Tips on Using a Live Trap to Catch Squirrels
Perhaps you've heard it scratching so loud it keeps you up at night. Maybe you've discovered signs of its waste products in the attic. It's possible you've even seen a squirrel running around your house. In any instance, you want the squirrel gone, and gone for good. There are many methods to remove a squirrel, including use of a live trap. Does this Spark an idea?
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Trap Basics
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Place a live trap near the point where the squirrels are gaining access to your home. The trap must be at least 6-inches wide, 6-inches tall and 18-inches long. Place the trap in the pathway from the outside of the home to the squirrel's nesting location. Place a little bit of peanut butter on the inside of the trap to serve as bait.
Making the Capture
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Some people choose to use the trap only during the day. Squirrels are not nocturnal, but other animals are. Leaving the trap open during the night might result in catching an undesired animal. Be patient; more than one squirrel likely resides in your home. After you've caught a squirrel, return the trap to the same location to capture additional rodents. This process might take several days.
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Stubborn Squirrels
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Leave a trap baited, but open. This allows the squirrels to lose any fear of being captured. Set the trap to close after the squirrel becomes accustomed to taking the bait. Place a bit of carpet underneath the trap to add stability to the unit. Place two traps back to back. Open one nearest the animal's entrance point to alleviate its fears. The second trap captures the squirrel as it passes through the first.
Releasing the Squirrels
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Captured squirrels create a ruckus. Placing a blanket or towel between you and the animal's line of sight. Carry the live trap outside the home, and release the squirrel. Many states require that the animal be released on your own property; it might be illegal to take the squirrel to a nearby park. Seal the squirrel's entrance point after all have been captured.
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References
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