What Kind of Squirrel Trap Bait is Best for Homemade Squirrel Traps?
You wake up one night to the sound scratching in your attic. You go to check things out and that’s when you see it. A squirrel. A squirrel in your home can be a serious issue. Identifying the entry hole or holes is a critical first step.
You’re worried that it will destroy your attic so you go out and buy a squirrel trap. You want to get rid of it but you don’t want to hurt it. So, that begs the question of what squirrel trap bait should you use to catch squirrels?
The better question should be what bait don’t you use? There are so many tasty treats that they will go nuts over. Keep reading this guide to find out what they are so you can get your visitor out of your attic in the most humane way possible.
1. Don’t Use Poisons
There is a wide array of squirrel baits available. The types of bait you use is extremely important. You don’t have to use poisons nor should you. The reason being is that they can knock over the cage and lose the bait.
They’ll look around for it for a while but if they can’t find it they will lose interest and leave it. This can be trouble if your pet or child happens to find the poison-laced bait and eats it.
There is also the chance that the squirrel will find the bait, not get trapped, and die in their hiding spot. The last thing you want is to deal with that smell. As you can see, it’s much better to deal with your visitor the humane way.
2. Peanut Butter
The easiest bait that you can go with is peanut butter. Everyone has peanut butter in their pantry. If you don’t already have some all you’ve got to do is take a trip to the grocery store and spend five bucks.
To use it, spread a little bit of it on the pressure plate. The squirrel won’t be able to snatch it and run so it’s more likely they will trigger the trap.
3. Nuts and Seeds
Cartoons show squirrels eating nuts for a reason. They can’t get enough of them. So, if your unwanted house guest doesn’t seem to be feeling the peanut butter you can stick nuts and seeds in the cage. Sunflower seeds as well as peanuts in the shell are both very effective squirrel baits. Placing them in the trap pan of cage traps can result in quick catch!
Make sure that when you do this that the nuts are still in the shell and unsalted. They like to crack them open. The problem with this tactic is that they may snatch the bait and run.
It doesn’t keep them in the spot like the peanut butter does. If you’re running into this problem, break the peanut butter tactic back out and place the nuts and seeds in it. This should do the trick.
4. Use Birdseed If the Squirrel is Stealing Birdseed
To trap a squirrel you need to use foods that are going to appeal to them. If your problem pest is stealing birdseed or fruits from your garden then give them what they want.
Stick these treats in the cage before you use any other bait. You don’t know if they will go for the stuff in your pantry but you do know that they enjoy your birdseed because they already have been.
5. Mix the Bait with Molasses or Jam
You want to make the squirrel work for their treat. The more they have to step on the pressure plate, the more likely they will trigger the trap and seal themselves inside. That’s why sticky baits are so effective.
Again, you can go for peanut butter but if you don’t have that or your squirrel isn’t a fan of it you can also use molasses or jam.
6. Popcorn Ball
The problem of placing small baits in the trap such as unshelled nuts is that it’s easy for the squirrel to grab it and run away with it. You need something that’s a little heavier.
Using a popcorn ball should work. It’s too heavy for them to snatch it away so they are more likely to stick around and enjoy their meal inside the cage.
7. Fruit
If you’re dealing with a lot of squirrels then you need something that will entice the entire group. Believe it or not, the answer is orange slices. They smell good and are the perfect treat for a thirsty squirrel.
If you don’t have oranges on hand than about any fruit will do. They’re all full of water and juice.
8. Other Baits that Will Work
The baits above are the most effective but if you don’t have them on hand or you’re allergic to peanut butter then there are alternatives. There is a wide array of foods that a squirrel will go for.
Squirrels aren’t picky when it comes to unshelled nuts. If you can’t use peanut butter or peanuts then walnuts and acorns work.
You can also put a few drops of almond extract on a piece of bread and place it in the trap. Squirrels will even go for marshmallows.
Squirrel Trap Bait For You to Try Out
Once you select your squirrel trap bait all you have to worry about is putting your trap in the right place and waiting. Before you know it you’ll see your furry friend sitting in the cage waiting for you to release it back into the wild.
Nobody has to get hurt and your attic stays in one piece. So, try out some of these baits for a humane alternative for getting rid of your unwanted house guest.
Not having any luck with your squirrel issue? It may be time to call in the professionals. Go here to see if you’re in our service area.
Looking for more information on squirrel baits and trapping? The following sites provide excellent information: https://www.angieslist.com/articles/what-best-squirrel-bait.htm http://www.wildlife-removal.com/squirrelbait.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3yzcW4zabg https://synergy2ms.com/how-to-get-rid-of-squirrels-in-the-attic/
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