Squirrel Traps – 5 Things You Need To Know
When there are adorably fuzzy creatures wreaking havoc in your attic, it’s time for squirrel traps. Before running off to buy those traps, however, it’s always a good idea to find and eliminate their reason for moving in.
Can i get away with not using squirrel traps?
Squirrels, like other rodents, are drawn to homes for the steady source of food and shelter they provide. Squirrels love bird food, insects, crumbs, nuts, fruits and vegetables. They are always on the look-out for a warm, quiet, and cluttered place to protect their food and nest for their young. Keeping the home, specifically the attic and surrounding landscape, clean and tidy will help prevent it from becoming so enticing to the little critters.
Sealing any holes or openings in and around the house should be used as preventive measures, but make sure there aren’t any squirrels already making their abode inside first – otherwise they’d be sealed in! Taking care of these furry friends promptly and efficiently is the key to preventing, and solving, any squirrel problem.
How do I find the best squirrel traps?
There are plenty of options to choose from when catching them. Here is a list of common squirrel traps and how to use them.
- Single squirrel traps are the most widely available, and so, are more commonly used. These are, as the name implies, used for trapping just a single squirrel. They should be placed close to the squirrels access point into the home. A lure, or bait should be placed on the trip pan that releases the cage door. Common lures are peanut butter, nuts, or fruit. It’s also important to get the correct size trap for the squirrel. If the trap is too small, the door may not close securely, allowing the fuzzy rodent back into the home and more fearful of future traps.
- Similar to the single squirrel traps, are the repeating squirrel traps. These should be used when more than one squirrel is suspected. The same lures and baits used for the single traps are effective.
- One-way, or exclusion traps, are an alternative to catching. These are places over the squirrels entry point. As the squirrel exits, usually drawn out by the bait, these traps effectively prevent it from being able to come back in. These, however, should be used only after all other openings or access points have been properly sealed and covered.
- Less common, and less humane, are the lethal squirrel traps. These snap traps, or body grip traps, work in the same fashion as smaller mouse or rat traps. Lethal traps should be avoided.
If you’ve successfully trapped the adorable rodent, be sure to release it at least 5 to 10 miles away from home. Squirrels are very capable of finding their way back to the comfort of your attic.
If they are still causing rodent woes, pest control professionals are available. These experts are equip with a variety of techniques and tips to solve any furry infestation problem.
So when those unwelcome furry friends come to visit, creating chaos in your home, take quick and efficient action with squirrel traps.