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Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing
the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
The message
from Martin Pentreath contains these words: I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). Plan B and a lot of practice. You're unlikely to lure a sqrl into a tunnel. You could try erecting a board/piece of sheet a few inches above the ground and putting peanuts under that to accustom it to the cover, then glueing peanuts to the #### and burying it as before. With the board set high enough not to be threatening, and low enough to deter birds, you *MIGHT* succeed. Want a recipe for sqrl? -- Rusty Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. Direct reply to: horrid dot squeak snailything zetnet point co period uk |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). Why kill the squirrels? |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
Rusty_Hinge wrote:
The message from Martin Pentreath contains these words: I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). Plan B and a lot of practice. You're unlikely to lure a sqrl into a tunnel. You could try erecting a board/piece of sheet a few inches above the ground and putting peanuts under that to accustom it to the cover, then glueing peanuts to the #### and burying it as before. With the board set high enough not to be threatening, and low enough to deter birds, you *MIGHT* succeed. Want a recipe for sqrl? Might I suggest the OP learns to use his airgun well? Much better to eat what you kill if they are edible. I have plenty of recipes if anyone is interested:) |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
On Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:52:33 +0000, pied piper wrote:
Why kill the squirrels? Because they are incredibly destructive vermin? OP: bricks and slate works for me, I don't use any 'bait' - their natural curiosity usually gets them. |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). I feed mine peanuts. I quite like to watch them. mark |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). So what is it these particular squirrels are doing in your house/garden that merits the death penalty? If you really need to kill them, and you can't manage it properly yourself, why not hire an expert to do it for you, as quickly and cleanly as possible? A person who has qualms about the use of poison bait would also be wise to avoid shooting at free animals unless and until confident of making a clean kill, by the way. |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"Sacha" wrote in message ... On 16/3/09 10:42, in article net, "mark" wrote: "Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). I feed mine peanuts. I quite like to watch them. mark They're lovely to watch but they're so destructive to birds' eggs. Hmmn. Eating an egg or chick is 100% destructive to it, true, but how many birds' eggs and chicks does the average squirrel consume each year, and, more important, what effect do squirrels have on bird breeding success? Dr Mark Avery, Director of Conservation for the RSPB wrote in a letter to the Telegraph on 22nd October, 2007, "Grey squirrels are not found in most other parts of Europe, yet woodland bird population is also dropping on the continent. ... Poor woodland management, climate change and factors affecting migrating birds are far more significant." Wise words, IMO, and I don't believe we should rush to judgement to scapegoat squirrels, magpies and sparrowhawks for observed declines in bird populations. In addition to changes in the climate and in agricultural practices at home and abroad, there are plenty of gardeners who have been doing their bit to destroy birds' habitats, by removing nesting sites (trees, shrubs, holes under eaves, etc), food stuffs (weeds and seeds etc) and paving over or decking land which used to produce invertebrate food for birds. Wouldn't it be ironic if such people were to start killing squirrels and magpies because they don't notice so many birds about as there used to be? |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
On Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:08:38 +0000, BAC wrote:
A person who has qualms about the use of poison bait would also be wise to avoid shooting at free animals unless and until confident of making a clean kill, by the way. Agreed. Sod the air-rifle, get a 12-bore. |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"BAC" wrote in message ... "Sacha" wrote in message ... On 16/3/09 10:42, in article net, "mark" wrote: "Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). I feed mine peanuts. I quite like to watch them. mark They're lovely to watch but they're so destructive to birds' eggs. Hmmn. Eating an egg or chick is 100% destructive to it, true, but how many birds' eggs and chicks does the average squirrel consume each year, and, more important, what effect do squirrels have on bird breeding success? Dr Mark Avery, Director of Conservation for the RSPB wrote in a letter to the Telegraph on 22nd October, 2007, "Grey squirrels are not found in most other parts of Europe, yet woodland bird population is also dropping on the continent. ... Poor woodland management, climate change and factors affecting migrating birds are far more significant." Wise words, IMO, and I don't believe we should rush to judgement to scapegoat squirrels, magpies and sparrowhawks for observed declines in bird populations. In addition to changes in the climate and in agricultural practices at home and abroad, there are plenty of gardeners who have been doing their bit to destroy birds' habitats, by removing nesting sites (trees, shrubs, holes under eaves, etc), food stuffs (weeds and seeds etc) and paving over or decking land which used to produce invertebrate food for birds. Wouldn't it be ironic if such people were to start killing squirrels and magpies because they don't notice so many birds about as there used to be? I would guess that cats do more than their share of keeping the bird population down. mark |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
On 16/3/09 11:52, in article ,
