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Expert Advice: How To Trap Squirrels In Yard Now
Squirrels can be a bother in your yard. They dig. They chew. They can cause damage to your home and garden. Do you want to know how to trap squirrels in yard? This guide will help you. We will cover how to trap them safely. We will talk about the best squirrel bait. We will also cover how to relocate squirrels far away. This is a key part of humane squirrel removal. It helps with squirrel damage control. Getting rid of squirrels can seem hard. We will show you simple squirrel control methods. We will explain different types of squirrel traps. We will tell you where to put squirrel trap for best results. Finally, we will talk about releasing trapped animal after you catch it.
Why Squirrels Are a Problem
Squirrels look cute. But they can cause real trouble.
They might dig up your plants. They eat bulbs and nuts you wanted to keep.
They chew on things. This can be fences, outdoor furniture, or even wires.
If they get into your house, they can chew wires in the attic. This is a fire risk.
They can make nests in walls or attics. This causes a mess.
Their noises can be loud. They can keep you up at night.
So, getting rid of squirrels is sometimes needed.
Figuring Out Your Squirrel Trouble
Before you trap, know the problem.
Where do you see squirrels most?
What are they doing? Are they digging? Chewing? Trying to get inside?
See where they go. Note their paths.
Look for signs of damage. Chewed wood? Dug holes?
Knowing this helps you decide what to do. It helps with squirrel damage control.
Should You Trap Squirrels?
Trapping is one way to deal with squirrels.
It is often part of squirrel control methods.
Is trapping the best first step? Maybe not always.
You can try other things first.
Make your yard less inviting.
Put up fences. Use repellents. Block entry points to your house.
If these don’t work, trapping might be needed.
Make sure trapping is allowed where you live. Check local rules.
Many places require humane squirrel removal.
Different Ways to Handle Squirrels
You have choices for getting rid of squirrels.
Trapping is one way.
Scaring them away is another. Use loud noises or lights.
Making your yard less tasty. Don’t leave food out.
Blocking where they get in your house. This is important for squirrel damage control.
If squirrels are already inside, trapping is often the best way to get them out.
This guide is about trapping squirrels in yard. We focus on that method.
Getting Ready to Trap
Trapping takes some steps. Be prepared.
You need a trap. You need bait. You need a plan for the animal after you catch it.
You also need time. You must check the trap often.
Plan for releasing trapped animal safely.
Think about where you will take it.
The Right Trap for Squirrels
Many types of squirrel traps exist.
The most common is a live squirrel trap.
This trap catches the squirrel without hurting it.
It is a metal cage. It has a door.
The door shuts when the squirrel goes inside to get bait.
Other traps exist, but for humane squirrel removal, a live trap is best.
Types of Squirrel Traps
Let’s look at different live traps.
- Single Door Trap: This trap has one door. The squirrel goes in from one side. It steps on a plate inside. The door closes behind it. These are simple. They work well.
- Double Door Trap: This trap has a door on each end. It looks like a tunnel. The squirrel can enter from either side. They might feel safer entering a trap with an exit view. The trigger plate is in the middle. Both doors close when it is stepped on. Some people like these more.
Both types can work for trapping squirrels in yard.
Choose a trap big enough for a squirrel. But not too big.
A trap about 18 inches long, 5-6 inches wide, and 5-6 inches high is good for squirrels.
Make sure the trap is sturdy. Squirrels can be strong.
Preparing Your Live Squirrel Trap
You got your live squirrel trap. Now set it up.
Place the trap on a flat surface.
Make sure the trigger works right. Test it.
Push the trigger plate gently. The door should snap shut fast.
If it is too hard to trigger, the squirrel might eat the bait and leave.
If it is too easy, wind or bumps might close it too soon.
Adjust the trap if needed.
Wear gloves when handling the trap. This keeps your smell off it. Squirrels might avoid it if it smells like you.
Choosing the Best Squirrel Bait
Squirrels like certain foods. Use this to your advantage.
You need good bait inside your live squirrel trap.
What is best squirrel bait?
