Squirrels, while charming, can be a real nuisance in UK gardens, damaging plants, trees, and even electrical systems. To address this, squirrel traps offer a humane solution for capture and relocation. With extensive experience in wildlife management and countless hours dedicated to researching and testing various traps, I provide reliable guidance on selecting the best squirrel trap in the UK. This article will present our top picks, ensuring effective and ethical squirrel control.
Our Picks
We have compiled a list of the top squirrel traps available in the UK market, ensuring that you can easily and efficiently capture these pesky critters. Browse through our selection to find the perfect trap to suit your needs.
Defenders Rat and Squirrel Cage Trap
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The Defenders Rat and Squirrel Cage Trap is a humane and effective solution to your squirrel and rat issues in indoor and outdoor spaces.
Pros
- Easy to set and bait
- Humane, catch-and-release method
- Durable, weather-resistant design
Cons
- Smaller animals may escape through holes
- Trap door may not always close properly
- Requires frequent relocation for improved success
This Defenders cage trap arrived fully-assembled and ready to use, making it quick and simple to set up in our home and garden. We appreciated the spring-loaded trigger action door, which is designed to catch rats and squirrels without causing harm. The galvanised cage trap is made from rust- and corrosion-resistant steel, ensuring a long-lasting product.
We positioned the cage trap in various locations such as around sheds, garages, and outbuildings. The protective hand plate and carrier handle made it easy to transport and handle the cage. This trap also provided a degree of shade and shelter for the trapped animals before release, ensuring good animal welfare.
However, we noticed a few minor drawbacks. Firstly, the smallest rats and squirrels were able to escape through the hole where the hook goes, and the trap door occasionally did not close properly, allowing the bait to disappear without capturing the animals. To improve the success rate, we had to relocate the trap to different positions in the garden frequently.
In conclusion, the Defenders Rat and Squirrel Cage Trap is a humane option for controlling rodent populations indoors and outdoors. Despite a few minor issues, the cage trap offers a long-lasting and durable design, easy set-up, and promotes good animal welfare.
GERAWOO Extra Large Rat Traps
Choose GERAWOO Extra Large Rat Traps for an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for indoor and outdoor rodent control.
Pros
- Highly effective with a 30% increased capture rate
- Extra large design to catch rats, mice, and voles easily
- Reusable and easy to use
Cons
- Bread and peanut butter bait may not always trigger trap
- Inconsistency in manufacturing quality
- Not always lethal on first attempt
Upon using the GERAWOO Extra Large Rat Traps, we found them to be superior in effectiveness compared to traditional traps. The built-in, stronger spring and the large size increase the capture rate, ensuring success in catching various rodents. They are easy to use, simply put the bait into the attractant cup and set the trap in the desired location.
The traps are reusable, making them cost-effective and eco-friendly. To clean, just wash with water, dry, and they’re ready for the next use. We appreciate that these traps perform better than wooden ones, electric models, or glue sticky pads.
However, we noticed that the use of bread and peanut butter as bait sometimes causes the trap not to trigger. Moreover, some users have reported inconsistency in manufacturing quality, with a few traps not functioning as intended. Lastly, be prepared that the traps may not always kill instantly, causing the rodent to suffer.
In conclusion, the GERAWOO Extra Large Rat Traps are an effective and environmentally friendly solution for dealing with rodents in your home or garden. Despite some minor drawbacks, they’re a worthwhile investment for those seeking an efficient rodent control method.
Ratkil Live Rat Cage Trap
This Ratkil trap is a humane and effective choice for rodent control, suitable for families and pet owners.
Pros
- Humane and safe for use around children and pets
- Suitable for various rodents such as rats, mice, and squirrels
- Durable and suitable for all weather conditions
Cons
- Trigger sensitivity might need adjustment
- Some animals may cause damage to the trap
- Rats might avoid the trap
The Ratkil Live Rat Cage Trap offers an excellent solution for those who are dealing with a rodent problem and do not wish to use poison or harmful methods. With its heavy-duty aluminium construction, it provides durability and resilience in all weather conditions, making it a suitable option for both indoor and outdoor use.
Setting up this trap is effortless; simply place bait inside and position it where rodent activity has been observed. The effective trigger system and auto-lock feature ensure that once the rodent is caught, it cannot escape. This live catch trap is suitable for rats, mice, moles, squirrels, and other rodents, making it a versatile choice for different types of infestation.
