How to Catch a Ground Squirrel in a Bucket
If you want to catch a ground squirrel, you have to make sure you have the right size trap for the animal. You also need to use bait to lure the squirrel into the trap. This is a humane way of removing a squirrel from your yard. In this article, we’ll cover how to make a trap, how to place it, and whether the trap works. Read on to learn how to catch a ground squirrel.
Table of Contents
Bait
When you want to catch ground squirrels, one of the most humane ways to do so is to use a trap. All you need is a trap of the right size and some bait. Once the animal enters the trap, it should remain inside the bucket for a few hours. Then, you can move it to an open field. If the trapping process doesn’t work out right away, the squirrel can learn to avoid the trap and try again later.
To catch ground squirrels, you can use rat-sized traps, but the trap must be secure. A ground squirrel is a very agile animal, and it may turn over and drag the bait outside. To make it more secure, you can hot-glue nutmeats to the trap’s trigger so that the ground squirrel cannot pull out the bait. You can also use a bucket with a metal lid and set it on top.
Traps
If you want to catch ground squirrels, one of the easiest methods is to build a trap using a bucket and plastic pipe. Plastic pipe of varying diameters works well and can be recycled many times. Foam core DWV pipe is the best choice, as it is sturdy and can withstand periodic drops and bumps. The materials for a four-inch-diameter trap cost about $50. You can purchase a kit online to make your trap and bait it with nuts and seeds.
Place the bucket in a place where the ground squirrels frequent. Their travel routes include the base of a tree, a bird feeder, or a wall that’s damaged. Then, bait it with peanut butter or another food item. Then, set the trap in a place where the squirrels travel. The bait must be placed as far back as possible in the trap, past the trigger mechanism. After setting up the trap, you need to check the squirrels every day to make sure they don’t escape. If they don’t get out, move it to another location and wait until they are gone.
Placement of traps
The first step in catching ground squirrels is to set up a live trap. This trap is about 24″L by 5″H. Set it several feet from the entrance of the ground squirrel’s burrow. A well-placed trap will attract the animal’s attention, allowing it to enter the trap. Place it on a heavy rock, plywood, or other solid surface. A trap that’s set too close to a tree or utility line will only scare it.
Once the trap is set, place peanut butter in the TOP and BASE pipes. Place the trap near a tree, and make sure it is high enough to reach the tree trunk. Place the trap next to the tree, with the BASE on the ground and the TOP touching the tree trunk. Secure the trap with a bungee cord. The squirrel will not be able to escape. The trap will also attract the ground squirrel’s attention.
Effectiveness of traps
To successfully catch ground squirrels, it is necessary to use a variety of traps. A variety of traps are available, but the most effective are made from fine mesh material. Pipe traps are particularly effective because of their smaller size, as they only measure five inches by five inches. They also act like pliers, closing on the animal as it enters the trap. Fortunately, most traps do not harm the animal during the process.
When choosing ground squirrel traps, the most common types are box and wire-cage live traps. A Black Fox repeating live trap is an excellent option, and is especially effective for catching several ground squirrels at one time. It features heavy-gauge wire doors that are designed to open easily for pre-baiting. In addition, it features a self-closing door, so the ground squirrel cannot escape. Box traps are best if baited with pistachios, almonds, walnuts, barley, and many other fruits and vegetables.
Safeness of traps
Before you set up a trap, it’s important to determine where the squirrel is most likely to go. This means identifying a tree trunk or fence near a bird feeder or a wall near a damaged house. Place the trap near these points so the animal will be unable to escape. Be sure to follow local regulations to ensure your safety. If you’ve caught a squirrel in a trap, release it safely away from your home.
For safety, you should place the trap on a solid surface, like plywood or a heavy rock. A ground squirrel can easily get around a trap, so it’s important to set it on something sturdy. Make sure that the bucket is not prone to being rolled around, since it will cause the trapped critter to run around in the bucket and scare other animals.
Cost of traps
There are several methods of getting rid of ground squirrels, including glue boards and snap traps. Glue boards are used for catching animals, but are not always effective. Glue boards attract nontarget wildlife and are not recommended for dirty conditions. They also may attract pets, children, and other nontarget wildlife. Cost of ground squirrel traps varies. Some are about $300; others can run up to $500. For best results, place traps at least 10 miles from your home.
One-way exclusion doors and funnels are similar, but cost around $200 to $500. These devices are installed on the main entrance of your home, making it impossible for the squirrel to return. A one-way door is similar to a funnel-shaped entryway, but it can trap only one type of squirrel at a time. This type of trap also comes with a one-year warranty. If you want to get rid of ground squirrels permanently, you can consider installing a one-way exclusion door.
What is the best time of day to try and catch a ground squirrel in a bucket?
The early morning hours or late evening are the best times to try to catch a ground squirrel in a bucket.
What type of bucket should be used?
A five-gallon bucket with a lid is ideal.
Where should the bucket be placed?
The bucket should be placed in an area where ground squirrels are known to frequent.
What type of bait should be used?
Ground squirrels are attracted to a variety of baits including seeds nuts berries and fruits.
Should the bait be placed in the bottom of the bucket?
No the bait should be placed on a piece of cardboard or a piece of wood so that it is not in direct contact with the bottom of the bucket.
How should the bucket be baited?
A small amount of bait should be placed on the cardboard or wood.
What happens if the ground squirrel takes the bait but does not fall in the bucket?
If the ground squirrel takes the bait but does not fall in the bucket more bait should be added until the ground squirrel falls in.
How can the ground squirrel be enticed to fall in the bucket?
Once the ground squirrel takes the bait a stick or a piece of string can be used to guide the ground squirrel into the bucket.
What if the ground squirrel does not take the bait?
More bait should be added until the ground squirrel takes the bait.
Should the bucket be covered?
Yes the bucket should be covered so that the ground squirrel cannot see out.
How long should the ground squirrel be left in the bucket?
The ground squirrel should be left in the bucket for a few hours so that it can be released in a new location.
What is the best way to release the ground squirrel?
The ground squirrel should be released in an area far away from people and pets.
What if the ground squirrel is not caught after a few hours?
The bucket should be checked every few hours and the bait should be replaced if necessary.
What should be done with the ground squirrel once it is caught?
The ground squirrel should be released in an area far away from people and pets.
What are some of the risks associated with this method?
There is a risk of harming the ground squirrel if the bait is not placed correctly or if the ground squirrel is not released properly.
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.
