Squirrels can be quite the nuisance in a garden or yard, ripping up flowers, plants, and even getting into your attic.
As an avid gardener, I have searched high and low for the solution to this infestation; my flower beds just couldn’t take any more squirrels. And my husband, being an avid hunter, suggested I set out a couple traps and relocate the squirrels. I thought this was the best route as they wouldn’t be hurt, and my plants would no longer get damaged. A win-win situation for everyone!
Hey everyone, it’s Stacy Smith, and I’m back with more handy gardening tips. If you too suffer from a squirrel population, then worry not. Today, I’ll be reviewing the best squirrel trap models so that you can make a well-informed purchase decision.
With that being said, let’s get into it!
Top 5 Squirrel Trap Reviews
1. Kensizer B07331WZ6G
This squirrel trap from Kensizer is made of galvanized steel that is both lightweight and durable against any small critter’s teeth. A highly sensitive trigger within the cage is sure to capture any small animals in tandem with the auto-lock on the door.
Product Highlights
In order to make sure the trap is triggered and the door closes on time, Kensizer uses a pedal trigger mechanism within the trap. This pedal is more sensitive to motion, meaning the second a squirrel or other animal brushes against the pedal, the door snaps shut. What’s more, the pedal allows the bait to be placed right on it, making it even more effective.
Additionally, the trap features an auto-lock door that is securely fastened from the outside. No amount of biting or wiggling will cause the latch to come undone.
Furthermore, the entire trap is made of galvanized steel and is cut with precision. Having a trap made of galvanized steel has twofold benefits in providing durability and keeping it lightweight. This makes setting up the trap easier and helps it last longer against natural elements and animals alike.
What's There To Like About It?
In particular, I liked the design of this trap, as it was easy to carry around the garden and yard. Despite not being the strongest woman, I could still carry and set it up with practically one arm with ease.
Another handy feature that surprised me was how sensitive the pedal mechanism was. I set up a camera to check the trap overnight, and even the slightest paw on the pedal caused the door to slam shut!
What's There Not To Like About It?
If there is one drawback to this trap, it would be that it is limited to smaller-sized animals and squirrels. Anything larger than an opossum would probably be able to bite its way out of the trap. So, if you need a trap for larger animals, a larger-sized trap would be a better idea.
Pros and Cons of Kensizer B07331WZ6G
Pros
Cons
- Humane Rat Rodent Trap - After catching them, you can release them at any time. Product Size: 10.5 x 5.5 x 4.5. If you want to catch a big one, please choose a bigger size.
- Light Weight Galvanized Steel - Long-lasting and sturdy, the finest wire mesh won't be bitten open by those small animals' teeth. It's not fit for opossum or big squirrel, since they can bite the trap broken and escape.
- High sensitive trigger mechanism - Once the trigger is touched, the door will be auto-locked immediately and keep the critters in it.
2. AB Traps B013FLER72
This reusable trap from AB Traps is made of a lightweight wire that allows the trap to withstand bites and harsh weather. Every wire is coated to be rust-resistant so that it can be placed both indoors and outdoors.
Product Highlights
Safety should be a priority when buying squirrel traps to make sure that no other animal or person is injured in the trapping process. And this trap features a spring-loaded door that keeps the animal safe inside. The spring will keep the door locked securely compared to other trap designs that have a simple latch door.
Moreover, the design of the cage uses extra-thick wiring, which can withstand any unruly rodents and animals. Likewise, biting and thrashing are no match for the solid build of the cage. On top of that, the trap is lightweight and can be set up anywhere.
The wires are also coated to keep them free from rust, meaning you can place it practically anywhere Rest assured that outdoor conditions in any season will not cause any significant damage to this reusable trap.
What's There To Like About It?
One can never know what the weather conditions will bring in a day, especially the Texan weather where rain can come in out of nowhere. And having a trap that stands up to any weather condition is a weight off my shoulders. I didn’t have to worry about bringing in the trap when bad weather began rolling in.
And the spring-loaded door kept the squirrel safe from curious animals and my neighbor’s toddlers, who often make my yard their playground.
What's There Not To Like About It?
After the trap was used to catch a few squirrels and rodents, I noticed the suspension rod used as the tripwire began bending out of shape. From that point on, I had to bend it back into shape with every use, which became a little tedious.
Pros and Cons of AB Traps B013FLER72
Pros
Cons
- ✓ QUALITY & MATERIAL: The trap is made from high-quality wire. Its durable and corrosion-resistant quality is different from other brands. The wire material is lightweight. Its Use for All-Weather/Outdoor and Indoor. Its structure is a rectangular shape and has an attractive look. Durable the finest wire mesh won't be bitten open by those small animal's teeth.
- ✓ DESIGN: Our cages design is not easy to escape light-weighted material structure, small mesh openings, and the door locked tightly to ensure the trapped rodent animals no way to escape easily. But it could quickly capture those nuisance animals without hurting or killing them. Safe for Pets and wildlife. it's fully safe for these animals.
