Homemade squirrel traps are easy to make and generally use common household items such as cardboard boxes, wire mesh and PVC pipes. Whether these traps work is another matter all together.

Most wildlife control experts agree that trapping isn’t the most effective or even the best way for squirrel control.

Why Homemade Traps Don’t Work

From a humane wildlife removal standpoint, trapping isn’t as compassionate as most people think. A trapped squirrel will scratch, bite, wriggle and try to escape from the contraption. A squirrel could easily injure itself in its frantic attempt at freedom especially if your trap has sharp edges or protruding objects. The trapped squirrel is also vulnerable to harsh weather, predators and neighborhood dogs.

It is illegal to transport a trapped squirrel in Ontario for more than a kilometer without a permit. Squirrels have a ‘home range’ of up to 16 kilometers and will most likely make their way back to the nest. Meanwhile, the squirrel is at risk of getting run-over by motorists as it navigates its way home.

Another reason why trapping and relocation isn’t effective is the animals leave a strong scent behind which may invite other squirrels or wildlife to occupy the empty nest. You may get rid of the squirrels only for a different family to occupy the nest and you are back where you started.

Lastly, squirrels give birth twice a year; once between March and April and again between July and August. Spotting squirrel activity especially during these months means that there is a high likelihood that there are babies in the nest. Capturing a mother condemns its young to certain death from starvation and predators. Should the mother find it’s way back to its nest and discover all entry point are sealed, the squirrel will cause severe structural damage to gain access to its younglings.

Hire Wildlife Removal Company

The best way to deal with problematic wildlife on your property is to hire professionals. Most wildlife removal experts rely on the exclusion method. This involves sealing all possible entry points and installing a one-way door to let the squirrels out but prevent them from going back in. The expert will of course have to check the nest for baby squirrels.

Squirrel removal is a time consuming and labor intensive process. The professional also has to remove all traces of squirrel activity after removal to prevent other wildlife from occupying the empty nest. Drip cages, vents, ventilation pipes, soffits, chimneys and all other potential entry points have to be sealed with metal flashing and steel mesh.

Only wildlife control experts in Ontario can guarantee permanent wildlife removal. Ensure that the company you hire has a warranty for the removal. Call Wildlife Shield: 647-560-3988 for the best wildlife removal services in Toronto.