The Best Squirrel Trap

Are Squirrel Traps Legal in the UK ?

Just as for most other things, there are laws, acts and recommended best practices related to the use of traps to catch wild animals. So, if you decide to use a trap, you will be responsible for using it within the law and for what it catches. Traps are only tools, and just like a hammer, screwdriver or a ladder, they don't do anything on their own - so don't think you can blame the trap!

The laws are made to protect wildlife, they are not intended to prevent you from ridding your property of animals that are doing damage.

Grey Squirrels Sciurus carolinensis are not protected in the UK, and nor are they in many other countries where they have been introduced and have become a serious pest . If they are damaging your home, trees, crops or property you may legally use traps to catch and destroy them using humane methods only.

How to get rid of squirrels in the garden

Grey squirrels are intelligent and quick to learn and many people find their behaviour interesting and charming. Although they are a native of the forests of the eastern USA, they have successfully adapted to living in our towns and gardens. They can become quite bold and soon learn to raid bird tables and hanging bird feeders which are often destroyed by their strong sharp incisor teeth. They use their incisors to strip the bark from valuable trees in woodland, orchards, parks and gardens where they can become a serious pest. They are also known to rob songbird nests of eggs and fledglings.

Your choice of trap will depend upon several factors such as the garden layout, location and particularly your own abilities. Your particular circumstances may also determine whether you choose a Humane Kill Squirrel Trap or a Live Catch Cage Trap.

To be continued soon