How to Make Easy Squirrel Traps
Squirrels love peanut butter, so if you’re looking for a way to catch them without using live traps, try putting nuts and seeds inside your squirrel trap. You can also use fruit and birdseed from your garden to lure them into the trap. Birdseed and seeds are popular with squirrels because they’re easy to find, and they’ll go after them when they’re in the vicinity of a squirrel trap.
Birdseed
If you have a bird feeder and squirrels come by from time to time, you may want to consider adding some bird seed as a squirrel trap. Birds love nuts and seed, and black oil sunflower seeds are especially popular. They also love nut-based blends and are a good backup energy source. Birdseed is also easy to catch, but you must make sure to use a squirrel repellent before using it.
While using glue to catch a squirrel is a popular technique, it is usually not very effective. Glue and grease traps can kill birds and may not even stop the problem. Birdseed is much safer and works just as well as glue and traps. However, it is always better to stick to humane methods when trapping a squirrel. Here are some ways to catch a squirrel:
Unshelled nuts
Squirrels prefer unsalted nuts, but they also enjoy birdseed. Peanut butter, sunflower seeds, and corn can be roasted and used as bait. Put peanut butter on a piece of bread and place it where squirrels frequent. Peanuts can also be stuck on a bait pan. These nuts are appealing to squirrels because they spread easily and are sticky. Unshelled nuts make easy squirrel traps.
You can set bait in body grip traps, but you must place it where the squirrel can easily spot it. Place the bait near an entryway or on a railing. Make sure the bait is large enough for the squirrels to walk over the trigger plate to trigger the trap. If the squirrels are too small to reach the bait, they will be unable to walk over it. Once they’ve been lured in, put them inside the trap.
Tube traps
A tube squirrel trap is simple to construct and will not cost you more than $50. This type of trap is made with a PVC pipe, which is inexpensive and easily available from a hardware store. PVC pipes have a smooth inner surface, which means they are not easily bitten through. Ideally, the pipe you use should be at least 5 inches in diameter. When purchasing PVC pipe, make sure to buy one with a pipe cap or plug.
If you are an experienced DIYer, tube traps are the easiest to make. These traps are made with a 4″ diameter tube, and are about 15 inches long. These traps have a double torsion spring and are baited to attract squirrels. The traps are not poisonous, and you can dispose of the dead mice easily. Tube traps are not as effective as snap traps, so make sure you have ample time to build your own.
Electric traps
One of the best ways to catch squirrels is with an electric trap. These devices work by electrocuting the rodent for 30 to 60 seconds. They are humane and effective, and the dead squirrels are easily removed and disposed of. Making easy traps can be done without purchasing any expensive tools. In addition, you won’t need to use toxic chemicals or dispose of them in landfills. To build these traps, you’ll need some basic tools and a prominent adapter. You’ll also need four ‘D’ batteries, which last for more than 30 disposals.
Another great way to catch squirrels is to use live and kill traps. These traps don’t require bait, so you can keep your conscience clean. Moreover, you can let the squirrel stay in the trap for up to 48 hours without setting it. This way, it will get used to the trap and will be more likely to enter it the next time. And because of this, you don’t have to worry about catching them again.
What materials are needed to make a squirrel trap?
Answer 1: A wire cage bait and a trigger mechanism are needed to make a squirrel trap.
How big does the wire cage need to be?
Answer 2: The wire cage needs to be at least 12x12x32 inches.
What kind of bait should be used?
Answer 3: Peanut butter nuts or fruit can be used as bait.
What will be used as the trigger mechanism?
Answer 4: A stick string or wire can be used as the trigger mechanism.
How is the bait placed inside the cage?
Answer 5: The bait is placed on the trigger mechanism.
How is the trap set?
Answer 6: The trap is set by baiting the trap and setting the trigger mechanism.
Where should the trap be placed?
Answer 7: The trap should be placed near where squirrels are seen.
How do you know if the trap is working?
Answer 8: If the trap catches a squirrel then it is working.
What do you do if the trap catches a squirrel?
Answer 9: If the trap catches a squirrel the squirrel should be released in a wooded area away from homes.
Are there any dangers in using a squirrel trap?
Answer 10: If not used properly a squirrel trap can injure or kill a pet or child.
How can you prevent injuring or killing a pet or child?
Answer 11: The trap should be set in an area where pets and children cannot reach it.
Will a squirrel trap work all the time?
Answer 12: No a squirrel trap will not work all the time.
Why won’t a squirrel trap work all the time?
Answer 13: There are many reasons why a squirrel trap may not work including the bait may not be attractive to the squirrel the trap may not be set properly or the trap may be placed in the wrong location.
What can you do if the squirrel trap is not working?
Answer 14: Try using a different type of bait or trap or moving the trap to a different location.
What should you do if you catch a squirrel in the trap?
Answer 15: The squirrel should be released in a wooded area away from homes.
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.
