Squirrel Trouble? Humane Trapping Guide (You Won’t Believe!)

Squirrel Trouble? Your Empathetic Guide to Humane Trapping

Living alongside squirrels can be delightful…until they decide your attic is their new home or your bird feeder is their personal buffet. Don’t worry, you don’t have to resort to harsh methods. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to using a humane squirrel trap to safely relocate these furry critters. We’ll walk you through each stage, ensuring both your peace of mind and the squirrel’s wellbeing.

Understanding Your Squirrel Situation

Before diving into trapping, it’s important to understand why squirrels are causing problems. This will help you implement preventative measures later.

Identifying the Problem

• What are they damaging? Are they chewing on wires, nesting in your attic, or raiding your garden?
• Where are they entering? Look for obvious entry points like holes in siding, damaged screens, or gaps around pipes.
• When are they most active? Squirrels are typically most active during the day. Observing their behavior can help determine their patterns.

Why Humane Trapping is the Best Option

Humane trapping offers several advantages over other methods:

• It’s Safe for the Squirrel: Prevents injury or death.
• It’s Safe for You and Your Pets: Avoids the risks associated with poisons or other harmful deterrents.
• It’s Often More Effective: Addresses the root cause of the problem by removing the squirrel rather than just scaring it away temporarily.

Choosing the Right Humane Squirrel Trap

Selecting the right trap is crucial for success. The key is to ensure it’s effective, safe, and easy to use. The size of the trap is very important to avoid hurting the squirrel or letting it escape.

Features to Look For:

• Size: A good humane squirrel trap will be large enough for a squirrel to comfortably enter (generally around 5"x5"x18" or larger), but not so large that it feels intimidated.
• Construction: Look for durable materials like galvanized steel to withstand weather and squirrel activity. Mesh sides allow good ventilation and reduce stress.
• Trigger Mechanism: The trap door should close quickly and securely once the squirrel steps on the trigger plate, but not be so sensitive that it closes prematurely.
• Ease of Use: Opt for traps that are easy to set, bait, and release.

Popular Humane Squirrel Trap Models

While we can’t endorse specific brands, look for well-reviewed models from reputable manufacturers of live animal traps. Online retailers and hardware stores often carry a wide variety. Read customer reviews to get real-world insights.

Setting the Trap: A Step-by-Step Guide

Careful trap placement and proper baiting are essential to attract squirrels.

1. Location, Location, Location:

• Near Entry Points: Place the humane squirrel trap near where you’ve seen squirrels entering your property.
• High-Traffic Areas: Position the trap along their natural pathways, such as fences, tree branches, or roofs.
• Flat and Stable Surface: Ensure the trap is stable and won’t wobble.

2. Baiting the Trap:

• Squirrel Favorites: Peanut butter, nuts (especially walnuts and pecans), seeds, and small pieces of fruit are excellent choices.
• Placement is Key: Place the bait behind the trigger plate so the squirrel has to fully enter the trap to reach it. Smear a little peanut butter on the trigger plate itself for extra incentive.
• Scent is Important: Use a scent trail to guide the squirrel to the trap. Dab a small amount of peanut butter on nearby surfaces leading to the trap entrance.

3. Setting the Trap:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Double-check that the trigger mechanism is properly engaged and the door closes smoothly. It’s helpful to test the trap yourself before placing it.

4. Camouflage (Optional):

While not always necessary, you can lightly camouflage the trap with leaves or twigs to make it less conspicuous. Avoid covering the trigger mechanism or obstructing the door.

Monitoring and Handling

Regularly check the trap and always take precautions when handling a trapped squirrel.

Daily Monitoring:

Check the trap at least twice a day, especially in hot weather, to prevent the squirrel from overheating or becoming too stressed.

Safe Handling Practices:

• Wear Protective Gloves: Thick gloves will protect you from bites and scratches.
• Approach Calmly: Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might frighten the squirrel.
• Cover the Trap: Drape a blanket or towel over the trap to calm the squirrel before transport.

Releasing the Squirrel: Choosing the Right Location

Selecting a suitable release site is just as important as the trapping process.

Where to Release:

• Local Regulations: Check with your local animal control or wildlife authorities for any regulations regarding squirrel relocation.
• Suitable Habitat: Choose a location with plenty of trees, vegetation, and a natural food source, at least 5-10 miles away from your property to prevent its return. Parks or wooded areas are often good choices.
• Avoid Residential Areas: Releasing the squirrel in someone else’s yard simply transfers the problem.

The Release Process:

• Position the Trap: Place the trap on the ground, pointing away from you.
• Open the Door: Slowly and carefully open the trap door, keeping your hands away from the opening.
• Step Away: Give the squirrel time to exit the trap on its own. Do not try to force it out.

Prevention: Keeping Squirrels Away for Good

Once the squirrel is relocated, take steps to prevent future infestations.

Sealing Entry Points:

• Inspect Your Home: Thoroughly inspect your home’s exterior for any cracks, holes, or gaps.
• Use Durable Materials: Seal openings with sturdy materials like metal flashing, hardware cloth, or caulk.
• Focus on Problem Areas: Pay special attention to areas where squirrels are known to enter, such as around pipes, vents, and the roofline.

Modifying the Landscape:

• Trim Trees: Trim tree branches that overhang your roof to prevent squirrels from jumping onto your house.
• Protect Bird Feeders: Use squirrel-proof bird feeders or place them in locations that are difficult for squirrels to reach.
• Secure Trash Cans: Use tightly sealed trash cans to prevent squirrels from accessing food scraps.

Hopefully, this helped you tackle your squirrel problem! Remember, using a humane squirrel trap is the kindest way to deal with these little critters. Good luck!