handling them. If you do get bitten, wash it off immediately followed by calling animal/poison control.
