How to Catch a Squirrel

Have you ever wondered what successful squirrel trapping and removal looks like?

Here is how it is done.

Step 1 : Identify where the squirrels are getting in

Identifying where the squirrels are getting into the building is the all important first step. This is because the entry/exit spot or spots is where the traps will be going.

Additionally, if more than one entry/exit, these areas need attention during the trapping process and afterwards-when you enter the repair phase.

This probably will require a ladder and possibly getting on the roof: be careful.

Step 2: Acquire Two Styles of Squirrel Trap

The first kind is a small, cage-style live trap. This type of trap has door at one end which closes when a squirrel goes inside to get bait.

This style of trap will capture any squirrels that are OUTSIDE of the home when the traps are set and are in the vicinity of the exit/entrance.

An example of this type of trap is to the right and we have modified it a little by wrapping duct tape around it.

The second kind of trap is a one-way door trap.

Set in place by an exit, the wire door pivots to let squirrels go out when they push on it but not back in.

This style of trap is intended to catch squirrels that are INSIDE the home when the traps are set.

The top trap in the picture to the right is a one-way door. The bottom trap is long and has one way doors in it. Attaching the two together gives a lot of room to accommodate a lot of squirrels leaving.

Step 3 : Set the traps

Setting the cage style traps with bait is fairly easy.  Bait is added to the trap and the traps are placed on the roof by the entry.  Nuts and peanut butter work well.   There are commercially available baits, but what you have on hand will work well too.

There is more involved in getting the one-way door and extension into place.  To get a better idea of a variety of one way doors, visit this link from one of the industry suppliers: Wildlife Control Supplies.

Since the trap works when the squirrels exit, they can’t have options when exiting.

Therefore, funnels/narrowing must be created and the trap attached in place at the only places left to exit.

Temporarily blocking of the exits to force them into the trap is often accomplished with wire or other materials not easily chewed through.

It just takes some creativity to get the one-way door trap in place and effectively working.

But once in place, this type of trap is super efficient when it works as intended and all the squirrels are inside when the trap is put in place.

A Couple of Examples

These videos show the steps of squirrel trapping.  With some good tools, squirrel removal may be accomplished efficiently.

Squirrel Trappers | Akron, Canton, Kent

For all your squirrel removal needs in the Stark, Summit, Portage County area, please give us a call.

We’ll help you with all aspects of your squirrel problem to get your house back to a squirrel-free state.