Five Tips for Using Squirrel Traps

If you have a garden, squirrels will likely be attracted to the fruits and vegetables. You can keep them at bay by using squirrel traps. There are a few things you should know to ensure success. This article will give you a few tips on using squirrel traps.

Size

The size of the squirrel traps you use is very important. You need to avoid using traps that are too small. Gray squirrels have large tails that can hold the door to the trap slightly open. This will keep the door from locking, and the squirrel will be able to escape. Therefore, you need to make sure the squirrel traps you use are more than large enough to accommodate the squirrels you capture.

Time

You shouldn't bother using squirrel traps at night. They don't feed at night, so you won't have the chance to capture them. Squirrel traps that are set during the night will only catch other animals like cats, raccoons, and skunks.

Location

The location where you put squirrel traps is of the utmost importance. If you set traps in the wrong location, you won't catch anything. You should try to scout your prey and see which routes they like to use. You should set the squirrel traps along these routes. The traps should also be set alongside a fence or wall near the location.

Bait

You will obviously need bait to attract the animals. You can use many types of bait such as cereal, nuts, popcorn, and apples. Squirrels also use their sense of smell to find their food. Therefore, you should try using foods that give off smells they like. Peanut butter is the most common. A few drop of almond extract or anise oil on a piece of bread should also do the trick.

Disease

You don't want your squirrel traps to be a harbor for diseases. If they are captured, squirrels will urinate and defecate inside the trap. To avoid spreading diseases, you should clean the squirrels traps thoroughly after each successful catch. It's best to wash them with bleach and rinse it well.