Squirrels love nuts. Peanuts are good. Peanut butter is great.
Peanut butter is sticky. They have to work at it. This is often enough time for the trap to trigger.
Other good options:
* Walnuts or pecans (in the shell or shelled)
* Seeds (sunflower seeds are a favorite)
* Small pieces of apple or other fruit
* Corn (on the cob or kernels)
* Cereal or crackers
Use a small amount of bait. You don’t need a lot.
Place the bait carefully.
How to Bait the Trap
Put bait behind the trigger plate.
The squirrel must go fully inside to reach it.
Smear peanut butter on the trigger plate itself too. This makes them step on it.
Put a small trail of bait leading to the trap entrance.
A few peanuts or seeds leading into the trap opening can make the squirrel brave enough to go inside.
But most bait should be deep inside the trap. This ensures they go in all the way.
Where to Put Squirrel Trap
Putting the trap in the right spot is key.
Where do you put squirrel trap?
Place it where you see squirrels often.
Look for their travel paths. Along fences, near trees, on decks.
Put the trap on a flat, stable surface.
The ground is fine. A deck is fine.
Place it along a wall or fence if possible. Squirrels often run along edges.
Camouflage the trap a little if you can.
Put some leaves or twigs around it. This makes it look less new and scary.
Make sure the trap is hidden but the entrance is open.
Do not place it in direct sun on a hot day. The squirrel could overheat.
Put it in a shady spot if possible.
If squirrels are getting into your house, put the trap near the entry point.
This is often in an attic or near a roof line.
But this guide focuses on trapping squirrels in yard. So yard locations are best.
Setting the Trap
Once the trap is baited and in place, set it.
Carefully open the door.
Engage the latch that holds the door open.
Make sure it is stable.
Test the trigger again gently to be sure it will trip.
Be quiet and slow. You don’t want to scare squirrels away.
Walk away slowly after setting the trap.
Checking Your Trap Often
This is very important for humane squirrel removal.
A trapped animal can get stressed, scared, or hurt.
You must check the trap often. Check it many times a day.
Check it first thing in the morning. Check it every few hours during the day. Check it before it gets dark.
Never leave a trapped animal in the trap for a long time.
Heat, cold, rain, or other animals can hurt it.
Check the trap even if you think nothing is caught.
A quick check is better than leaving an animal there too long.
You Caught a Squirrel! Now What?
The trap door is down. A squirrel is inside.
Good job! You have caught a squirrel.
Now comes the next part of humane squirrel removal.
You need a plan for releasing trapped animal.
Do not put your fingers in the cage. Squirrels can bite and scratch.
Cover the trap with a blanket or towel.
This helps calm the squirrel down. It makes it dark and quiet.
Handle the trap carefully. Don’t drop it or bang it.
Move the trapped squirrel to your car or truck slowly.
Relocating the Squirrel
You need to move squirrels far away.
Where should you take it?
Check your local rules about relocating animals. Some places have laws about this.
You need to take the squirrel far enough away.
If you release it too close, it will come back.
How far is far enough?
Most experts say at least 5 miles away. Some say 10 miles.
Take the squirrel to a suitable habitat. A wooded area is good.
Find a spot away from homes and people.
Do not release it on someone else’s property without asking.
A state park or large public woods might be an option. But check the rules first.
The Act of Releasing Trapped Animal
You arrived at the release spot.
Place the trap on the ground gently.
Point the door away from you.
Stand back.
Open the trap door carefully. Use a stick or handle if you can.
Open it just enough for the squirrel to get out.
Step back quickly.
The squirrel will likely run out very fast.
It will find a tree to climb or run into the woods.
Watch it go from a safe distance.
It might seem scared. This is normal.
The goal is for it to find a new home far from your yard.
This completes the relocate squirrels step.
What If You Catch the Wrong Animal?
Sometimes you might catch a different animal. A skunk, a raccoon, a cat.
This happens. It is part of using a live squirrel trap in the yard.