- ✓ INSTALLATION: You can easily installed it is very convenient. Easy to set up. Just follow the instruction manual. Detailed instruction manual with the help of pictures. By facing any problem you can contact us without any hesitation.
3. HomGarden B07KWYM922
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Constructed from galvanized steel for durability, this trap from HomGarden easily keeps trapped animals inside. A smaller opening ensures the bait can not be stolen or allow the animal to maneuver its way out of the trap before the door closes.
Product Highlights
Ease of use is a key factor that is considered while designing the cage of the trap. It features solid doors and handles guards that protect you from getting too close to the animal inside. Hence, you can carry it anywhere without having to worry about getting scratched or bitten.
Additionally, the animal’s well-being inside the trap is taken care of by the smooth design along the edges, so the squirrel can’t injure itself while moving about. Even the trigger rod is placed on the outside so that the animal doesn’t bend it accidentally or intentionally.
Trapping animals is made more effective with a smaller mesh opening that keeps any entering animals inside. There is no room for them to back out of the trap and escape, which also cuts down on the amount of bait used.
What's There To Like About It?
A smaller-sized opening is definitely a handy feature to have, especially when dealing with crafty squirrels. I can’t count the number of times I would see the bait missing from the trap without the door triggering.
Moreover, the brand has included the right safety features for transporting the cage with an animal inside. Naturally, I don’t want to get injured myself, nor do I want the poor fella to get hurt either.
What's There Not To Like About It?
One issue that I ran into early on was the assembly of the trap itself. I am not the best when it comes to assembling tools and equipment. This model does not come pre-assembled, so figuring out the instructions definitely took some time. However, if you are good at reading directions and assembly, you should have no problems putting it together.
Pros and Cons of HomGarden B07KWYM922
Pros
Cons
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4. HARRIS B074MDZN53
Easily catch and release small animals safely using this great trap from HARRIS. With a straightforward bait and set-up procedure, this trap can be used over and over again. And the thick metal wiring prevents any escapes.
Product Highlights
Made of alloy steel, this trap has a simple design that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It is coated to prevent any damage and corrosion from weather conditions. All the steel wires are extra-thick to ensure the animal can’t claw or chew its way out.
Furthermore, it can be reset easily after capture and release. Just raise the door and attach the lever to the trigger bar, and it’s good to go for the next animal. The trap can be reused by simply replacing the bait within the cage to attract curious animals.
Keeping the animal safely inside the cage is facilitated by a locking bar across the front of the door. Besides, there are two springs that are reinforced to keep the door shut and taut against the cage frame. Long story short, there is no chance that the animal will be able to escape.
What's There To Like About It?
I found the springs that keep the door closed to be a feature that worked incredibly well. As they are reinforced, they are pretty taut and require a large amount of force to release the door. I can’t imagine a squirrel being able to force its way past the springs.
Furthermore, the ease of resetting the trap is definitely handy. I just put more bait in and reset the door, and it becomes ready to go in no time.
What's There Not To Like About It?
A possible flaw in this trap’s design relates to the entrapment system. It is a simple lever that needs the animal to fully press down on it to spring the door closed. I noticed there were quite a few instances where the pressure was inadequate, and the squirrel would run off with the bait.
Pros and Cons of HARRIS B074MDZN53
Pros
Cons
- Medium Sized Dimensions - L: 9.25" x W: 4.3" x H: 4.5". Great for safely catching chipmunks, rats, mice, voles, and small squirrels
- Easy to Bait and Set - Simply raise the door and attach the lever to the trigger bar to set
- Reusable - After an animal or rodent is caught, the trap can be re-baited and used over and over again
5. Rugged Ranch B0046VJ8RU
For trapping multiple squirrels, this trap from Rugged Ranch will surely meet all your needs. It is able to catch up to 25 squirrels in just hours without requiring to reset the trap or add more bait.
Product Highlights
In order to keep the squirrels inside the cage, the trap features two sets of gravity doors and a security door on either tunnel entrance. The squirrels are able to enter the gravity doors but are unable to lift them up once in the cage. Once in the tunnel layout of the cage, they will be unable to escape while still allowing other squirrels to enter and be trapped.
Being able to trap multiple squirrels in one trap without having to reset it every time is helpful in saving time and energy. What’s more, the amount of bait needed is considerably less while keeping the squirrels coming into the trap.
Talking about the dimensions, this trap measures 23 by 23 inches and is four inches in height. This allows ample space for multiple squirrels to be caught at a time.
What's There To Like About It?
Traps that are able to snare multiple squirrels are pretty tricky to find, especially ones that actually work. But this proved to be an exception.
Moreover, the freedom of not having to reset the trap or place more bait makes for the ultimate convenient trap. I set it out during the day and generally come back to a cage full of squirrels at the end of the day, which helped cut down on the squirrel infestation significantly.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I should inform you that this type of trap is primarily useful for squirrels that are communal and used to sharing food. If there is a squirrel that is already trapped, it can scare others away from the entrance. This can defeat the purpose of catching multiple squirrels in one go.
