How to Make Squirrel Traps
If you’re wondering how to catch squirrels, a squirrel trap is one of the best ways to do it. A squirrel trap is a simple trap made from card boxes, plastic pipes, or wires. To make a squirrel trap, you will need bait – such as nuts or grains – to attract the squirrel to the trap. Make sure to place the trap where the squirrel can see the bait, so you can catch the squirrel easily.
Table of Contents
Bait
There are several ways to catch squirrels and many of them are very effective, but one of the most simple is by using nuts. Squirrels love nuts, especially sunflower seeds and peanuts. These can be put into squirrel traps in the shell. Alternatively, peanut butter can also be used. Once the squirrels have entered the trap, they will be lured in by the nutty scent.
The first step is to prepare your traps for squirrels. It should not take more than a day. You should also wear gloves while setting up the trap, as a squirrel has a keen olfactory sense. Once the trap is set, make sure you keep the squirrel in one corner of the room, as it will not have much time to escape. If necessary, move furniture to make room for the trap, but do not stay too close to the squirrel.
Placement
The best placement for squirrel traps is on trees where squirrels are known to frequent. However, you can place them on fence posts as well. The trick is to position them so the squirrels will need to climb down a few inches to enter the trap. This is because squirrels will typically sit on top of a fence and can engage in an engaging game from above. Regardless of the type of trap you use, you will need to be very careful when placing them in your yard.
Once you have successfully trapped the squirrels in your yard, you need to be patient and wait a couple of days. Mother squirrels are very protective of their young, and will often wait several days before leaving the nest. Once the babies are old enough to leave the nest, you can treat them as you would any other squirrel. If you are unable to wait that long, you should set up traps in the attic.
Choosing the right bait
Choosing the right bait when making squirrel trap is crucial to ensuring a successful outcome. Nuts are a favorite of the squirrel and peanut butter or sunflower seeds are ideal baits. Sunflower seeds are preferable because of the water content, while peanut butter can dry up the trap pan and cause allergic reactions for some people. However, don’t give up on peanut butter just yet! The next few tips will help you get the most effective trapping results!
The bait should be enticing enough to entice the squirrels to fall into the trap. Some baits are not very appealing to squirrels, so you should experiment with different varieties of nuts and seeds. Also, you should consider where the trap will be placed. Try to watch the areas where the squirrels congregate. If they have a favorite tree nearby, place your trap at the top of that tree.
Using a one-way door
If you’ve ever wondered how to trap a squirrel, one of the easiest methods is using a one-way door. These doors come with mounting wings that attach to buildings. This design lets animals exit the trap and prevents new ones from entering the building. These traps are made in the USA and come with a warranty. Here are a few tips to help you build your own traps:
Before installing the one-way door, be sure to remove the baby bird physically from the hole. This is so that it can be reunited with the mother outside. If possible, use a temporary box nearby until the baby bird is mobile enough to be released. When you have completed the squirrel trap, make sure to place the baby bird in a container until it is old enough to escape.
What is the best way to bait a squirrel trap?
The best way to bait a squirrel trap is to use a food that is high in protein such as peanuts sunflower seeds or corn.
What is the best way to set a squirrel trap?
The best way to set a squirrel trap is to place it in an area where there is evidence of squirrel activity such as near a feeder or in a tree.
What is the best time of day to set a squirrel trap?
The best time of day to set a squirrel trap is in the morning or evening when squirrels are most active.
What is the best time of year to set a squirrel trap?
The best time of year to set a squirrel trap is in the fall when squirrels are preparing for winter.
Where should I place a squirrel trap?
You should place a squirrel trap in an area where there is evidence of squirrel activity such as near a feeder or in a tree.
How big should a squirrel trap be?
A squirrel trap should be at least 10 inches by 10 inches.
How do I know if a squirrel trap is working?
You will know a squirrel trap is working if you find a squirrel caught in it.
What do I do if I catch a squirrel in my trap?
If you catch a squirrel in your trap you will need to kill it and dispose of the body.
Is it legal to trap squirrels?
Check your state and local laws before setting a squirrel trap as trapping may be regulated or even illegal in some areas.
I caught a squirrel in my trap what do I do now?
If you catch a squirrel in your trap you will need to kill it and dispose of the body.
What’s the best way to kill a squirrel?
The best way to kill a squirrel is to dispatch it with a quick and humane blow to the head.
How do I dispose of a squirrel carcass?
The best way to dispose of a squirrel carcass is to bury it in a shallow grave.
I don’t want to kill the squirrels can I just relocate them?
It is not recommended to relocate squirrels as they will often just return to their original home range.
I’m having a problem with squirrels what can I do?
If you are having a problem with squirrels the best thing to do is to set up a trap and catch them.
What’s the best way to deter squirrels?
The best way to deter squirrels is to remove any food sources that they are attracted to such as bird feeders.

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.