When it comes to residents of the Greater Ontario Area, solving issues with a squirrel in the attic may prove tricky. There are rules and regulations that prevent a person from causing unnecessary death or suffering to any wildlife. Therefore, the use of poisons, pesticides, and many DIY solutions may be ineffective and even illegal.
Fortunately, the best way to remove squirrels without causing them any harm is to use a live trap and removal process. Of course, trapping a live squirrel is easier said than done. If you have a trap in your attic but no squirrel in sight, you might be doing something wrong. In fact, there are a couple of reasons why a squirrel might avoid your trap altogether.
Poor Placement
Simply placing a live trap in the middle of your attic is not enough. Although squirrels often seem to run around out in the open with no issue, they are actually cautious creatures. They are constantly aware of their surroundings. Because of their cautious nature, they are not likely to run out to the middle of an open attic to inspect something new.
Rather than placing the trap in the middle of the attic, try placing it out of the way instead. Make the trap seem as inconspicuous as possible. Eventually, a squirrel’s curious nature will guide it over to the trap. If moving the trap still proves ineffective, your problem goes beyond poor placement.
Improper Introduction
Believe it or not, you have to introduce an animal to something new. A trap may appear threatening. You need to ensure the squirrel has time to get used to the trap by introducing it to the device. Set the trap up to the door remains open no matter what. Give it a week or so for the squirrel to get used to it so it finds it non-threatening.
You should also do your best to camouflage the trap. The trap is made of shiny materials, which looks obtrusive. Use twigs, leaves, and other objects to make the trap appear more natural. Squirrels are quite clever and will avoid something that appears out of the ordinary. The more natural you make the trap look, the more familiar with it they will become.
Wrong Bait
Finally, you might be using the wrong bait. You might also be placing the bait down the wrong way. It is essential that you place bait on the trap’s trigger mechanism. However, your bait should also create a trail that starts from the outside of the trap and guides the squirrel inside. A bait trail allows the animal to partially enter the trap without it activating, which further gains trust.
There is a difference between red squirrels and gray squirrels. Red squirrels tend to be more finicky when it comes to their bait preferences. However, both species of squirrels absolutely love seeds and nuts. Therefore, a bait that consists of seeds and nuts will likely prove effective. If you do not have seeds and nuts readily available, you can also use cereal and popcorn.
Keep in mind that the best way to get a squirrel to enter any trap is to employ the help of a professional. Professionals know just the right traps, placement, and bait to use. They are also familiar with rules and regulations that help keep wildlife safe and unharmed during the removal process.