If you catch a skunk, back away slowly. Leave the trap alone. It will likely spray if you scare it. Wait for it to calm down. You might need to open the door from a distance with a long stick or rope. Be patient.
If you catch a raccoon, it can be strong and aggressive. Be very careful.
If you catch a pet cat, check for tags. Try to find the owner. If not, contact local animal shelters.
Never handle wild animals directly.
Preventing Squirrels From Coming Back
You trapped some squirrels. Great!
But others might come.
You need to work on squirrel damage control long term.
This means making your yard less attractive to them.
Clean up food sources.
Pick up fallen nuts and fruits.
Use squirrel-proof bird feeders. Or stop feeding birds for a while.
Secure trash can lids tightly.
Trim tree branches. Keep them from touching your house.
Squirrels use branches to get onto roofs or into attics.
Fix any holes in your roof or walls. Block small openings.
Use mesh or wire screen to block vents or chimneys.
These steps are important squirrel control methods.
They help stop new squirrels from moving in.
Are There Other Squirrel Control Methods?
Yes, trapping is just one way.
Repellents: Some smells or tastes can keep squirrels away. Fox urine, peppermint oil, or certain sprays can work. Their success can vary.
Exclusion: This means blocking entry points. This is very important for squirrel damage control if squirrels are getting inside your home. Use strong materials like hardware cloth.
Fencing: Low fences won’t stop squirrels, but taller fences around gardens might help.
Natural Predators: Encouraging owls or hawks can help, but this is hard to control.
Habitat changes: Make your yard less friendly. Remove hiding spots or food sources.
Combining different methods is often best for getting rid of squirrels.
Use trapping to remove problem squirrels now.
Then use exclusion and habitat changes to stop new ones.
Safety Tips When Trapping
Trapping animals needs care.
Always wear thick gloves when handling the trap or bait.
Wild animals can carry diseases. They can bite or scratch.
Do not tease or poke the trapped animal.
Keep children and pets away from the trap area.
Check the trap often to reduce stress on the animal.
Follow local laws about trapping and releasing wildlife.
If you are unsure, contact a professional wildlife removal service.
Legal Sides of Trapping and Relocating
Rules for trapping vary by location.
Check with your city, county, or state wildlife agency.
They can tell you what traps are legal.
They can tell you if you are allowed to relocate squirrels.
Some places do not allow relocation. You might have to release them on your property (if that’s possible and safe) or use lethal methods (which many people want to avoid for humane squirrel removal).
Know the rules before you trap. This is very important.
Ignoring rules can lead to fines.
Is Humane Squirrel Removal Always Possible?
The goal is humane squirrel removal.
Using a live squirrel trap is the first step. It doesn’t hurt the animal.
Relocating squirrels far away gives them a chance to live.
But relocation can be hard on the squirrel.
They are put in a new place. They must find food, water, and shelter.
They must avoid predators. They might fight with other squirrels already there.
Some relocated animals do not survive.
This is a sad truth. But it is often seen as more humane than killing them.
Compare this to letting them cause damage to your home, which can be very costly and dangerous (like chewing wires).
For most homeowners, live trapping and relocation is the preferred method for getting rid of squirrels causing problems.
Maintaining Your Yard After Trapping
After you remove squirrels, keep working on prevention.
Continue to clean up food sources.
Regularly check your home for new entry points. Repair them fast.
Trim trees and bushes near the house.
These steps help with long-term squirrel damage control.
They make your yard less appealing.
A Note on Squirrel Behavior
Squirrels are active during the day.
They are most active in the morning and late afternoon.
Set your live squirrel trap during these times.
Check your trap during these times.
They are smart and can be cautious.
If they avoid the trap, try changing the bait. Or move the trap to a new spot.
Be patient. It might take a few days to catch them.
Step-by-Step Summary: Trapping Squirrels in Yard
Here is a simple plan:
- See the problem: Where are squirrels? What are they doing? Note paths and damage.
- Get a trap: Buy or borrow a live squirrel trap (single or double door). Make sure it is the right size.
- Choose bait: Get peanuts, peanut butter, seeds, or corn.