"BAC" wrote: "Sacha" wrote in message ... On 16/3/09 10:42, in article net, "mark" wrote: "Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). I feed mine peanuts. I quite like to watch them. mark They're lovely to watch but they're so destructive to birds' eggs. Hmmn. Eating an egg or chick is 100% destructive to it, true, but how many birds' eggs and chicks does the average squirrel consume each year, and, more important, what effect do squirrels have on bird breeding success? Dr Mark Avery, Director of Conservation for the RSPB wrote in a letter to the Telegraph on 22nd October, 2007, "Grey squirrels are not found in most other parts of Europe, yet woodland bird population is also dropping on the continent. ... Poor woodland management, climate change and factors affecting migrating birds are far more significant." Wise words, IMO, and I don't believe we should rush to judgement to scapegoat squirrels, magpies and sparrowhawks for observed declines in bird populations. In addition to changes in the climate and in agricultural practices at home and abroad, there are plenty of gardeners who have been doing their bit to destroy birds' habitats, by removing nesting sites (trees, shrubs, holes under eaves, etc), food stuffs (weeds and seeds etc) and paving over or decking land which used to produce invertebrate food for birds. Wouldn't it be ironic if such people were to start killing squirrels and magpies because they don't notice so many birds about as there used to be? We actively encourage birdlife here. They're a vital part of the biological controls we use! So if bird numbers fall here it's because squirrels take eggs or a sparrowhawk has come calling! One of our staff caught one in the big greenhouse a while ago and there are photos of it on our web site - beautiful but deadly! -- Sacha http://www.hillhousenursery.com South Devon Exotic plants, shrubs & perennials online |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
The message
from "pied piper" contains these words: Why kill the squirrels? Now you've started something. And before you have time to berathe out... -- Rusty Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. Direct reply to: horrid dot squeak snailything zetnet point co period uk |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
The message
from Rusty_Hinge contains these words: #### Sorry about that - was going to try to unforget the name of the trigger plate - it has one, but for the life of me... -- Rusty Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. Direct reply to: horrid dot squeak snailything zetnet point co period uk |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
The message
from "Ophelia" contains these words: Rusty_Hinge wrote: The message from Martin Pentreath contains these words: I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). Plan B and a lot of practice. You're unlikely to lure a sqrl into a tunnel. You could try erecting a board/piece of sheet a few inches above the ground and putting peanuts under that to accustom it to the cover, then glueing peanuts to the #### and burying it as before. With the board set high enough not to be threatening, and low enough to deter birds, you *MIGHT* succeed. Want a recipe for sqrl? Might I suggest the OP learns to use his airgun well? Much better to eat what you kill if they are edible. I have plenty of recipes if anyone is interested:) As I said: "Plan B, and a lot of practice" -- Rusty Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. Direct reply to: horrid dot squeak snailything zetnet point co period uk |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
The message
from "mark" contains these words: "Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). I feed mine peanuts. I quite like to watch them. Yes, but they take quite a time to grow. -- Rusty Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. Direct reply to: horrid dot squeak snailything zetnet point co period uk |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
The message
from "BAC" contains these words: Hmmn. Eating an egg or chick is 100% destructive to it, true, but how many birds' eggs and chicks does the average squirrel consume each year, IME, a large number. (So do hedgehogs, BTW) ? and, more important, what effect do squirrels have on bird breeding success? IME, quite a lot. A whole clutch goes. The chances are, the bird will lay another clutch in the same nest, and the sqrl will return. Dr Mark Avery, Director of Conservation for the RSPB wrote in a letter to the Telegraph on 22nd October, 2007, "Grey squirrels are not found in most other parts of Europe, yet woodland bird population is also dropping on the continent. ... Poor woodland management, climate change and factors affecting migrating birds are far more significant." And grey sqrls are the icing on the cake. Wise words, IMO, and I don't believe we should rush to judgement to scapegoat squirrels, magpies and sparrowhawks for observed declines in bird populations. Well, as someone who spends a lot of time in the company of gamekeepers, and on big estates, I can assure you that Sqrls and magpies (jays and crows too) have a very significant effect on small bird populations round here. Sparrowhawks to a lesser extent, but their numbers are rising so fast that even RSPB people are getting a bit worried about them, especially where endangered species are concerned. In addition to changes in the climate and in agricultural practices at home and abroad, there are plenty of gardeners who have been doing their bit to destroy birds' habitats, by removing nesting sites (trees, shrubs, holes under eaves, etc), food stuffs (weeds and seeds etc) and paving over or decking land which used to produce invertebrate food for birds. Wouldn't it be ironic if such people were to start killing squirrels and magpies because they don't notice so many birds about as there used to be? And of course, those who haven't, because the sqrls are digging-up their bulbs and veg, and raiding some crops, as well as eating the food put out for the fast-disappearing birds. -- Rusty Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. Direct reply to: horrid dot squeak snailything zetnet point co period uk |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
The message
