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Squirrels can cause a lot of damage to a home and a yard. Using a squirrel deterrent is one solution, but sometimes, you may need to resort to more extreme measures, trapping squirrels with a squirrel trap. People and squirrels usually live in peace, but on occasion, squirrels might take an interest in your home, chewing through its insulation, electrical wiring, PVC pipes, and even wood framing.
Squirrel traps come in humane versions, consisting of a wire cage with a spring-loaded door that snaps shut when the squirrel enters. There are also lethal squirrel traps—squirrel kill traps or even rodent traps—that quickly kill the squirrel by snapping its neck with a spring-loaded metal bar, but we prefer squirrel traps as they are infinitely more humane than these squirrel traps that kill.
Our favorite is the Havahart 1085 Easy Set One-Door Cage Trap, which is essentially a squirrel-catching cage that allows the animal to be relocated after capture. (The trap can also be used for other animals as an added bonus.)
After thorough market research, we narrowed down our selection to five traps we felt were best suited to assist with squirrel removal. The traps we chose are appropriate for ground squirrels, tree squirrels, baby squirrels, and, in some cases, other types of animals, too. We also spoke with an expert to get his advice on how to use traps.
This guide examines the features to consider when shopping for the best squirrel trap, while reviewing some of the top options on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Havahart 1085 Easy Set One-Door Cage Trap
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Havahart 1083 Catch and Release Trap
↓ Jump to Review - BEST TUBE TRAP: Wildlife Control Supplies Tube Squirrel Trap
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SNAP TRAP: Made2catch Classic Metal Rat Traps
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULTIPLE SQUIRRELS: Rugged Ranch SQR Squirrelinator Live Squirrel Trap
↓ Jump to Review
How We Chose the Best Squirrel Traps
We applied a variety of criteria when selecting the best squirrel traps for our list. Squirrel trapping must be effective, so we chose models with proven designs that yield results, as well as those with mechanisms that work reliably. We also included a range of different types of traps to serve different purposes, including humane box traps along with lethal snap and tube traps.
All the humane traps we selected have sturdy handles for safe-and-easy transportation of the animals once caught. Since squirrel traps are usually used outdoors, we chose traps made of durable galvanized steel that won’t rust or corrode when exposed to the elements. In addition, single-squirrel traps aren’t enough to deal with a bigger squirrel problem (such as squirrels in the garden), so we included a model capable of catching multiple squirrels at once.
Our Top Picks
The traps below consider all these factors to narrow the field to some of the best traps on the market for squirrels. They include both lethal and nonlethal traps as well as one model that can catch multiple squirrels at once.
Best Overall
Havahart 1085 Easy Set One-Door Cage Trap
Product Specs
- Size: 32 inches long by 10 inches wide by 12 inches high
- Type: Box trap
- Occupants: One
What We Like
- Sensitivity screw allows for custom settings
- Easy to set and release with one hand
- Durable all-weather construction
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy at about 10 pounds
The name of this trap says it all. The Havahart one-door cage trap captures squirrels in a humane manner, so they can be relocated to a distant forest where they can forage for nuts. At 32 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 12 inches high, this trap is hefty enough to contain even larger squirrels. Setting the trap is easy: Simply bait the pressure plate and pull back the lever.
With its galvanized steel construction, the trap resists rust and corrosion, making it suitable for extended time outdoors. In fact, it’s one of the top-performing ground squirrel traps on the market. The handle is protected by a steel plate to allow for the safe transport of the wildlife prisoner. In addition to squirrels, this trap will work with stray cats, groundhogs, opossums, chipmunks, and raccoons, among other small animals.
Get the Havahart 1085 squirrel trap at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang For The Buck
Havahart 1083 Catch and Release Trap
Product Specs
- Size: 17 inches long by 7 inches wide by 7 inches high
- Type: Box trap
- Occupants: One
What We Like
- Traps animals humanely
- Can be used for other small animals
- Resistant to rust and corrosion
What We Don’t Like
- May not work for larger squirrels
The Havahart 1083 catch and release trap is a humane trap with a single door that allows for the safe catch and release of squirrels and other small animals. The trap’s smooth internal edges prevent any harm to animals. Made from galvanized, one-piece wire mesh, it’s resistant to both rust and corrosion, meaning it can be set outdoors regardless of the weather.
The trap is equipped with easy-set technology; it can be set and released with just one hand, allowing for even easier release once the animal has been trapped. The trap can also work to trap other animals like weasels, skunks, and rabbits.