Pros and Cons of Rugged Ranch B0046VJ8RU
Pros
Cons
- Allow the safe confinement of small and live woodland and grassland animals like rodents and squirrels with this large rat trap with no rat poison needed
- Outdoor mouse trap is constructed with durable metal wire enabling effective captures of critters ensuring they remain securely contained preventing any unintended escapes
- Dimensions 23" x 23" x 4" (L x W x H) with a weight of 10.4 lbs; Compact design ensures convenient storage and facilitates effortless transport from the live trap to the woods
Buyers Guide
In order to find the best squirrel trap for your yard or home, it’s important that you keep in mind a few key points. These can help the trap work better and help you have smoother transportation and relocation of the squirrel. Furthermore, these tips and tricks allow you to have a more efficient catching process overall.
1. Trap Size
Catching a squirrel for relocation requires a live trap, which can keep the squirrel safely inside until it is released. By storing the squirrel, you can carry it around and move it to a safe location away from your own garden.
When selecting a live trap, ensure the cage is large enough to accommodate the animal. Having a cage that is too small can cause the trap to malfunction or cause discomfort and injury to the animal. Typically, squirrel traps are between 15 and 25 inches long, which are large enough to fit the animal comfortably.
Additionally, live squirrel traps come in two variants: a one-door or a two-door style. Each trap has unique benefits and disadvantages. A traditional one-door trap is generally used by homeowners, but it can only catch one squirrel at a time. And the bait can be placed past the trigger plate to coax the squirrel deeper into the trap.
On the other hand, a two-door trap allows for numerous animals to be caught with multiple entry points. Two-door traps also have the benefit of allowing cautious animals to approach the trap by being able to see through it. Plus, they can be used as either a one-door or a two-door trap.
2. Trap Construction
The location of the trap can affect how effective it is in catching squirrels. And setting one in their travel path is definitely the way to go.
In case you aren’t aware of where the squirrels regularly go, placing it at the base of a tree is another viable option. Another great location to set up the trap is at the bottom of a wall or close to the affected area.
However, placing it suddenly will cause the squirrels to be wary, so setting it out without priming it to catch them is the first step. A trap with a mesh design allows the squirrels to look into the trap and see the bait. They will approach it and eventually build up the confidence to enter it.
Ideally, a mesh design is always better in terms for attracting them. Moreover, it prevents them from being suffocated by facilitating proper ventilation.
3. Trigger Plate
There are various kinds of triggers that will spring the door closed on the animal. These triggers vary in their method and design and can have different levels of effectiveness.
One one the most common types of triggers is a simple plate design that is flat on top. This allows the bait to be spread across it, forcing the animal to press down on the plate. It is highly effective in drawing in the squirrel and making it activate the trap.
Additionally, a trip wire trap is another design that is preferred for its simplistic setup. When the squirrel applies ample pressure to bend the tripwire, it will activate the mechanism and spring the trap.
However, not all squirrels will behave in the same manner. One trap design may work efficiently among some squirrels, while the other will not. Experimentation with either trap design is recommended to see which is more effective for the squirrels in your area.
4. Transporting Squirrels
Once you have caught a squirrel, the next step is relocating it to a safe location. In this regard, moving it about five miles away from the location of infestation should be enough to keep it from returning. As a precautionary measure, check to see whether local laws allow for relocation.
A trap that has safety features to protect yourself from getting too close to the animal is ideal for safety. Hence, look for elements such as carrying handles and a secure door.
While handling the squirrel or any other animal that may have been caught in the trap, always practice caution. Keep safety gloves on at all times and make sure the animal can’t reach any loose clothing articles on you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once a squirrel has been relocated, a number of measures can be taken to ensure no further unwanted guests make their way onto the property.
The most obvious step you can take to deter squirrels is by using a squirrel repellant that has capsaicin. Once it tastes this ingredient, the animal will move away from the area to avoid tasting it again.
Other methods include reducing the number of attractants in the area. Things like nuts, berries, etc. can draw more squirrels to the property in search of food. Bird feeders are also a common attractant for squirrels, so switching to a feed that squirrels do not like is sure to keep them away.
Furthermore, limiting the squirrels’ access to the surrounding area is another precaution to prevent them from intruding. Usually, this is more applicable for an indoor infestation. Cut off tree branches that are in close proximity to the house and cover any open holes like chimneys.
The best time for trapping squirrels is in late spring and early winter. These seasons see the most activity among squirrels as they prepare for hibernation. It is advised to set out the traps during this time to increase the chances of them falling into the trap.
My Final Recommendation
Hopefully, you are now better equipped to deal with squirrel invasions with these traps and tips under your belt. Select a trap you think is suitable for your needs and let it do the rest.Â
My all-around favorite is the model from Kensizer because of its easy setup and durability. A close second would have to be the AB Traps model that is great for outdoor use.Â
When relocating the squirrels, remember to take all the necessary safety precautions, so you don’t get bitten or scratched. Invest in one of these quality traps and protect your precious plants now!
Take care y’all, and until next time!Â