How to Bait a Squirrel Live Trap
There are several ways to lure squirrels to a squirrel trap. These include using peanut butter, fruit, squeeze packs, or even one-way doors. Here’s how to bait a squirrel trap using a variety of different foods. Once you’ve learned how to bait a squirrel trap, you can start catching squirrels today! But before you try this method, read up on some of the common mistakes that you may make when baiting a squirrel trap.
Peanut butter
A great way to lure a squirrel into a live trap is to place nuts and seeds in it. Many squirrels will avoid acorns and peanut butter, but you can try placing almond extract on bread or a few marshmallows. Depending on the size of your trap, you might need to use different amounts of peanut butter. Once the squirrel is in the trap, it should be very easy to catch them!
To attract a squirrel to enter the trap, first place a small amount of peanut butter on the pressure plate. This will entice the squirrel to enter and trigger the trap. Alternatively, you can use another type of bait such as oranges. As they contain a high level of water, they will be easily tempted by the scent of the peanut butter and will be drawn in. If you have a one-way trap, you can use orange slices as bait.
Fruit
There are many different ways to lure a squirrel into your live trap. You can try peanut butter, fruit, and seeds. If you don’t want to risk harming your garden birds, try putting birdseed or seeds in the trap instead. Squirrels will typically head straight for birdseed or seeds. If you don’t want to use peanut butter, you can also use fruit like oranges.
Once you’ve placed the fruit or nuts in your squirrel trap, you need to make sure the trap is set. Push the door lock or lift the door plate until the trigger arm’s hook catches the trap’s door. Then, check the trap every few hours or so, and replace the bait as needed. If you check your trap too often, the squirrel may get discouraged and will avoid approaching the trap altogether. You should also not keep trapped animals in the trap for more than 24 hours.
Squeeze packs
There are many types of squirrel live traps available on the market. They vary in terms of size and features, but all work in the same way: squirrels will walk into the trap, attracted by the scent of the bait food, and then the door will close, snaring the squirrel inside. You can also place the trap on top of a chimney, a fence post, or the top of a dryer vent. Make sure that you use the proper bait to ensure that the squirrel is trapped, though!
Squirrels will be lured to a peanut butter lure, and peanut butter will not slide off the trigger mechanism in most traps. To keep food separate, you can use squeeze packs to hold peanut butter and bird seed. If you’re using separate traps, you’ll find these convenient and effective. If you don’t have enough time to keep food separated, you can buy additional squeeze packs as needed.
One-way doors
There are two basic trap designs: a one-way door and a one-way trap. The first design allows a squirrel to enter the trap but not leave it. The one-way door is placed over the hole from which the squirrel is gaining access. A repeater trap is installed over the same area and prevents the squirrel from getting back into the trap. A one-way door can hold up to 12 squirrels.
If the squirrel cannot get out of the home, the best option is to install a one-way door and close the door. If the opening is larger, add some extra material. Using a one-way door will make a squirrel live trap much easier to use. After ensuring the door is secure, you can replace it with a mesh door. One-way doors are the easiest and most humane method for squirrel removal.
Exclusion devices
One way to trap a squirrel is to use an exclusion device. These devices work like a live cage trap, but the door does not lock when the animal is in it. This means that small squirrels cannot enter an exclusion device until they are old enough to leave the nest. You should never use an exclusion device to trap a baby squirrel, as this could lock it in and kill it.
Once you have trapped a squirrel, you should seal off any other places where it could gain access to your home. The best way to do this is to place several cage traps in strategic locations. Make sure that you are placing them in paths the squirrel would take to get in. You can find these places by inspecting your roof for holes and inspecting your fascia boards. In addition, check for holes in the roofing and any loose flashing around the openings.
Visual deterrents
If you are a homeowner, you might be looking for visual deterrents for baiting a squirrel live trap. This bait works by concealing the squirrel inside of the trap, so the animal cannot see it or avoid it. It can also be used in conjunction with a scent or food source. A video below will help you set up your trap properly. Follow the steps outlined in the video to make your trap more effective.
Use audio or visual deterrents to scare off squirrels. These are not permanent deterrents, but they can provide relief for a period of time. The sound or visual cues can give you enough time to set a trap and seal up the entrance hole. Another deterrent that is very effective is ultrasonic devices. These devices are made to emit high-frequency sound waves and have been advertised for squirrel repellent. However, scientific research has not confirmed their effectiveness.
How do you bait a squirrel live trap?
Answer 1: You can use a variety of things for bait including nuts seeds berries and even peanut butter.
What kind of trap do you need to catch a squirrel?
Answer 2: A live trap is the best option to safely and effectively catch a squirrel.
How big does the trap need to be?
Answer 3: The trap should be at least 10x10x12 inches.
Where should you place the trap?
Answer 4: Place the trap along the squirrel’s travel routes near areas where they are active and near food sources.
What are some signs that a squirrel is present?
Answer 5: Some signs that a squirrel is present include finding fresh droppings chewed up food or damage to plants.
How can you reduce the chances of capturing non-target animals?
Answer 6: Place the trap on solid ground in an area where there is a clear line of sight and use a bait that is attractive to squirrels but not other animals.
How often should you check the trap?
Answer 7: Check the trap at least once every 24 hours.
What should you do if you capture a squirrel?
Answer 8: Carefully release the squirrel in an area far away from your home and make sure there are no barriers that the squirrel can’t escape from.
What should you do if the trap is empty?
Answer 9: If the trap is empty reset it in the same location or move it to a new location if you think the squirrel has moved.
What are some things you should avoid doing?
Answer 10: Some things you should avoid doing include using a trap that is too small using bait that is too smelly or placing the trap in an area where there is a lot of human activity.
What are some common mistakes people make?
Answer 11: Some common mistakes people make include not checking the trap often enough not resetting the trap and not using the right bait.
What happens if a squirrel is not caught within a few days?
Answer 12: If a squirrel is not caught within a few days it is likely that the squirrel has moved and you will need to reset the trap in a new location.
What if you catch a different animal in the trap?
Answer 13: If you catch a different animal in the trap release it immediately and reset the trap.
What if the squirrel is injured?
Answer 14: If the squirrel is injured contact a wildlife rehabilitator for help.
What if you can’t find a squirrel?
Answer 15: If you can’t find a squirrel try using a different bait or resetting the trap in a new location.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
