How to Catch a Squirrel and Remove them
How to Catch a Squirrel
Watching squirrels run and climb trees is quite entertaining I must admit. With the speed at which they run, you may wonder how difficult it could be to catch a squirrel to prevent further damage to your home and property. If you spot little furballs in your house, particularly in the attic, there’s the likelihood that a squirrel or more have found refuge in your home. Their droppings also greatly resemble those of rats.
The reason most squirrels find their way inside our homes is protection from natural elements. They also nest and store food in preparation for the winter season. What better place for all this than the attic, or between the walls of your house.
These destructive little creatures have been known to interfere with insulation systems leading to an increase in the heating bills. Aside from that, this can pose a serious fire hazard risk to your property.
Any woodwork or flowers in and around your property should concern you as well. The mess and the substantial damage they leave behind cannot simply be ignored.
Sometimes they may die a natural death within the confines of your home. Trying to figure out where exactly the awful stench is coming from can be quite a daunting task. Thankfully, here are some tips on how to catch a squirrel that you can employ to get rid of them albeit in a humane way.
Bait
The bait to be placed in the cages is very important because it appeals to the squirrels. Whole peanut or peanut butter is a great option. Some people may, however, prefer to use sliced fruit, sunflower seeds,or bread. Either way, the most important thing is to have some bait for trapping the squirrels in the baiting stations. If you would like to kill the squirrels, you could use this instead;
Table of Contents
1 Ground Squirrel Bait
This product encourages ground squirrels to consume more and more of the product at its baiting station. This is due to an anticoagulant active ingredient in the bait. It is consumed in pellet form.One can also get creative and place it inside pipes or other common areas they are found in.
Cages
Live cages can be very efficient in trapping squirrels. Whole peanuts or some peanut butter can be used as bait in the cages. The cages should be big enough for the squirrels to fit in.Here are examples of efficient cages to use;
2 Havahart Medium Professional Style One-Door Animal Trap
This trap is commonly used for squirrels, rabbits, and skunks. It is made of galvanized material free from rust. Its edges are smooth to prevent you and the trapped animal from injury. They have gone an extra mile and included a handle guard to help in safe transportation when relocating the animal.Upon purchase, it is ready to use and no assembling is required. This is convenient as all you need to do is set it up in your pre-determined location with some bait inside. It’s one year warranty may also come in handy.
3 Havahart 1025 Live Animal Two-Door Cage Trap
This trap is uniquely designed with two spring loaded doors that allow entry from either side of the cage.The doors have very sensitive triggers to ensure fast and secure captures. It is ideal for squirrels, chipmunks and other similar sized creatures that wreak havoc in and around your property. This is like hitting two birds with one stone so it definitely is worth trying out. It also has a one year warranty.
This is like hitting two birds with one stone so it definitely is worth trying out. It also has a one year warranty.
4 Rugged Ranch Trap
This unique trap is designed to catch multiple squirrels in just a matter of hours, 25 to be precise.This method is efficient and safer as opposed to setting up several baits that act as potential safety hazards to other animals.
If you have multiple squirrels that are doing a number on your property, this is the best humane solution to rid you of the problem within a short period of time. This trap cannot be used for rabbits.
If you have multiple squirrels that are doing a number on your property, this is the best humane solution to rid you of the problem within a short period of time. This trap cannot be used for rabbits.
Another way would be to use the large clamp rat traps. This is quite inhumane though and may prove inefficient as the squirrels are smart enough to evade these traps.
Additional Tips on How to Catch a Squirrel
• If your squirrel has been stealing your bird seed, use this as bait. You may also leave out some food along the squirrels’ trails for a few days just to entice them before finally using it as bait.
• Unknown to most people, squirrels have a very strong sense of smell. Therefore, wear gloves while setting up the trap to avoid transferring your scent. The human scent may deter the squirrels.
• The idea is to get the squirrel to place its weight on the trigger plate. You could smear some peanut butter directly to the trigger plate.
• Put more than enough food in the traps; a bowl of water too if possible.This helps keep them alive until you are able to relocate them. Squirrels may not be able to survive long periods without food.
• Check the traps daily for trapped animals.
• You may have to change the bait after some time if there are no successful traps.
Location of the Trap
The trap should be placed along the squirrel’s path. Squirrels like open spaces. If you have no idea where their trails might be, here are the most probable locations.
• At the bottom of a tree.
• In front of an entrance.
• Along a wall in your attic.
• Along a fence.
If you happen to catch the squirrels, the next step is releasing them to the wild as far away as you possibly can; preferably 10 miles from your home. This minimizes the chances of the squirrels returning to your property. Make sure to use gloves when handling the cage as these small creatures have very painful bites. Confirm if relocating the squirrels is legal in your area. Disinfect the trap afterward to prevent the spread of infection and disease.
Sometimes a squirrel can get inside your living space. It can be restless alright so we understand the need to want it out as soon as possible. Try opening the doors and coerce it to go outside. In most cases, this may prove futile. You can also try placing a towel on top of them, picking it up while inside the towel and releasing it to the wild. It may be difficult to do this because of its speed; so it is bound to get away.
Worst case scenario, you may get bitten in an attempt to protect itself.
Alternatively, you may call a professional who will know how to handle the situation and where exactly to relocate it. This is a safe option for yourself, your property and the squirrel.
Preventive Measures to Keep Them Away
• Clean up your compound to reduce the attractants in the area. Garbage, seeds, etc.
• Limit access by trimming trees near your home and repairing all the holes that may be present in your home’s exterior and interior.
• Remove any firewood stacked against a wall.
• Close off entry points.
• Squirrel repellents that come as ointments or electric repellents. An example is;
5 I Must Garden Squirrel Repellent
This is an all natural squirrel repellent developed from botanical oils. It does not contain any toxic ingredients. The oils and ingredients smell and taste bad to squirrels. However, this product is environment-friendly and does not harm the environment, pets or the kids.The spray should be applied to any areas experiencing damages from the squirrels. These are plants, hoses, car wiring, furniture, firewood, etc.
It is also available in granular form. These can be used on the lawn, flowers beds or any other areas that the squirrel is digging into. It also repels chipmunks and raccoons.
Extra precaution should be taken when handling their droppings during clean up or transporting their cages for relocation. They carry a lot of harmful bacteria which can lead to spread of diseases and infections.
How to catch a squirrel isn’t that hard if you follow the steps above closely. You can say confidently say that you’re well on your way to a squirrel free property.
If you are in need of a professional to help you rid yourself of these pesky critters, you can use our Professional Services below!
You can fill out this short form and have a professional from your area contact you free of charge to discuss methods and means of getting rid of the squirrel problem in or around your home.
Please remember when catching a squirrel or several of them, try to relocate them in a safe area so they can continue to function as they were made to. Your Professional Pest Control service can do this for you if you choose to use them.
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