Get the Havahart 1083 squirrel trap at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Tube Trap
Wildlife Control Supplies Tube Squirrel Trap
Product Specs
- Size: 15 inches long by 4.5 inches wide
- Type: Tube trap
- Occupants: One
What We Like
- Durable heavy-gauge steel construction
- Kills squirrels quickly
- Easy to set
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive compared to other trap types
The Wildlife Control Supplies lethal tube trap is a more extreme method of eliminating nuisance squirrels, such as those that raid a bird’s nest or chew holes through siding. The tube shape naturally attracts squirrels looking for a place to hide. Inside, a hook holds the bait. When the squirrel takes the bait, the hook releases a spring-loaded bar, activated by a trigger mechanism, which breaks the squirrel’s neck, killing it instantly.
The trap consists of heavy-gauge alloy steel with a rust-resistant coating, making it suitable for extended outdoor use. At 4.5 inches in diameter, the opening is small enough to prevent larger animals from entering the tube, making it safe for use around most pets.
Get the Wildlife Control Supplies squirrel trap at Amazon or Wildlife Control Supplies.
Best Snap Trap
Made2catch Classic Metal Rat Traps
Product Specs
- Size: 6.5 inches long by 3.5 inches wide
- Type: Snap trap
- Occupants: One
What We Like
- Kills on impact
- Comes with 4 traps
- Galvanized steel construction for outdoor use
What We Don’t Like
- Must set carefully to avoid injury
- Unsafe for use around pets or children
The Made2catch snap trap may be designed for rats, but it’s also powerful enough to take out a squirrel that’s damaging a house or feasting at the bird feeder. It functions as a classic rat trap with a spring-loaded bar mounted to a flat plate. When the pressure plate that holds the bait is triggered, the bar springs forward, breaking the rat or squirrel’s neck on impact.
Unlike standard rat traps, which use a wood base, this trap is constructed entirely of galvanized metal, giving it added strength while also making it suitable for outdoor use. Since the bar mechanism on this trap is exposed, it’s not safe for use around children or pets. Each pack comes with four traps.
Get the Made2catch squirrel traps at Amazon.
Best Multiple Squirrels
Rugged Ranch SQR Squirrelinator Live Squirrel Trap
Product Specs
- Size: 23.35 inches long by 23.25 inches wide by 4 inches tall
- Type: Snap trap
- Occupants: Many
What We Like
- Can catch up to 25 squirrels
- Sturdy steel construction
- Drop pan contains droppings during transport
- Easy-open lid for release
What We Don’t Like
- Can be cumbersome to move when full
A box trap that collects one squirrel at a time won’t do for those trying to rid an attic full of squirrels. The Squirrelinator’s large cage can catch and hold up to 25 squirrels at one time, making it one of the best squirrel traps for attic infestations, and also one of the best repeater traps. And, despite its intimidating name, the Squirrelinator doesn’t terminate squirrels. It traps them humanely, allowing for relocation of the squirrel squatters to a location away from the home.
The Squirrelinator is designed with two doors, increasing the likelihood of its catching its prey. It includes a pan at the bottom that catches droppings, allowing for mess-free transportation in a vehicle. With an easy-to-open top, releasing the squirrel captives is safe and easy upon arriving at the relocation site.
Get the Rugged Ranch squirrel trap at Amazon, Walmart, or Target.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Squirrel Trap
Ahead, learn about the different types of squirrel traps on the market as well as the features you should consider when shopping for one.
Types of Squirrel Traps
There is more than one way to trap a squirrel. Learn about the three different styles of squirrel traps.
Flat Snap Traps
To eliminate squirrels, not simply relocate them, use a flat snap trap. These traps, which are designed for rats, have a powerful spring that snaps a metal bar closed when the rodent takes the squirrel bait. The snapping bar breaks the squirrel’s neck and kills it instantly.
While these traps are effective, they are the least humane option for getting rid of a squirrel problem. Care also should be taken when setting the trap since some snap traps are strong enough to break fingers. Never use snap traps around children or pets.
Tube Traps
A tube trap is a lethal trap that consists of a cylindrical metal tube that measures about 15 inches long and 5 inches in diameter. A hook in the middle of the tube holds bait and attaches to a spring-loaded bar. When the squirrel takes the bait, the bar snaps forward into the tube, breaking the squirrel’s neck and killing it instantly.
Since this type of trap uses a tube enclosure, it prevents larger animals such as cats and dogs from getting inside the tube. However, tube traps are significantly more expensive than snap traps.
