6 Best Collapsible Traps For Easy Squirrel Relocation That Actually Work
Discover the top collapsible traps for humane squirrel relocation. Our guide reviews 6 effective, space-saving models that are simple to use and store.
One minute your prize tomatoes are ripening on the vine, and the next, they have tiny, infuriating bite marks all over them. Squirrels can be charming from a distance, but they become a real problem when they start raiding your garden, chewing on shed wiring, or trying to nest in your attic. The goal isn’t to harm them; it’s to move them somewhere they can be squirrels without destroying your hard work.
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Safe and Humane Squirrel Relocation Basics
Before you even buy a trap, your first step is to check your local and state regulations. Wildlife management laws vary wildly, and what’s permissible in one county might be illegal in another. Some areas have specific rules about where and how far you can relocate animals, so a quick call to your local fish and wildlife agency can save you a lot of trouble.
Once you’ve confirmed the rules, focus on the animal’s welfare. Always wear gloves when handling the trap, both for your protection and to keep your scent off it. After a squirrel is caught, cover the trap with an old towel or blanket. This simple act darkens the space and has a significant calming effect on the animal, reducing its stress during transport.
The final piece of the puzzle is the destination. Relocating a squirrel just across the street is a waste of time; it will be back before you are. A general rule of thumb is to drive at least 5 to 10 miles away to a suitable new habitat, like a large park or wooded area with a water source. Releasing it in an empty field or a dense urban center is just trading one problem for another.
Havahart 1083 Collapsible One-Door Trap
Havahart is one of the most recognized names in live traps, and for good reason. Their traps are sturdy, reliable, and designed with animal safety in mind. The 1083 model is perfectly sized for squirrels, chipmunks, and other similarly sized critters. Its single-door design is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for someone new to trapping.
The real magic here is the collapsible feature. If you’re like me, shed and garage space is always at a premium. This trap folds down to a fraction of its size, letting you tuck it away on a shelf instead of tripping over a bulky cage all year. When you need it, it pops open and locks into place in seconds.
Functionally, it just works. The trigger plate is sensitive enough for a lightweight squirrel, and the spring-loaded door snaps shut securely. Importantly, the internal edges are rolled smooth to prevent injury to the animal, and a solid handguard protects you from any panicked scratching or biting during transport. It’s a well-thought-out design from top to bottom.
Kensizer Humane Live Trap for Chipmunks & Squirrels
The Kensizer trap is a fantastic, often more budget-friendly, alternative that doesn’t skimp on performance. It’s built from a lighter-weight galvanized steel, which makes it easy to carry out to the far corners of your property. Don’t let the lighter build fool you; it’s more than tough enough for a feisty squirrel.
This trap is known for its high-sensitivity trigger. This is a huge plus for catching quick, wary animals that might otherwise steal the bait and escape. The flip side is that you might occasionally find it sprung by a gust of wind or a falling leaf, so placement in a slightly sheltered spot is a good idea.
Like the others on this list, it collapses for easy storage, a non-negotiable feature for a tidy workspace. The solid door and secure locking mechanism ensure the animal stays put once caught. It’s a great example of a trap that provides excellent function without the premium price tag.
Garsmile Small Live Animal Trap Two-Pack
Sometimes, one trap just isn’t enough. If you’re dealing with a whole family of squirrels or have multiple problem areas, the Garsmile two-pack offers incredible value. This allows you to set up a perimeter, placing one trap near the garden beds and another by the chicken coop simultaneously.
Having two traps dramatically increases your efficiency. You can cover more ground and resolve your squirrel issue in half the time. This is especially useful in the spring when you might have a mother and several young ones causing trouble together.
The tradeoff for the value is that these traps might not feel quite as heavy-duty as a single, more expensive model. However, they are perfectly adequate for the job of catching squirrels. For a widespread but not-too-severe pest problem, this two-pack is an eminently practical solution.
Homestyles Two-Door Collapsible Live Trap
The two-door, or pass-through, design is a clever twist on the standard trap. Wary animals are often hesitant to enter a dark box with only one exit. A two-door trap looks like an open tunnel, which significantly lowers a squirrel’s defenses and makes it more likely to walk right in.
Placement is key for this style of trap. It’s most effective when set along a known travel path, such as against a wall, along a fence line, or on a branch a squirrel uses as a highway. The animal sees a clear path ahead, steps on the trigger plate in the middle to get the bait, and both doors snap shut.
This model also collapses for storage, maintaining the convenience factor. The only learning curve is bait placement. You have to be more precise, ensuring the bait is directly on the trigger plate so the squirrel can’t just snatch it from the edge and leave. Once you get the hang of it, it’s an incredibly effective design.
Rural King RK20 Collapsible Animal Trap
If you want a no-nonsense, workhorse trap, this is it. Rural King’s house brand products are built for practicality on the farm, and the RK20 is no exception. It’s made from sturdy, rust-resistant wire mesh and designed to do one job reliably for years.
There are no fancy bells and whistles here, just solid construction. The trigger mechanism is simple and dependable, and the door is heavy enough to close securely every time. It’s the kind of tool you can trust to work when you need it to.
The collapsible design is just as straightforward as the rest of the trap. A few simple clips and it folds flat, ready to be hung on a wall until the next garden raider appears. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes the simplest design is the most effective.
U-Scare Humane Live Trap for Squirrels & Rabbits
This trap is another excellent all-around performer that gets high marks for its solid build and user-friendly design. It’s sized generously enough for the largest gray squirrels and can even handle a small rabbit, giving it a bit of extra versatility around the property.
Ease of use is a major selling point. The collapsible assembly is intuitive, and setting the trigger is a quick, one-person job. The trap feels solid and well-balanced, and the trigger plate is large enough to ensure a successful catch.
Like all good humane traps, it incorporates key safety features. A strong handle guard keeps your hand clear of the cage during transport, and the wire mesh has no sharp points on the inside. It’s a reliable and safe option for getting unwanted guests out of your garden and back into the wild.
Best Bait and Placement for Successful Trapping
The best trap in the world won’t work if you can’t convince the squirrel to go inside. Forget the cartoon image of cheese; you need to use bait that squirrels are actually seeking out. High-energy foods are your best bet.
Your bait list should be simple and effective. A smear of peanut butter is classic for a reason—they have to linger and work at it, ensuring they trip the trigger. Other fantastic options include:
- Unsalted, in-shell peanuts or walnuts
- Black oil sunflower seeds
- A small slice of apple or dried corn
Placement is just as critical as bait. Find their "highway." This could be the base of a tree they climb to get on your roof, the top of a fence they run along, or right next to the hole they’ve chewed in your shed. Place the trap on a flat, stable surface along that route.
For particularly clever squirrels, try this trick: pre-bait the trap. For a day or two, wire the door open and leave bait inside. This teaches them that the trap is a safe, reliable source of food. On the third day, set the trap for real—their confidence will be their downfall.
Choosing the right collapsible trap is about more than just catching a pest; it’s about managing your property efficiently and humanely. A good trap saves you valuable storage space and makes a necessary chore simpler and less stressful for both you and the animal. By pairing a reliable trap with smart baiting and placement, you can protect your hard work and keep your small farm in balance.
