Did you know that squirrels are responsible for shutting down the NASDAQ stock market in 1987 and 1994? Your property might not be the NASDAQ, but it still requires a good protection from these animals.
While putting together this article we’ve researches more than 20 products to determine the 6 best squirrel traps. First, you need to decide whether you want to kill these animals or you want to opt for more humane options such as cages. Second, you might want to decide how versatile you want your trap to be. Some options are suited for multiple species of animals, while others are designed specifically for squirrels. As a result of our thorough research, the Havahart 0745 became our Editor’s Choice.
Other features: smooth internal edges to protect the animal, handle guard to limit contact with the animal
Our Editor’s Choice is the Havahart 0745 One-Door Animal Trap thanks to its humane design, durable construction, and great effectiveness. Its dimensions are 16 x 6 x 6.25 inches, so this trap can be used for a variety of small animals, including squirrels, rats, chipmunks, and voles. It features smooth internal edges to protect the animal, as well as a handle guard to limit contact with the animal. This results in a very humane trap that will not cause the animal any unnecessary stress or injury. The Havahart 0745 is made from steel for durability, and it has an extra-durable and solid door. This trap is also easy to set up and use, making it a great option for those who are new to trapping.
Compared to another squirrel and small animal trap from the same manufacturer like the Havahart 1083, the editor’s choice is significantly cheaper. Additionally, the 0745 listed here is designed with a gravity action door that looks aesthetically better than what’s available in the 1083. The 0745 is also designed with a smaller body, making it easier to transport and store and it’s more suitable for catching squirrels. On the other hand, the 1083 can catch squirrels but is better suited for larger critters.
Other features: safety hook made of 21-gauge steel, armor-coated
The WCS Forestry Suppliers Tube Trap is a great option for those looking to trap smaller squirrels, such as red squirrels. Made of 21-gauge steel and armor-coated, this trap is sturdy and built to last even in harsh conditions. Additionally, the built-in safety hook this product features ensures that this product is safe to operate. The mechanism itself is very quick and powerful. Of course, killing the squirrel is already not the most humane thing to do, but at least the process is instant and painless. As the manufacturer claims, this product is made specifically for squirrels, and you can see that. The design is incredibly effective and practical. On the downside, you have to pay for extra quality, as this product is priced above most of its competitors.
The WCS Forestry Suppliers Tube Trap may seem exactly like the other WCS Forestry Suppliers standard Tube Trap available on amazon. The two models have the same 17 x 5 x 5 dimensions and are made from alloy steel. Furthermore, the safety hooks in both models are made of 21-gauge steel. However, you don’t get a rust-resistant finish with the standard model. As such, it might not last as long, especially if you make it a habit to leave it out in the rain.
Other features: built to withstand harsh weather, galvanized metal frame, animal removal lever, built to quickly execute the animal, manufactured by hand in Canada
The Pieges Ouell Squirrel Trap is a classic springloaded trap that is made from metal and wood. It is specifically designed to catch squirrels, especially the bigger ones, such as ground squirrels. The construction is quite sturdy, as it can withstand harsh weather, and the metal frame is galvanized for extra protection. The trap mechanism is powerful, ensuring quick execution of the animal. Once the squirrel is caught, there’s an animal removal lever, so that you can quickly remove the squirrel without direct contact with the animal. Finally, this trap is manufactured in Canada by hand, ensuring excellent quality and customer service.
The Pieges Ouell Squirrel Trap and made2catch Classic Metal Rat Traps are the only two classic spring-loaded traps on the list. However, with its dimensions, this option is much bigger than our selection for the best trap pack. This makes it better for bigger squirrels. However, if you’ve had a chance to see the squirrels running around your yard and they’re small in stature, the made2catch option may be better. The two spring-loaded traps also feature different designs.
Other features: large cage, 2-door system, easy fit design, holds up to 25 squirrels
The Rugged Ranch SQRTO Squirrelinator Trap is perfect for trapping multiple squirrels. On one side, this is quite a compact product with dimensions of 24.25 x 24.25 x 5 inches. On the other side, due to the unique two-door design, the manufacturer claims it can hold up to 25 squirrels at once, which is just an incomparable number to the other products on our list. Since it can hold 25 squirrels, the construction of the product must be sturdy, and this trap does not disappoint, since it is made of a good-quality metal. The only downside is that this product is the priciest on our list, costing three or even four times more than some of its competitors.
Notably, the Rugged Ranch SQRTO Squirrelinator Trap shares the fact that it’s a cage trap with the Kensizer Humane Rodent Trap. That said, the designs are pretty different. This model features a 2-door system for the rodent to get in, while the Kensizer only has one door. Also, the fact that this model can hold up to 25 squirrels is quite advantageous. However, if you’re not dealing with a massive infestation, the extra capacity will be useless, and you may be better off getting the Kensizer.
Other features: lightweight construction, patented design
If you want a humane bud affordable trap, then this Kensizer Humane Rodent Trap is a good option. With the dimensions of 10.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches, it’s spacious enough for a squirrel, yet it’s rather compact. It’s also lightweight due to its aluminum construction. Talking about construction, the manufacturer claims this product has a patented design, and we can tell you for sure that hundreds of users are happy with it. This product is perfectly suitable not only for squirrels, but also for other rodents, like chipmunks, rats, voles, opossums, and hamsters, making it quite a versatile choice.
