How to Trap a Squirrel

If the squirrel population is taking over your yard and driving you nuttier than the squirrel's diet, then consider the humane approach of squirrel relocation. Your local realtor is probably too busy, so to find the squirrel a new home you'll first need to trap him. They may be intelligent and crafty little critters but they'll be no match for you once you know exactly what to do.

Squirrel trap

Live trapping license, if required

Squirrel bait

Observe where the squirrels hang out. If you feed the birds then you know the squirrel is visiting the bird feeder on a regular basis, probably more often than the birds. This is his source of food and it's where you should set the trap.

Purchase a live animal trap for squirrels, rabbits or other small critters. A one-door squirrel trap is terrific and can usually be found at a feed supply store.

Place the trap by your bird feeder or where you've been observing the squirrel loitering most in your yard. Anchor it in place by putting a heavy rock or bricks on top of it.

Bait the trap with food but do not set the trap just yet. You want to draw the squirrel to the trap and make him curious and trusting of the trap as he tries getting the food inside for a day or two.

Remove the bird feeder or any other food sources in your yard if possible and set the trap according to the directions that came with it.

Monitor the trap. More than likely you'll have a live squirrel trapped very quickly after it's been set.

Relocate the squirrel to a park or rural location and release it.

Repeat steps 3 through 7 until you notice a decline in the squirrel population in your yard.

Corn, sunflower seeds, peanuts and suet cakes make very tempting bait to a squirrel.

Be sure to release the squirrel in a location at least 5 miles away.

Be sure to check the trapping laws in your area.

Do not leave a squirrel in the trap overnight or set the trap when you'll be away for a long period of time as it may die.