How to Build a Humane Squirrel Trap

Building a homemade squirrel trap for catching squirrels needs a bit of humane consideration. Yes, squirrels are among the commonest of residential pests, particularly for those who have a garden. However, using a squirrel trap as a means to kill a squirrel is cruel. A more prudent and humane approach lies in catching the squirrels alive and then releasing them far away from your house.

Squirrel Tube Traps

These are the easiest of DIY squirrel traps to prepare, and they put forth no risk to the squirrel. A tube trap uses the simple concept of enticing the animal with bait within a long, tube-like structure. The greased surface and length of the tube trap ensure the animal cannot escape.

Step 1 - Procure Tube Trap Supplies

The easiest way of ensuring the trap is strong enough to contain the squirrel without harming it is using a sturdy, synthetic material for making the trap. A PVC pipe is ideal for this purpose. It is cheap and easily available at hardware stores. PVC material ensures the trap cannot be bitten through by the rodent, and the smooth inner surface helps to trap the animal. You need a piece of PVC pipe with a diameter of about five inches. Also buy a pipe plug or cap.

Step 2 - Make Tube Trap

With a saw, cut the PVC pipe to about six-feet long. If you are apprehensive about the sawed edges of pipe harming the squirrel, you can sand them with a metal file. Use a powered drill to make about 10 holes along the sides of the pipe. Ensure that you make small holes to avoid the holes weakening the pipe. Holes ensure ventilation for the squirrel and negate risk of unintentionally killing the animal due to suffocation. Close the baited PVC pipe at one end by securing the cap. Drill two holes along the top-end or open end of the pipe. Drill the holes about one-inch away from the open end.

Step 3 - Bait PVC Tube Trap

You can use any kind of cereal, bird seed, or corn cobs as bait. Other household baits include sunflower seeds, peanut butter, and peanuts. Place the bait within the pipe, towards the capped side. Apply ample amounts of grease or lard along the inner sides of the PVC pipe.

Step 4 - Place Homemade Squirrel Tube Trap

Choose a location for placing the baited trap. You can place the trap along the attic or anywhere else using some ropes or wires to secure the trap. The ropes can be easily tied to the two holes present above the open end of the trap. The trap needs to have a slight, vertical raise, i.e. a minimal incline. This ensures the squirrel that slips within the trap cannot escape from the trap.

Tied ropes along the front-end of the trap further ensure the commotion caused by a trapped squirrel doesn’t derail the trap. It is better to place the trap slightly away from places that usually witness hectic squirrel activity. Squirrels are quite lively, and too many of them at a time can dislodge the baited trap, or they may get tangled with the attached ropes. You don’t need to camouflage the trap since it is meant to attract the squirrels.

Step 5 - Check Squirrel Tube Trap

Ensure you repeatedly check the tube trap. When the squirrel is caught, simply close the open end of the trap with the pipe cap. Release the squirrel far away from your home.