- Plan release: Know where you will take the squirrel. Check local laws. Make sure it is far away and a good spot for squirrels.
- Prepare trap: Wear gloves. Test the trap door and trigger.
- Bait trap: Place bait behind the trigger plate. Put a little trail leading inside. Use peanut butter on the plate.
- Place trap: Put the trap where squirrels are active. On a flat surface. Along a path or fence. In the shade if possible. Camouflage it lightly. This is where to put squirrel trap.
- Set trap: Open the door. Latch it open. Be quiet.
- Check trap often: Look at the trap many times a day. Early morning, during the day, evening. Never leave a trapped animal for long.
- If caught: Cover the trap. Handle carefully. Wear gloves.
- Relocate: Drive the squirrel far away (5+ miles). Find a suitable wooded area.
- Release: Put the trap down gently. Point door away. Open door from a distance. Let the squirrel run out.
- Prevent return: Clean up food. Block entry points to your home. Trim trees. Continue squirrel damage control efforts.
Following these steps helps ensure humane squirrel removal while getting rid of squirrels from your yard.
Making Trapping Easier: Tips and Tricks
- Pre-baiting: For a few days, put the trap out with the door tied open. Place bait inside and around it. Let squirrels eat from it without getting trapped. This helps them get used to the trap. They see it is not scary. Then, set the trap normally.
- Different baits: If one bait doesn’t work, try another. Squirrels can be picky.
- Multiple traps: If you have many squirrels, use more than one trap in different spots.
- Check weather: Don’t trap in very hot or very cold weather. This is harder on the trapped animal.
- Secure the trap: Tie the trap down or place a heavy object on top (not blocking the trigger or door) so a trapped animal cannot tip it over and escape.
- Clean traps: Clean the trap after catching an animal. Use water and maybe a mild soap. Rinse well. This removes scents that might scare away other squirrels.
These tips can improve your success with trapping squirrels in yard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h4: How long does it take to trap a squirrel?
It can vary. Sometimes you catch one in hours. Sometimes it takes days. Be patient. If it takes too long, check the trap location, bait, or make sure the trigger works well.
h4: Is it legal to relocate squirrels?
It depends on where you live. You must check local laws. Contact your state wildlife office. Some areas forbid moving animals far away.
h4: What is the best time of year to trap squirrels?
You can trap squirrels any time of year if they are causing problems. However, be extra careful in spring (babies might be in a nest) and winter (harsh weather is harder on trapped animals). Try to avoid trapping adult squirrels in spring if you think there are young ones dependent on the parent.
h4: What should I do if I catch a mother squirrel with babies?
If you trap a mother squirrel in the spring or summer, check carefully for signs of a nest nearby, possibly in your house. If you find a nest with babies, it is best to try to get the mother and babies out together. Removing only the mother leaves helpless babies behind. Contacting a wildlife professional is often the best step in this situation for humane squirrel removal.
h4: Can squirrels cause damage inside my house?
Yes. They can chew through wood, insulation, and electrical wires. This is serious squirrel damage control needed. If they are inside, trapping them indoors near their entry point is often necessary. Then, immediately seal up where they got in.
h4: Should I release the squirrel close by if I can’t drive far?
No. If you release it too close (less than a mile or two), it will likely come right back to your yard. This does not solve your problem of getting rid of squirrels. Find a suitable location far away, or contact local wildlife experts for advice if relocation is difficult.
h4: How do I clean the trap after use?
Wear gloves. Use a hose to spray it down. You can use mild soap and water. Rinse it very well. Let it air dry fully. This helps remove animal scent and germs.
Trapping squirrels in yard can be effective. It needs the right tools and method. Focus on humane squirrel removal. Use a good live squirrel trap and the best squirrel bait. Put the trap where squirrels go. Check it often. Have a plan to relocate squirrels far away, following local rules. By doing this, you can manage squirrel problems and help with squirrel damage control in your yard. Keep up prevention steps so they don’t come back. Good luck with getting rid of squirrels!