Although the Ratkil trap offers many benefits, it is worth mentioning that some users report having to adjust the trigger sensitivity for better results. Additionally, trapped rodents may cause some damage to the mechanism, so it’s essential to monitor the trap regularly. It’s also possible that smart rats might avoid the trap altogether, requiring some experimentation with different bait or placement.
Overall, the Ratkil Live Rat Cage Trap is a humane, effective, and reliable solution for controlling rodents in your home and garden. Its durable design and easy setup make it a fantastic option for those who are looking for a compassionate way to manage rodent infestations.
The Big Cheese Rat Cage Trap
This humane and efficient rat trap is perfect for those looking to safely catch rats in their homes or gardens.
Pros
- Ready-to-use, fully assembled cage
- Durable, weatherproof galvanised metal
- Unique spring-loaded door for efficient capture
Cons
- Requires proper setup on flat surface
- Door may require adjustments initially
- Can be triggered without catching
Our experience with The Big Cheese Rat Cage Trap has been positive overall. The trap is delivered fully assembled, which makes it convenient for immediate use. The size of the trap is adequate for catching rats both indoors and outdoors, and it can be placed in a variety of locations like homes, gardens, sheds, garages, and even on commercial premises.
One of the features we appreciate about this trap is its construction from long-lasting, galvanised metal. This ensures that the trap remains rust-resistant and weatherproof, making it suitable for outdoor use all year round. The unique spring-loaded door is also a valuable addition, as it helps in catching rats more efficiently compared to gravity-led doors.
However, there are a few downsides to this rat trap. It is crucial to set the cage on a hard flat surface to prevent the door from being triggered unintentionally. We also had to make some adjustments to the door initially to ensure smooth functioning, but it wasn’t too difficult.
In conclusion, The Big Cheese Rat Cage Trap is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a humane and efficient way to catch and release rats. With its durable and weatherproof design, it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Just ensure it’s properly set up and make any necessary adjustments to the door for optimal results.
ZENO Rat Cage Trap
This humane and reusable ZENO Rat Cage Trap is a must-have for efficiently ridding indoor and outdoor spaces of rodents without harming them.
Pros
- High sensitivity trigger and auto-lock feature
- Easy to use and suitable for various rodents
- Cost-effective alternative to poisons
Cons
- Some instances of bait theft without activation
- Flimsy construction
- May require patience for success
We recently tried out the ZENO Rat Cage Trap and were pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness in catching various types of rodents. As animal lovers, we particularly appreciated the humane approach of this trap. Not only does it avoid harming the rodents, but it also allows for their safe release.
Setting up the ZENO Rat Cage Trap was a breeze, as it arrived fully assembled. All we needed to do was bait the trap and watch it work. This versatile trap is suitable for indoor and outdoor use in various locations, providing an efficient solution for any rodent-infested area.
While the trap has successfully caught rodents within days, it is worth noting that some of our tests resulted in instances of bait theft without activation. Additionally, the construction of the trap is somewhat flimsy, so it might not be as durable as some other options. However, for the budget-friendly price, the ZENO Rat Cage Trap offers a great balance of performance and value for those seeking an alternative to harmful poisons.
RatKil Rat Cage & Squirrel Trap
We recommend the RatKil Rat Cage & Squirrel Trap for those seeking an effective, humane solution to rodent problems, without the possible hazards that chemicals or traditional rat traps may pose.
Pros
- Easy to use; just bait, set and catch
- Humane and safe for pets and children
- Suitable for use in various weather conditions
Cons
- Quite large, which may be difficult to conceal
- May require some practice to set up correctly
- May not be suitable for all types of rodents due to size
The RatKil Rat Cage & Squirrel Trap is a reliable and effective tool for dealing with rodent infestations around your home or garden. The trap ensures that the creatures are not harmed in the process, making it a perfect solution for those who are looking for a more environmentally-friendly approach. To use the trap, simply place bait inside and set it up in an area where you have noticed rodent activity.
One of the notable features of this trap is its size. While it can be quite large and may be hard to hide, its space provides ample room for rodents to be caught humanely without harm. The trap is suitable for use in different weather conditions, making it a versatile and practical option for outdoor areas.
However, it is essential to note that due to the trap’s size, it may not be suitable for all types of rodents. Smaller pests may be able to escape through gaps, and it may require some practice to set the trap up correctly. Despite these features, we believe the RatKil Rat Cage & Squirrel Trap is a great option for those who want to get rid of rodents without inflicting harm or exposing their loved ones to hazardous chemicals commonly found in traditional rat traps and poisons.
Froboo Rat Reaper
Effective rat traps for anyone looking to eliminate rodent problems in their house or garden.
