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TRAPPING

labor
Trapping is not the most effective method of control, mainly because of the high labor required to achieve good results. But it may be an ideal method to use when other methods are not appropriate.  Trapping is an art, not a science. Some people may find successful tricks that improve the efficacy of trapping which do not work for others.


 

Time of Year

Efficacy

Cost of Materials

Labor

Restrictions

Trapping

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2 squirrel

3 dollar

3 shovel

3 restriction

X=low            XX=medium             XXX=high

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR TRAPPING

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Time of Year:


  • Anytime squirrels are present seasons
  • Most traps require the use of bait, which may limit the effectiveness during certain times of the year. Bait must be at least as appetizing as what they are currently feeding on. 
  • Best overall results come from trapping squirrels just before they have their young, although trapping anytime squirrels are active can be effective.

reduce
Reduce Materials:


  • Prebait the traps. This is done by baiting the traps with the same bait you plan to use when trapping, although you do not yet set the trap. This may make them less sensitive to the traps and will increase the efficacy of trapping. After 2-3 days you will then set the traps.
  • Rolled oats are a good trap bait because they are inexpensive and proven accepted by squirrels.

kit fox
Non-Target Species:


  • Spring the traps at nightfall to avoid trapping nocturnal animals.
  • Secure the traps to the ground to avoid having them carried off by scavengers. Chase squirrels? Who me?
    Chase squirrels? Who me?

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Safety:


  • Some traps are very dangerous and all traps should be placed out of the reach of children and domestic, farm, and other non-target animals .

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Laws and Regulations :


  • According to regulations set by the Department of Fish and Game (secion 4152), traps must be inspected and all animals in the trap removed at least once daily. More extensive trapping laws and regulations can be accessed on the DFG website or the following link .
  • A trapping license is required in most circumstances. However, property owners and government employees may trap California ground squirrels found injuring crops or property without a license.

exclamation
Other Considerations:


PROS

.

CONS

  • Non-target species can be released
  • Safer than other traps to non-target animals and children

Live Catch Traps

live trap
  • Requires baiting to be effective
  • Squirrels caught must be euthanized
  • Squirrels caught cannot be released in another area without a permit
  • Does not require baiting, so may have longer period of efficacy

Conibear Traps

conibear trap
  • These are usually placed in burrows, so can be hazardous to other animals that inhabit burrows.
  • Usually the least expensive and requires relatively little labor

Box Type and Tunnel Trap

box trap
  • Usually requires baiting to be effective