HOW THEY WORK:
- You set up numerous traps in infested areas and the door closes once the animal has gone far enough inside the trap and trips the spring. Using bait in the trap lures the squirrel in.
- After trapping the squirrel, you must euthanize it.
HOW TO USE IT:
Live-trap placement.
1. Place traps near burrows or in runways, but not directly in front of burrows. Squirrels forage for food and will be more likely to enter them if they are set several feet from the burrow entrance. Be sure to secure trap to the ground or other solid object to prevent scavengers from carrying them off.
2. Prebait but do not set the traps with the same bait you will use when trapping. This will increase the effectiveness of the traps. Bait must be at least as attractive as what they are currently feeding on. Good baits are walnuts, almonds, slices of orange, pieces of melon, wheat, oats, and barley.
3. After 2-3 days, re-bait and set traps.
4. Check traps twice daily to remove squirrels.
5. Euthanize animals and dispose of properly.
6. Release the trigger in the evening to avoid trapping nocturnal animals.
SAFETY:
- These traps are relatively safe to use in public areas.
WHERE TO GET IT:
- Live catch traps are available at your local hardware and garden store. Clicking the link below will bring you to a supplier list. Keep in mind that it is being revised and some of the entries may be outdated. http://wildlifedamage.unl.edu/handbook/handbook/allPDF/sup_mat.pdf
- After trapping a ground squirrel it must be euthanized. It is illegal to relocate and release ground squirrels into another area.
- The Department of Fish and Game stipulate that traps must be checked and animals removed at least once daily.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
- Birds and other animals can get caught inside traps. Fortunately, live catch traps generally don't seriously harm these non-target animals.
- Do not set the trap close to the burrow entrance like this.
Live tomahawk traps with sun covers. - These traps (to the left) are placed correctly, several feet from the burrow entrance.
- Trap covers help to provide shade for the squirrels and prevent inhumane death. They also help to keep birds out of the traps.