How to Catch a Red Squirrel That is in My Camper
A red squirrel isn’t the only animal that makes a mess inside your camper. These annoying animals can also spread germs and cause damage to your camper with their sharp teeth. Here’s how to get rid of them once and for all. Try using Predator urine, peppermint oil, and garlic. If none of those works, try using a trap made of wire mesh.
Predator urine
Predator urine has been known to deter squirrels. Using the smell of predator urine on the outside of your camper, garage, or attic is a great way to deter the animals. If the smell is strong enough, you can place a dummy hawk or fox in the yard. However, don’t place it near you or children. Predator urine and peppermint repellents are often a hit or miss solution.
Another option is to use a stick containing a small amount of predator urine in the camper’s entry points. This repellent is a much safer alternative than poisons. Besides, predator urine is not toxic to humans or pets, so it is an environmentally-friendly option. You can apply the stick in the area where rodents and squirrels can enter. The odor from predator urine is pleasant and repellent. You can apply it 100 times, every three to four weeks, until the squirrels are gone.
Rat traps
A typical trap used to catch mice is a wooden Victor rat trap. This trap is larger and is baited with peanut butter. I have a 2003 Ford F250XL Crewcab 7.3L with a Prodigy brake controller and Big Tex grille guard. I also have LED lighting, a propane tank and extra batteries. But I recently caught a red squirrel and need to get rid of him for good.
Rat traps for red squirrels are available at sporting goods stores or even on the Internet. You can get one at Tractor Supply or sporting goods stores. Rats can be caught with a live trap, but they can still make a mess in your camper. Before baiting the trap with peanut butter and sunflower seeds, remember that mice are sensitive to smell. If you don’t want to kill them, you can place repellents on them or block the entrances.
Peppermint oil
I used peppermint oil to catch a red squirrel in my camper and it worked perfectly. Peppermint oil is a natural deterrent for rodents and works well to repel them. To use it, soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in holes in your camper. This repellent can also be sprayed on plants or cloths.
If you aren’t comfortable with using peppermint oil on animals, you can mix it with water to make a homemade pesticide. Apply it to the lower leaves and base of plants to repel rodents. Make sure to use this repellent spray on cloudy days or in the late afternoon. You can also make your own pepper spray by mixing cayenne pepper with petroleum jelly and spreading it around the base of tree and poles. You can purchase this essential oil at a local pharmacy for a reasonable price. Don’t forget to wear gloves and wash your hands after using it to avoid any possible skin irritation.
Garlic
In an RV, there is nothing worse than a visiting red squirrel. Not only do they make a mess, but they can also spread germs and damage property. You can use garlic to repel these pests without the need for a trap. But how do I get rid of red squirrels? Here are some tips:
Use a repellent. Garlic is a strong smell that squirrels hate. Apply crushed garlic to cracks or near plants to repel the animals. The smell will dissipate after a few days. Applying garlic around the camper will deter the red squirrels from coming inside. If the squirrels continue to stay, you can apply the repellent every day.
Home-made sprays
A homemade squirrel repellent spray is a quick, easy way to keep the rodents away. Combine half a bottle of tabasco sauce with water and apply it to plants. The scent is highly unpleasant to rodents and will keep them away from your camper. Also, mix one to two drops of cayenne pepper in a small container of petroleum jelly. This spray will make the squirrels stay away, and you can easily customize the mixture by using essential oils.
Home-made sprays to catch a gray squirrel in my camper are not effective because of the harshness of their ingredients. They are toxic to domestic animals and may kill the rodent within a week. Moreover, these sprays should not be kept within reach of children or pets. In addition, they can cause seizures and pain in the rodents. So, when it comes to poisons, I recommend using the non-poisonous alternatives.
Using peppermint oil to repel squirrels
If you’ve tried everything else to keep your garden free of squirrels and you still haven’t managed to get rid of them, you can try a natural remedy that is sure to work: peppermint oil. This essential oil can be diffused in a spray that you can apply to trees, shrubs, and your home itself. Squirrels can’t stand the smell of peppermint oil, so try diffusing it around the base of your trees or shrubs.
Squirrels are known to be very adaptable and will take up residence in any environment. While dogs and hawks are natural predators, they can also quickly adapt to new environments. So the best way to get rid of these pests is to make their environment less appealing to them. Peppermint is an excellent way to achieve this. It can be used both in plant and oil form to repel squirrels.
How do you set a trap for a red squirrel?
You need a live trap that is at least 10x10x32 inches.
Place the trap in an area where you have seen the squirrel and bait it with peanuts sunflower seeds or corn.
What kind of bait should you use for a red squirrel?
Peanuts sunflower seeds or corn.
How big does the trap need to be for a red squirrel?
The trap needs to be at least 10x10x32 inches.
Where should you place the trap for a red squirrel?
Place the trap in an area where you have seen the squirrel.
How do you know if you have caught a red squirrel?
Red squirrels have red-brown fur on their upper body and are smaller than grey squirrels.
What do you do with a red squirrel after you have caught it?
You should contact your local wildlife rehabilitator.
What should you not do with a red squirrel after you have caught it?
Do not release the squirrel into the wild as this can spread disease.
Why should you not release a red squirrel into the wild?
This can spread disease.
How can you tell if a squirrel has disease?
If a squirrel has disease it may have bald patches be lethargic have abnormal behavior or be thin.
What are some signs of a healthy red squirrel?
A healthy red squirrel will have a clean coat be alert and have bright eyes.
What should you do if you find a sick or injured red squirrel?
Contact your local wildlife rehabilitator.
What should you do if you cannot find a local wildlife rehabilitator?
Contact your local animal control or humane society.
What should you not do if you find a sick or injured red squirrel?
Do not try to care for the squirrel yourself as you could get bitten or scratched.
How can you prevent red squirrels from entering your home?
Seal up any cracks or holes on the outside of your home and keep food stored in sealed containers.
What should you do if a red squirrel is in your home?
calmly escort the squirrel outside and close the door behind it.

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.