Compared to Rugged Ranch SQRTO Squirrelinator Trap, the Kensizer Humane Rodent Trap may seem like it can catch far fewer squirrels. However, if you don’t have much of a squirrel problem, this shouldn’t matter. To its credit, the smaller capacity also means you can get this trap for cheaper. Additionally, it offers more space for each rodent and, therefore, may be a more humane trap. This extra space also makes it ideal for other larger rodents and pests.
Other features: quickly executes the animal, no questions asked money back warranty, four traps in a pack
For those who are looking for a pack of traps to cover a large area without breaking the bank, we have the made2catch Classic Metal Rat Traps. These traps are made of fully galvanized metal, so they will withstand weather and rusting. They also feature classic and high-quality springload design, so they are designed to kill the animal instantly. These traps are big enough to work against squirrels, chipmunks, and rats. There are four traps in the pack, so you can cover your attic or your backyard quite easily. And, if you are not satisfied with the results, there is no-questions-asked money back warranty policy.
Regarding the price, the made2catch Classic Metal Rat Traps and Kensizer Humane Rodent trap are the two cheapest options. However, the made2catch models are kill traps. On the other hand, Kensizer traps are more suited to catching and releasing the squirrels, so it depends on the preference of the user. Also, with the made2catch option, buyers get up to four packs in the trap, making this option a better pick for those with multiple rodents to deal with.
A live trap, also known as a humane trap, is a type of non-lethal trap that captures an animal in a non-harmful way. It usually consists of a wire cage with a door that can be triggered by the animal’s movement. These traps are usually used for all kinds of rodents, including squirrels, voles, and groundhogs.
The biggest advantage of using a live trap is that it allows you to capture the animal without killing it, which is especially important if you are afraid that some rare or endangered species can be caught in your area. Some traps are even specifically designed to be as safe for animals as possible, with smoothened edges and safe trigger designs.
One disadvantage of using a live trap is that it requires regular checking, as the animal will need food and water while it is being held captive. If the trap is not checked often enough, the animal may die of dehydration or starvation. Another thing to remember is that you’ll need to relocate the animal that’s been caught, which can also be a hassle.
There’s also a whole range of lethal traps, from regular springload ones to more intricate tube designs. These traps are designed to kill the animal as quickly as possible, but their efficacy may depend on the animal you’re trying to catch. That’s why choosing a proper lethal trap is important. Otherwise, you may end up giving an animal a slow and painful death.
When it comes to the advantages of lethal traps, the biggest one is that you don’t have to check them as often, as the animal will be dead, and you can remove the body when you’re ready.
The main disadvantage of lethal traps is, obviously, that they kill the animal. This can be inhumane and may not be allowed in some areas. Another thing to remember is that if you’re not careful enough, you might accidentally catch an endangered species, which can lead to heavy fines. There’s also a chance that the animal steals the bait without triggering the trap or that the trap fails to kill the animal outright, resulting in a slow and painful death.
You might also want to check out our comprehensive guides for the best outdoor rat traps or the best mole traps.
Animal traps are usually made of alloy steel or aluminum. The reason for that is those two metals are strong, but also lightweight so they’re easy to carry. Of course, such parameters as metal strength will depend on the price of the product. As a result, even though the material of most traps could be the same, the pricier one will be sturdier. On models with a heftier price tag, the metal is also sometimes powder-coated. That’s done in order to make sure the trap is weather-resistant and will serve you for a longer time without wearing out.
There could be other materials used in some elements of the trap. For example, springload traps could use wood for a base, so they were more stable on different surfaces. Some live traps can use a combination of multiple metals for a door or a handguard, where additional strength might be needed. Such parts can also be made of some strong plastic.
There are multiple species of squirrels that may vary in size. There are red squirrels which are the smallest, measuring no more than 9 inches long. The larger squirrel is the gray squirrel measuring up to 12 inches in length, not including the tail. Depending on which species of squirrel you are attempting to trap, you will need to adjust the size of the trap. When it comes to our list, most traps can be used for multiple types and sizes of squirrels, unless it’s said otherwise.
When trying to trap a squirrel, there are a few things that make them difficult to catch. They are small, nimble, and have a great sense of smell. But, with the right supplies and some patience, you can trap a squirrel successfully.
Once you’ve purchased a trap, you’ll need bait. Squirrels are most attracted to nuts, so try using peanuts, walnuts, or almonds. You can also use grains and seeds, such as sunflower seeds, as bait. Fruits and vegetables will also work, but they may not be as enticing to the squirrel, though using apples is quite popular
Once you’ve baited the trap, the next step is to place it. Place the trap in an area where you’ve seen squirrels active, such as near a tree or beneath a deck. You may need to experiment with a few different locations before you find the right spot.
If you’re using a live trap, check it regularly. A squirrel can die of heat exhaustion or dehydration in a matter of hours, so it’s important to check the trap often. Once the squirrel is caught, release it at least five miles away from your home to ensure it doesn’t come back.
The Havahart 0745 One-Door Animal Trap became our Editor’s Choice because of its combination of quality and reasonable price. Moreover, this product is a humane way to trap a squirrel, and it’s proven to be quite effective.
If you’re fighting with red squirrels and are not afraid to use a lethal trap, we recommend checking out the WCS Forestry Suppliers Tube Trap. This trap is sturdy, effective, and safe, or, to put it simpler, one of the best squirrel traps on the market.
In case you have big squirrels, such as ground squirrels, you might want to take a look at the Pieges Ouell Squirrel Trap. Not only it’s safe for humans, but it also features a powerful mechanism that will not make an animal suffer.
