How to Build a Squirrel Trap in 6 Easy Steps

Squirrels may seem like cute and harmless creatures, but they can actually cause a lot of damage to your yard and garden. If you’re having problems with squirrels digging up your plants or raiding your bird feeders, it’s time to take action. One solution is to make a squirrel trap, which will help you catch these critters and relocate them to a more appropriate area.

Making a squirrel trap is actually quite simple, and can be done with materials you probably already have lying around at home. Of course, it’s important to be aware of the laws in your area regarding trapping and relocation of wildlife. But assuming it’s legal in your area, making your own squirrel trap can be a fun and effective way to deal with pesky squirrels. Here’s what you need to know to create your own trap.

Building a Squirrel Trap: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re tired of squirrels wreaking havoc in your garden or raiding your bird feeders, building a squirrel trap might be just the solution you need. Although you can certainly buy squirrel traps online or at your local hardware store, a homemade trap can be just as effective and much more affordable.

To help get you started, we’ve created a step-by-step guide for making your very own squirrel trap. Keep in mind that these instructions are just one example of the many ways to build a squirrel trap, so feel free to get creative and customize your trap to fit your specific needs.

Materials

Before you begin building your squirrel trap, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Wire mesh or hardware cloth
– Wooden boards (2-3 inches wide and 1/2-1 inch thick)
– Screws
– Nuts and bolts
– Bait (peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or acorns)

Building the Trap

1. Cut the wooden boards into four equal lengths to serve as the base, sides, and top of your trap.

2. Cut the wire mesh or hardware cloth into four identical pieces, each the same size as the wooden boards.

3. Screw the wire mesh or hardware cloth to the underside of each wooden board, making sure that the edges are flush with the sides of the board.

4. Cut a small hole in the wire mesh or hardware cloth on one of the sides (not the top or bottom) to serve as the entrance to your trap.

5. Cut two strips of wood to create a swinging door that will close once the squirrel enters the trap. These should be the same width as the entrance hole, with one strip slightly longer than the other.

6. Drill a hole through the longer strip of wood, and attach it securely to the trap with a bolt.

7. Attach the shorter strip of wood to the longer strip with a nut and bolt. This will allow the door to swing freely.

8. Affix bait (peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or acorns) to the end of a stick and place it inside the trap, near the back.

9. Prop open the door with another stick, making sure that it is secure and won’t accidentally fall.

10. Wait patiently for the squirrel to take the bait and enter the trap. Once it does, the door will swing shut behind it, trapping the squirrel inside.

Tips for Success

– Use caution when handling the wire mesh or hardware cloth, as it can be sharp and may cause injury.

– Choose a spot to place your trap that is frequented by squirrels, such as near a bird feeder or tree.

– Check your trap regularly to ensure that any squirrels caught inside are not injured or stressed.

– Be sure to release any trapped squirrels back into the wild, at least five miles away from your home or garden.

With a little patience and ingenuity, building a squirrel trap can be a fun and effective way to protect your property from pesky critters. Give it a try, and see what kind of results you can achieve!

Building A Simple Squirrel Trap

Squirrels may seem adorable and harmless, but they can be a nuisance when they start raiding your garden or attic. If you’re looking for a humane way to get rid of these pesky critters, building a squirrel trap can be a good solution. Squirrel traps come in different shapes and sizes and can be made from different materials. In this section, we’ll show you step-by-step how to build a simple squirrel trap using materials that are readily available in your home or hardware stores.

Step 1: Prepare the materials

Before starting the project, prepare the following materials: a wooden board (12 x 12 inches), a wire mesh cage (12 x 12 x 18 inches), a spring-loaded door latch, screws, a drill, a bait (peanut butter, nuts, or seeds), and a water basin.

Step 2: Cut and assemble the wooden base

Cut the wooden board to the desired size, sand down the rough edges, and drill two holes on the opposite ends of the board. Place the wire mesh cage on top of the board, align it with the holes, and screw it to the board.

Step 3: Install the door latch

Attach the spring-loaded door latch to the inside of the wire mesh cage using screws. Test the door latch to make sure it opens and closes smoothly.

Step 4: Set up the bait

Place some bait inside the trap, such as peanut butter or a handful of nuts or seeds. You can also place some bait outside the trap to entice the squirrel to come closer.

Step 5: Place the trap in a strategic location

Find a good location to place the trap, such as near the area where the squirrels are known to frequent. You can also place the trap near a tree or a fence, which can serve as the squirrel’s pathway.

Step 6: Check the trap regularly

Check the trap frequently, at least once a day, to see if you’ve caught any squirrels. If you do catch a squirrel, release it in a safe location away from your home and garden.

Step 7: Keep the trap clean

Clean the trap regularly to prevent bacteria buildup and to keep the trap in good condition. You can use soap and water or a disinfectant spray to clean the trap.

Step 8: Don’t use poison or lethal traps

Using poison or lethal traps to catch squirrels can be dangerous to other animals and pets in your area. It’s also inhumane and can cause unnecessary suffering.

Step 9: Be patient

Squirrel trapping can take time, and you may not catch any squirrels in the first few tries. Be patient and persistent, and don’t give up if you didn’t succeed in the beginning.

Step 10: Reuse or dispose of the trap

If you plan to reuse the trap, clean it thoroughly and store it in a safe place. If you plan to dispose of the trap, make sure to do so responsibly by following your local waste disposal regulations.

Materials Needed to Make a Squirrel Trap

Making a squirrel trap requires certain materials that can be easily acquired at home or at a hardware store. The following is a list of materials needed for making a squirrel trap.

Wire Mesh

Wire mesh is a material that is essential for building a squirrel trap. It can be bought at a hardware store or can be found at home. The wire mesh should be sturdy enough to hold a squirrel and make sure that the squirrel cannot easily break through it.

Hardware Cloth

Hardware cloth is essential for making the door of the squirrel trap. It should be sturdy, but not too heavy so that it can be lifted up by the squirrel. The hardware cloth should be attached to the wire mesh with zip ties or metal wire.

Zip Ties or Metal Wire

Zip ties or metal wire should be used to hold the hardware cloth to the wire mesh. Zip ties are a good option because they are easy to use and do not require any special tools.

Bait

Bait is an essential part of the squirrel trap. It can be anything that squirrels love to eat, such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, or corn. Make sure to use enough bait to entice the squirrel to enter the trap.

Tools

The tools needed for making a squirrel trap include pliers, wire cutters, and scissors. These tools will be used to cut the wire mesh and hardware cloth to the correct size, and to attach the hardware cloth to the wire mesh.

Making a squirrel trap is easy if you have all the necessary materials and tools. Once you have the trap built, it’s important to use the right bait to attract the squirrel and place the trap in the right location. Additionally, it is important to check the trap regularly and release any captured squirrels far away from your home to prevent them from coming back. With these tips, you can be successful at catching squirrels in no time.

Thanks for Reading!

I hope this article was helpful in teaching you how to make your own squirrel trap. Remember to always be careful when handling wildlife and to release it back into its natural habitat. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to come back and visit again for more fun DIY projects! Happy trapping!