Squirrels might seem cute and friendly, but they can often be a nuisance if left to their own devices. Squirrels are still rodents and are considered to be a pest. Careful considerations should be made when dealing with a squirrel infestation.
Squirrel traps work by containing or killing the squirrel. They should only be implemented as a last resort after all natural deterrents fail. Trapping squirrels and keeping them as a pet is illegal in most states.
Once caught or killed, squirrels must be released or disposed of on the same day.
The big questions on everyone’s minds are how does a squirrel trap work, and where do I put the traps I have? We’ve done our best to answer these questions to the best of our knowledge, so keep reading.
Use caution when dealing with squirrels, as they can be dangerous to humans and animals.
How Does A Body Grip Trap Work?
Body grip traps are lethal traps that kill rodents by crushing their spine or choking their windpipes. Body grip traps come in various configurations. The most common of these configurations are double spring-loaded traps.
Body grip traps activate when a rodent steps over a pressure plate, the locking mechanism releases and a large metal bar slams down onto the rodent’s body, incapacitating and killing it.
These traps are often dangerous to set up and challenging to use. When using these traps, ensure you put them in an area that no other animal, like a cat or dog, can access.
How Does A Live Cage Trap Work?
Live cage traps are the most common kind of traps that industry professionals use. These metal cages work by luring the rodent inside with bait. Then, a small mechanism at the rear of the enclosure shuts the cage’s door, trapping the rodent inside the cage without harming it.
Most live cage traps are at least 16 inches long and 5 inches wide, making them the perfect size for trapping squirrels.
It is crucial to remember that the trap must only allow enough space for the squirrel to be confined and not too big; otherwise, the squirrel may injure itself trying to escape.
How Do Repeating Cage Traps Work?
Repeating cage traps are mounted to entry and exit holes that squirrels frequent on their way to food sources. Once placed over a hole, a squirrel has no choice and must enter the trap as their alternative routes have been cut off.
The trap is fitted with a one-way door that closes behind the squirrel once it enters the trap. Repeating cage traps are often large enough to house several squirrels at a time.
Some professionals have caught as many as six squirrels in a single repeating cage trap.
How Do One-Way Door Traps Work?
Professionals use one-way door traps in small crawl spaces inside homes like attics. These traps trick the squirrel into thinking there is a space they can squeeze through when in reality, there is a door behind them that closes after they have crossed the trap’s threshold.
These traps don’t work well in older homes that have experienced some form of decay in their wood.
Squirrels don’t like being trapped and gnaw at the wood attempting to escape. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure that the trap is covered in steel and not only on two sides.
Where Should You Place Squirrel Traps?
Consider placing squirrel traps in several locations to rid yourself of these rodents. The most effective place to put squirrel traps is on the roof of your house close to the squirrel’s entry point.
Another good spot for squirrel traps is along their walking route, between food sources and their nest.
Identify where the squirrels store their food and place a trap close to it. Squirrels are very territorial and don’t like things encroaching on the spaces where they feel safe.
What Type Of Bait Should You Use?
While choosing bait can factor into the success or failure of your attempts to capture a squirrel, it is more important to choose the right trap.
It is vital to remember that squirrels are scavengers and will attempt to take any food they encounter.
Smaller foods like bird seeds and nuts are very effective in enticing squirrels. Peanut butter can also be a very effective lure and is readily available in most convenience stores and large grocery stores.
Bait placement is crucial. It would help if you placed the bait near the rear of the trap for the squirrel to fully commit to entering it.
Can You Legally Trap Squirrels?
Most states prohibit people from capturing squirrels.
Squirrels can carry a host of harmful diseases and must be removed as swiftly as possible. When dealing with rodents, you have one of two options.
Option one is to kill the rodent and dispose of the body. Euthanasia is more humane than releasing it back into the wild. Unfortunately, most squirrels don’t survive relocation.
The last option is capturing and releasing it back into the wild, away from your property.
If you choose to capture a squirrel in a live trap, put it in the back of your vehicle and drive it far away from your home to a remote woodland area.
The safest way to rid your home of squirrels is to hire a professional pest control company with the legal paperwork to deal effectively with your problem.
Are There Any Risks Involved With Trapping Squirrels?
Depending on the type of trap you use will depend on the placement.
For instance, placing traps on roofs carries the risk of falling off the roof and seriously injuring yourself.
Using spring-loaded lethal traps carries the risk of activating before you put them, and depending on the strength of the springs, could break fingers.
Take proper precautions and care when handing squirrel traps. Hiring professionals who deal with these kinds of things daily is still the best option for anyone who needs to rid their homes of squirrels.
Final Word
When dealing with pesky squirrels, a trap can be an effective way to catch them. The trap works by enticing the squirrel with bait, such as peanut butter or whole peanuts, and then trapping it inside.
The trap should be large enough to fit the entire squirrel and should be made of durable material to withstand the squirrel’s sharp teeth and strong jaws.
Once the squirrel is trapped, you can release it into the wild or take it to a designated area for release. Before releasing it into the wild, check the laws in your area. Depending on where you live, it may be illegal to relocate squirrels and other wild animals.
With the right trap, bait, and placement, you can easily outsmart those pesky critters and keep them from causing damage to your property.
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