Pros
- Safe for families with kids and pets
- Quick, clean, and humane kill
- Easy to use and dispose
Cons
- Not suitable for squirrels
- Potential issues with larger rats
- Durability concerns after prolonged use
When it comes to tackling rats in our home or garden, we found the Froboo Rat Reaper to be an excellent choice. This trap offered a safe and effective solution, ensuring protection not only for our surroundings but also for our family members, including kids and pets. The tunnel design, coupled with a sensitive pressure plate, ensured a higher capture rate and a swift, humane kill of the pesky rodents.
Setting up the Rat Reaper was a breeze. By simply activating the trigger and baiting it with peanut butter, we could place the traps in common rodent-infested areas like walls, cupboards, patios, and bird feeders. The dual-entry tunnel and covered snap mechanism ensured our family’s safety while disposing of the captured rats was hassle-free.
However, the Rat Reaper is specifically designed for rat control and not suitable for squirrels. We had to use a meat-based bait when squirrels were around in order to minimise the risk of unintended captures. Additionally, some of us faced issues with the trap not being effective on larger rats and durability concerns after prolonged use.
In summary, the Froboo Rat Reaper is a practical and safe option for controlling rat populations in our homes and gardens but not as effective for situations involving squirrels or larger rodents.
Yuhai Large Metal Rat Cage Trap
A reliable and humane option for trapping and releasing UK grey squirrels and other small wildlife.
Pros
- Durable and weatherproof construction
- Easy to set up and use
- Effective for various small animals
Cons
- May require patience to catch larger rodents
- Needs thorough cleaning after each use
- Bait must be frequently changed
The Yuhai Large Metal Rat Cage Trap offers a humane solution to catch UK grey squirrels and other small wildlife without causing harm. We recently used this trap and found it to be a very effective method for catching and releasing rodents and other small creatures in our garden.
Made of galvanised metal, the trap measures 61cm x 19cm x 21cm, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The material is not only durable but also rust-resistant, which ensures that the cage will last for a long time even when exposed to the elements. Additionally, it can be easily set up and reused, thanks to the included comprehensive instructions.
One of the key features of this cage trap is its high sensitivity. The trap is triggered when the pedal is touched slightly, causing the door to shut at lightning speed. To make sure rodents step onto the plate, we placed peanut butter and loose peanuts as bait on the rear of the compression plate. Just be prepared to be patient, as some larger rodents may be more cautious when approaching the trap.
It should be noted that the trap requires regular cleaning and bait change to maintain its effectiveness. Frequent cleaning prevents lingering odours that might discourage other animals from entering the trap, while fresh bait is necessary to keep the rodents interested.
In conclusion, the Yuhai Large Metal Rat Cage Trap is an excellent choice for people looking to humanely and effectively catch and release grey squirrels, rats, and other small wildlife. Its durable construction, ease of use, and versatile application make it a valuable tool for managing rodent problems in various settings.
Froboo Rat Reaper XXL
We recommend the Froboo Rat Reaper XXL for its effectiveness in catching and instantly killing large rats, both indoors and outdoors.
Pros
- Extra large design for effectively targeting big rats
- Instant kill mechanism ensures humane extermination
- Easy to use and reusable
Cons
- Can be too sensitive, leading to false activations
- Some traps could be faulty or have missing components
- May require adjustments for optimal performance
The Froboo Rat Reaper XXL is an excellent option if you’re dealing with an infestation of large rats in your home or garden. Its key feature is the extra-large trap design, which is 8cm wide and 16cm long, making it perfect to catch and instantly kill even the largest of rats. The trap’s heavy-duty spring mechanism ensures a clean, humane kill, which is essential when dealing with these pesky rodents.
Setting up the Rat Reaper XXL is a breeze. You can use it outdoors or indoors, and you simply need to choose your bait (we recommend peanut butter), fill the bait cup, place the trap in position, and pull back the metal lever to set. After catching a rat, you can easily release it by pulling on the metal lever, rinse the trap with water if needed, and reuse it as many times as required.
However, there are a few downsides to the Froboo Rat Reaper XXL. Some users reported that the trap can be overly sensitive, causing it to go off before properly setting it on the floor. Others had issues with faulty traps or missing components, which can be frustrating. Additionally, you might need to make some adjustments to improve the trap’s performance and sensitivity.
On the whole, the Froboo Rat Reaper XXL is a practical and effective solution for dealing with large rats in the UK. While it may require some fine-tuning and proper handling, it remains a solid investment for those who need a powerful and dependable rat trap.
