What Works As Squirrel Bait?
If you have a yard and/or garden, then you know how much trouble squirrels can cause. One of the best ways to deal with the problem is to trap the pest animal and destroy it humanely. To do this, you will need to use a bait that is irresistible to squirrels. This article will go over a few different types of bait that can be used to attract squirrels to a trap.
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Nuts
If you have a squirrel problem and want to get rid of it, you can use peanut butter or unsalted nuts as squirrel trap bait. These foods are appealing to squirrels because they are high in water content and easily snagged by them. But there are a few things to be aware of when using peanut butter or nuts as squirrel trap bait. Read on to learn how to effectively lure squirrels. Also, keep in mind that they’ll likely be attracted to sweet treats, so you may want to consider using a combination of different baits.
Sunflower seeds
If you’re looking for a squirrel deterrent, sunflower seeds might be an ideal choice. These edible seeds are popular with chipmunks, birds, and other wildlife. They can easily be found on the ground, as well as on the back of sunflower flowers. A squirrel can easily dig up sunflower seeds before they sprout. To make them less attractive, you can place a squirrel picnic table or feeder in a secluded area. Place the feeder near a supply of fresh, cold water.
Fruit
If you have a pet squirrel, you can use fruit as bait to catch them. This is not only safe, but also delicious! Fruits like bananas, apples, and pears attract squirrels, and can also be used as bait. These tasty treats are inexpensive, and squirrels are attracted to them because they are sweet. For additional bonus points, you can also use these edible treats as glue for your trap. However, remember to never use poison! Poisoning your pet squirrel can have unintended consequences. The poison can lead to disease, and it can also attract other pests to your property. If your pet also lives in the area, it is very important that you keep it safe.
Marshmallows
For effective squirrel bait, you should choose foods that are sweet and easy to digest. For example, marshmallows are excellent alternatives to peanut butter. If you don’t want to risk the flavor of peanut butter, you can also try orange slices. Squirrels love oranges because they have a strong, pleasant smell and a juicy composition. And of course, there is always the perennial favorite: marshmallows.
Unshelled nuts
Nuts are the best bait for squirrel traps. Squirrels love nuts, and they often leave caches around their territory. Peanut butter, almond extract, and unsalted nuts are all effective as squirrel bait. However, if you are not a fan of peanuts, you can try peanut butter-covered popcorn. Unshelled nuts also work well as squirrel trap bait. The key to squirrel trapping success is to have enough bait to catch and trap the animal.
Fruit-flavored granola bars
Squirrels love pecans and peanut butter and if you can lure them in with these tasty treats, you will have a thriving wildlife population to share your backyard with. However, you should remember that squirrels don’t need peanut butter as a regular diet, so don’t overdo it. Fruit-flavored granola bars work well as squirrel bait, but if you’d rather not make your yard their permanent home, consider using another fruit-flavored granola bar.
Peanut butter
If you want to trap squirrels, peanut butter works well. It is inexpensive and easily available at any grocery store. Spread it on a pressure plate and squirrels will likely come and eat it. You can also use sunflower seeds or peanuts as squirrel bait. But be sure to buy unsalted nuts or seeds. The key to successful squirrel control is combining peanut butter and nuts. You can place the peanut butter inside or outside the nuts.
What is the best type of squirrel bait?
Answer: There is no definitive answer to this question as different squirrels will prefer different types of bait.
Some good options to try include sunflower seeds peanuts and acorns.
Where should the bait be placed?
Answer: The bait should be placed in an area where the squirrels are active and where they are likely to find it.
A good option is to place it near a bird feeder or near where the squirrels are burrowing.
How much bait should be used?
Answer: Again there is no definitive answer as different squirrels will have different appetites.
A good starting point is to use about 1/2 cup of bait per day.
What if the squirrels aren’t taking the bait?
Answer: If the squirrels are not taking the bait it is possible that they are not attracted to the type of bait being used.
Try switching to a different type of bait or increasing the amount of bait being used.
What if I don’t want to use bait?
Answer: There are a variety of other squirrel-deterrent methods that can be used instead of bait such as ultrasonic devices motion-activated sprinklers and netting.
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.