Box Traps
Box traps, which consist of a small metal cage with a spring-loaded door that attaches to a plate inside the cage, are the most humane way to trap a squirrel. The user places bait on the plate. Once the squirrel enters the cage and applies pressure to the plate, the animal triggers the spring, which causes the door to slam shut, trapping the squirrel.
Construction and Setup
A squirrel trap’s construction is key to how well it works. Squirrels have sharp teeth and strong jaws capable of cracking hard nuts, so the cage must be made from durable material. Since most squirrel traps are set up outdoors, a trap also must be able to hold up to the elements. Therefore, the best squirrel traps are made from heavy-gauge galvanized steel. This material, which resists rust and corrosion, is strong enough that a squirrel can’t gnaw through it.
A well-designed squirrel trap also should be easy to set up. Some box traps and tube traps require only one hand, while most snap traps require more care to avoid injuring the user.
Capacity
Squirrel traps vary in the number of squirrels they can hold. A standard squirrel trap is designed to catch a single squirrel. Other squirrel traps are designed to catch and hold dozens of squirrels at one time, making them ideal for larger squirrel infestations.
Number of Doors
Squirrel traps also vary in their number of doors. Some have a single door, while other traps feature two or more doors. Traps with multiple doors are generally more effective than those with a single door because they offer multiple points of entry, thus increasing the likelihood that a squirrel will enter the trap. That said, traps with multiple openings require more sophisticated mechanisms that are more likely to fail than single-door traps.
Tips for Using a Squirrel Trap
After purchasing a trap, there are several ways to maximize the chances that the trap will successfully capture a squirrel. First, consider trap placement. Position the trap in a place along a squirrel’s usual travel path. The path typically is at the base of a tree, along a fence near a bird feeder, or along a wall near a part of the house that the squirrel is damaging.
Likewise, if a squirrel is frequenting a bird feeder, place the trap near the bird feeder. You can also place traps near the base of the trees where the squirrels live. “Squirrels are very curious creatures,” says Roger Dickens, the technical service manager for bird and wildlife control at Terminix. “Traps placed near the opening or near the access point will generally work well.”
The best bait to catch squirrels is one they can’t easily steal, such as peanut butter. If it’s a solid bait, make sure it’s larger than the cage’s mesh. Position the bait so the squirrel must step on the pressure plate to get to it. When using a humane cage, check the trap frequently, since a squirrel will quickly become anxious and dehydrated once trapped.
- Place the trap in an area that squirrels frequent
- Use bait that squirrels can’t easily steal
- Check the trap often
FAQs
If you’re wondering about the best bait to catch a squirrel when trapping or whether rat traps can work with squirrels, then keep reading for answers to these and other important questions about squirrel traps.
Squirrels have a highly developed sense of smell and are particularly attracted to the scents of peanuts, peanut butter, grains, sunflower seeds, overripe fruits, and vegetables.
Peanut butter is the best bait for squirrels. Squirrels, of course, are naturally attracted to nuts. Since peanut butter is not something squirrels can easily snatch and run away with, peanut butter forces them to engage with the trap long enough to spring it, making it the best squirrel trap bait.
Snap traps, also known as rat traps, as they are more commonly used for catching rats, also work for squirrels, which are similar in size. A squirrel investigating the bait on this trap can trigger the rat trap, killing the squirrel. But they may not work for all types of squirrels, says Dickens. Gray squirrels, he notes, are “too large for the trap to function properly,” whereas “red squirrels and flying squirrels are smaller species and can easily be trapped by rat traps.”
Squirrels are most active during the day, when they do most of their foraging. At dawn and dusk, they can be spotted entering and departing wherever they happen to be seeking shelter.
It varies, depending on the amount of squirrel activity in your yard. Early winter and late spring are the best times to catch squirrels. This is also the time of year when you’re less likely to catch a squirrel mother, separating her from her dependent young. Dickens says that different types of squirrels may take different amounts of time to catch. “In most cases, gray squirrels can be captured in 1 to 2 days,” he says. “Red squirrels and flying squirrels may take longer, because there might be more than one or two individuals.” He goes on to say that it may take a week or two to fully remove these types of squirrels from a home or building.
After you catch a squirrel, relocate it to a place far away from where you caught it or hire a wildlife removal service. Make sure to release squirrels in a wooded area that contains plenty of food for them to eat. Dickens also suggests looking up local wildlife laws before relocating animals. “If relocation is a possibility, they can be released where legally allowed,” he says. “Contact a local game warden for more help or information.”