RatzFatz Humane Rat Trap
For an effective and compassionate solution to rodent issues, we recommend the RatzFatz Humane Rat Trap.
Pros
- Live catch design ensures the well-being of trapped rodents
- Large size suitable for rats, mice, and squirrels
- Easy to set up and reusable
Cons
- Doesn’t work for every rodent
- Bait can be taken without triggering the trap
- Might be too small for larger rats
We recently tried out the RatzFatz Humane Rat Trap and found it to be a worthwhile solution for capturing rodents without causing them harm. The internal space features ventilation holes, which ensure that the trapped rat has enough air and space to stay alive. Moreover, the large size of the cage (28cm x 7cm x 8cm) makes it suitable for catching smaller rodent animals such as house mice, yellow-necked mice, and harvest mice.
Setting up the RatzFatz Trap was remarkably simple. All we had to do was place the bait in the trap and start using it. The environmentally friendly PBA material allows for easy cleaning and reuse after each catch.
However, despite its merits, we encountered a few downsides. On occasion, the bait had been taken without triggering the trap, and we learned that it’s not effective for every rodent. Additionally, while the size is sufficient for smaller rodents, it might be too small for larger rats.
Overall, if you’re in need of a humane and environmentally friendly solution to address a rodent problem, the RatzFatz Humane Rat Trap is worth considering. Keep in mind that, while effective for many rodents, it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution.
Buying Guide
In order to choose the best squirrel trap, we need to consider a few essential factors. These features will affect the effectiveness and ease of use of the trap. Let us guide you through these key aspects.
Size and Capacity
A squirrel trap must be large enough to comfortably accommodate the target species. It should also have a sufficient capacity to hold multiple squirrels at once, increasing efficiency. When choosing a trap, consider both the dimensions and the number of compartments available.
Trap Mechanism
The trap mechanism should be sensitive enough to trigger when a squirrel enters yet robust enough to hold the animal securely. There are various types of mechanisms available, such as spring-loaded doors and gravity-triggered platforms. Compare their effectiveness and ease of setup before making a decision.
Construction Material
The materials used in constructing the trap play a significant role in its durability and overall performance. Choose traps made from sturdy materials such as galvanised steel or heavy-duty plastic. These materials should be resistant to rust and weather damage, ensuring that the trap will last for a long time.
Safety Features
A good squirrel trap should prioritise the safety of both the user and the animals captured. Look for traps with smooth interior surfaces to minimise the risk of injuries to the animals. Additionally, consider designs with safety locks and protective handles to prevent accidental injuries during handling and transport.
Ease of Use
A trap should be easy to set up, bait, and clean. Some traps come with pre-assembled parts, while others require assembly. Choose a trap with an accessible design that allows for hassle-free maintenance and operation.
Remember, selecting the ideal squirrel trap depends on a combination of factors, such as size, mechanism, material, safety, and ease of use. Carefully compare different models on the market, taking into account these essential features to help you make the best choice for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top DEFRA approved squirrel traps?
These traps are designed to effectively and humanely catch squirrels, ensuring compliance with UK trapping standards.
Which humane squirrel traps are most effective?
There are several humane squirrel traps available in the UK market. These traps are designed to capture squirrels with minimal harm, allowing for safe release or dispatch.
How do A18 Squirrel trap reviews compare to other traps?
The Goodnature A18 Squirrel Trap receives consistently positive reviews from users, with many praising its effectiveness and ease of use. It frequently ranks highly when compared to other squirrel traps, due to its innovative design, eco-friendliness, and consistent results.
Where can I purchase the Goodnature A18 Squirrel Trap?
You can purchase the Goodnature A18 Squirrel Trap from various outlets, both online and in physical stores. Some reputable options include the manufacturer’s website, Amazon, and specialist trapping and pest control stores.
What baits are proven to attract grey squirrels?
When it comes to baiting squirrel traps, whole maize, peanuts, and sunflower seeds are popular options. Additionally, some trappers have found success with a mix of chocolate spread and oats. It’s essential to refresh the bait every few days to maintain its attractiveness.
How can I improve my success rate in trapping squirrels?
To improve your success rate in trapping squirrels, consider the following steps:
- Properly position your traps. Place them near squirrel activity, such as along paths, tree bases, and fence lines.
- Use the appropriate bait – experiment with different options to find what works best in your area.
- Keep traps clean and well-maintained to ensure optimal performance.
- Check traps regularly and promptly remove any catches.
- Employ patience and persistence – trapping may take time, but consistent efforts will yield results.