How to Build a Ground Squirrel Trap
Compared to other methods of pest control, trapping ground squirrels is environmentally safe and will not expose your family or pets to toxic chemicals. Wire, pipe, and other plumbing supplies can be used to make a ground squirrel trap. For best results, bait your trap before releasing it. This is because baited traps work better than those without bait. If you don’t want to use bait, you can also build a squirrel trap using Ditrac ground squirrel bait and Havahart #1077 Squirrel Cage.
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Recycle plumbing supplies to build a squirrel trap
Squirrels are notorious for eating garden crops. While there are several kill-free traps available in the market, they can be pricey. Many old-time gardeners recycle their plumbing supplies to make a squirrel trap. This trap is easy to make and can be set up in less than half an hour. It’s also great for those who are looking for a cheap way to catch squirrels.
If you’re a serious DIYer, you may want to buy some professional equipment or purchase one. For a home-made trap, use a sensitive trigger and spend a little time monitoring your catch. Squirrels are highly excitable and may perceive your trap as a trap. Make sure to carefully monitor the trap while it’s in operation. Also, remember that the trap may be difficult to use in winter when the squirrels are preparing to hibernate.
Baited traps work better than unbaited traps
Using bait in a ground squirrel trap is a great way to prevent these pesky creatures from damaging your home or yard. Squirrels love nuts and seeds and will often gather them in your yard. Peanut butter and unsalted peanuts are common choices for bait. A bait pan can be constructed of bread, peanut butter, or a marshmallow. A live squirrel is more likely to take bait in a two-door trap.
When setting up a ground squirrel trap, be sure to bait it well with peanut butter. It works better than an unbaited trap because the squirrel must actually break through the bait to release the trap. Squirrels also carry fleas and lice and should always be handled with disposable latex gloves. The bait should be kept fresh and tasty so that the animal will be lured to the trap.
Using Ditrac ground squirrel bait
If you’re trying to catch ground squirrels in your yard, building a trap is a good idea. Glue boards are commercially available or you can build a homemade trap. Glue boards can be placed in areas where squirrels like to feed, and you can bait them with peanut butter or other nutmeat. Make sure to set the traps on a solid surface and put a heavy rock underneath to prevent the critters from running around. These traps are very effective, but they don’t work in dirty environments, or in areas where pets or children can access them. Additionally, these traps can attract nontarget wildlife.
Ditrac ground squirrel bait is an approved poison. It contains Diphacinone, a non-restricted-use rodenticide that is formulated to attract California ground squirrels. This product contains 0.005 percent Diphacinone, and must be used in conjunction with a tamper-resistant bait station. The product contains the highest grade toxicants and inert ingredients for a highly effective rodent control.
Using Havahart #1077 Squirrel Cage
A Havahart 1077 squirrel cage is one of the most popular brands when it comes to humanely capturing squirrels. Its galvanized steel construction and sensitive trigger rod prevent critters from getting hurt. It also features a single spring-loaded door, smoothed internal edges, and an air-tight system that prevents critters from escaping. Havahart recommends following the product’s instructions for baits, and use one product per animal.
Once you have purchased the materials for your trap, you need to anchor it to the ground and place a heavy object on top of it. This will discourage squirrels from removing the bait, and will keep them in one location. Before setting the trap, make sure to close any openings, small holes, or cracks in the area. After using the trap, it is important to disinfect it with a bleach solution. Wait for 20 minutes before wiping down the trap with the bleach solution.
Live trapping is the only reliable method of removing ground squirrels
There are many methods for removing ground squirrels, but none of them is 100% effective. While you may want to try trapping them yourself, this method is extremely time-consuming and requires patience. Not only will you have to use traps, you will also have to follow local laws when using them. It is a better idea to hire a professional to get rid of squirrels in your yard. Terminix is a company that specializes in wildlife removal.
There are different types of traps available on the market, but the most effective and humane way is to use a live trap. These traps are available at your local hardware store and are very effective at catching ground squirrels. You should be sure to buy a trap that has multiple entrances, as this will help to catch many ground squirrels at once. Another way to attract ground squirrels to your trap is to use peanut butter or some other type of bait. Peanut butter, seeds, or acorns are all good options for lures.
What are the materials necessary to build a ground squirrel trap?
Answer 1: A ground squirrel trap requires a wire cage bait and a mechanism to trigger the door shut.
How big does the wire cage need to be?
Answer 2: The wire cage should be at least 12x12x18 inches.
What type of bait works well for ground squirrels?
Answer 3: Ground squirrels are attracted to seeds nuts and fruits.
Where should the trap be placed?
Answer 4: The trap should be placed in an area where ground squirrels are active and near their burrows.
How should the bait be placed in the trap?
Answer 5: The bait should be placed on the trigger plate in the back of the cage.
What is the best type of trigger plate to use?
Answer 6: A spring-loaded trigger plate works well.
How do you set the trigger plate?
Answer 7: The trigger plate should be baited and set so that when the ground squirrel takes the bait the door will shut.
What is the best type of door to use?
Answer 8: A sliding door is the best type of door to use.
How do you attach the door to the cage?
Answer 9: The door can be attached to the cage with a wire or a hinge.
How do you know if the trap is working?
Answer 10: You can tell the trap is working if you see ground squirrels going into the cage but not coming out.
How do you remove the ground squirrel from the trap?
Answer 11: To remove the ground squirrel from the trap open the door and release the animal.
What should you do with the ground squirrel once you have caught it?
Answer 12: It is best to relocate the ground squirrel to an area away from your home.
How often do you need to check the trap?
Answer 13: The trap should be checked daily.
What do you do if the ground squirrel has babies in the trap?
Answer 14: If the ground squirrel has babies in the trap they can be removed by hand.
What do you do if the ground squirrel is not eating the bait?
Answer 15: If the ground squirrel is not eating the bait try a different type of bait.
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.
