How to get rid of squirrels without killing them

There is no need to kill squirrels if they have invaded your property. If you were to call up a wildlife control company, especially one that knows what they are doing, they would tell you that killing squirrels is a bad idea. For a start, there are legalities to think about in certain states, and more than that, what exactly are you going to kill it with? You can hardly sneak up behind it and bash it over the head. It's hardly a creature you can sneak up on. Nor is it a creature that can be poisoned, for that matter, which is another method of squirrel-removed you definitely should not attempt. The best and only way to get rid of animals just like squirrels is by using exclusion devices. These are simple, but very clever - a device made in such a way that the squirrel can get out of your home but can't get back in again. This can be in the shape of a door, with or without a trap attached, or in the form of a funnel. Either way, exclusion devices have been shown to be very effective. This is only the case, however, when you work in sealing and repairs of the damage that has been caused by the animal. If you leave a hole or crack un-filled / sealed, not only will your new squirrel friend return, it's squirrel friends will too, and so will a whole host of other wild animals. It won't take long before the news spreads - that's how the pheromones in the urine works!



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The following notes are helpful tips on successfully trapping nuisance squirrels. Most important is to understand the habits of a squirrel. This allows you to first; make sure your problem is a squirrel, and second; to figure out how they are getting in your home. After you determined it is indeed a squirrel problem, and are certain you do not want to kill them, you must then choose your method of trapping. Live Traps designed to catch a small to medium sized mammals is going to be the best choice. Since you have decided to use a live trap, let's discuss the variety you have to choose from. Single Live traps are typically constructed from a heavy gauge wire or hardware cloth folded into a rectangular cage. It is then fitted with a solid spring hinged door that slams shut on the unsuspecting squirrel as it triggers a pressure plate under the bait tray. This type also comes with two doors.

It will not hold more animals; it just gives more access to the trap. Both doors slam shut simultaneously when the plate is touched. Most live traps catch on squirrel at a time. There are yard sized varieties that feature one way doors that allow the animals to enter, but they can't get out. This allows you to catch a family and move them all at once. The most effective type of trap for getting them out of your attic is s an exclusion trap. This easy to build and install trap is basically a "funnel". The large entrance allows the squirrel to leave but as it collapses down it makes a smaller end that they cannot return through. They are constructed from inexpensive ΒΌ-inch hardware cloth and a few screws. Exclusion traps can be attached to a cage as well. In this way you are able to catch a large batch of squirrels without having to reset the trap each time. Any trap(s) you use should be checked frequently. You don't want to leave the animals in there with no food or water to suffer needlessly.

Another method of trapping squirrels humanely is to employ the use of a snare pole. This device can be purchased commercially, or you can find plans to build one on line. This manually operated trapping device is most useful for trapping a squirrel that is contained in a small space like your attic, a pipe, your chimney or other confined area. To safely snare a squirrel, first you should corner it. Slowly, so as not to spook the squirrel you maneuver the cable loop over both its head and one front leg. You can also dangle the loop loosely around an exit hole and wait for the squirrel to emerge. When the squirrel leaves from the hole, follow the procedure above. Once the loop is over the creature, tighten the line, and lift up. Deposit the squirrel in a waiting container.

Now that you have decided on your method of trapping, let's decide where to place traps, and type of bait needed. Once you understand the squirrel's comings and goings you will know where to place your trap. Using these frequented paths will guarantee you success. For bait, rely on nuts, berries, seeds, and soft fleshy fruits. If you put the trap in an area where people feed the squirrels like on a porch try using chips or cookies. If you are after a squirrel trapped inside a pipe or chimney, it probably wants a drink more than food. Fruit slices hold a lot of moisture and will be hard to resist. Your bait needs be placed correctly as well. Bait should coax the animal deep into the trap, be firmly attached, and be small enough that the animal cannot remove it from outside the cage. Use a sticky substance like nut butter or syrups on your trip plate and press the bait in it. Once you have trapped your unwanted visitor(s) we suggest you contact animal control. It is not recommended that you relocate a squirrel yourself. You must take them far away, and because they are territorial by nature, most will not survive. Let an animal relocation specialists handle that job.


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