from "mark" contains these words: I would guess that cats do more than their share of keeping the bird population down. I think your guess is a good one. However, cats have been domesticated for thousands of years, grey squiggles have only been over here for a couple of hunred or so. -- Rusty Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. Direct reply to: horrid dot squeak snailything zetnet point co period uk |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"Rusty_Hinge" wrote in message . uk... The message from "BAC" contains these words: snip I don't believe we should rush to judgement to scapegoat squirrels, magpies and sparrowhawks for observed declines in bird populations. Well, as someone who spends a lot of time in the company of gamekeepers, and on big estates, I can assure you that Sqrls and magpies (jays and crows too) have a very significant effect on small bird populations round here. Interesting. Are there some estates where they exterminate the squirrels, magpies etc., and some where they don't, and where surveys of the pre-breeding populations of the various resident songbird populations show a significant variance? Sparrowhawks to a lesser extent, but their numbers are rising so fast that even RSPB people are getting a bit worried about them, especially where endangered species are concerned. It's only natural for people concerned with the survival of an endangered species to get hyperprotective about the risks the population faces. But sparrowhawks are unlikely to specialise on a particular species. Indeed, they take whatever is available and easy to catch. So if there are plenty of 'unendangered' fledglings about, they'll probably take more of them than the endangered ones. In addition to changes in the climate and in agricultural practices at home and abroad, there are plenty of gardeners who have been doing their bit to destroy birds' habitats, by removing nesting sites (trees, shrubs, holes under eaves, etc), food stuffs (weeds and seeds etc) and paving over or decking land which used to produce invertebrate food for birds. Wouldn't it be ironic if such people were to start killing squirrels and magpies because they don't notice so many birds about as there used to be? And of course, those who haven't, because the sqrls are digging-up their bulbs and veg, and raiding some crops, as well as eating the food put out for the fast-disappearing birds. Squirrels are clever, but not clever enough to realise that food left out in people's gardens isn't intended for them :-) |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"Derek Turner" wrote in message ... On Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:08:38 +0000, BAC wrote: A person who has qualms about the use of poison bait would also be wise to avoid shooting at free animals unless and until confident of making a clean kill, by the way. Agreed. Sod the air-rifle, get a 12-bore. But think about the collateral damage! Can we compromise on a 410? |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
On 16 Mar, 11:08, "BAC" wrote:
So what is it these particular squirrels are doing in your house/garden that merits the death penalty? If you really need to kill them, and you can't manage it properly yourself, why not hire an expert to do it for you, as quickly and cleanly as possible? A person who has qualms about the use of poison bait would also be wise to avoid shooting at free animals unless and until confident of making a clean kill, by the way. Hi BAC and others, I didn't realise I'd generate so much interest. Many thanks for the advice so far. Anyway, I don't really want to enter into the difficult ethical waters of why kill the cute furry animals! There seems to be plenty of argument about that in plenty of other threads I've seen. I just wondered about the practicalities of these bloody traps. I would get the pros in, but frankly I'm too mean, and as I understand it they would either use Fenn MkIVs (or similar spring traps) like I'm trying to, or put down poison. If I can coax the buggers into the traps they are just as quick and clean whether they're set by me or the man from Rentokil. I do take your point about my poor marksmanship and the poor squirrels. I'd rather not half half-wounded nutkins limping around, so I will be focusing my attention on the traps for now. Cheers! Martin |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
The message
from "BAC" contains these words: "Rusty_Hinge" wrote in message . uk... The message from "BAC" contains these words: snip I don't believe we should rush to judgement to scapegoat squirrels, magpies and sparrowhawks for observed declines in bird populations. Well, as someone who spends a lot of time in the company of gamekeepers, and on big estates, I can assure you that Sqrls and magpies (jays and crows too) have a very significant effect on small bird populations round here. Interesting. Are there some estates where they exterminate the squirrels, magpies etc., and some where they don't, and where surveys of the pre-breeding populations of the various resident songbird populations show a significant variance? Yes, and no idea. Sparrowhawks to a lesser extent, but their numbers are rising so fast that even RSPB people are getting a bit worried about them, especially where endangered species are concerned. It's only natural for people concerned with the survival of an endangered species to get hyperprotective about the risks the population faces. But sparrowhawks are unlikely to specialise on a particular species. Indeed, they take whatever is available and easy to catch. So if there are plenty of 'unendangered' fledglings about, they'll probably take more of them than the endangered ones. Sparrowhawks will take pretty nearly anything that flies and isn't much bigger than a pheasant, and raptors tend not to care wheter dinner is an endangered species or not. In addition to changes in the climate and in agricultural practices at home and abroad, there are plenty of gardeners who have been doing their bit to destroy birds' habitats, by removing nesting sites (trees, shrubs, holes under eaves, etc), food stuffs (weeds and seeds etc) and paving over or decking land which used to produce invertebrate food for birds. Wouldn't it be ironic if such people were to start killing squirrels and magpies because they don't notice so many birds about as there used to be? And of course, those who haven't, because the sqrls are digging-up their bulbs and veg, and raiding some crops, as well as eating the food put out for the fast-disappearing birds. Squirrels are clever, but not clever enough to realise that food left out in people's gardens isn't intended for them :-) Why do they run away when caught at it, then? Colon dash close parentheses -- Rusty Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. Direct reply to: horrid dot squeak snailything zetnet point co period uk |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). I'm sure the traps I have are Fenn, and at first I had a lot of trouble luring the damned things into the trap. a neighbour told me they like tunnels, so I covered the thing with bits of twigs and other debris, and the following morning I noticed there was something strange about the trap, when I went to have look it had one of the vermin in it. I now cover them with a dustbin bag, put some peanuts inside on a small tin lid, and the success rate has been high. Don't give up, just keep trying, you will be successful in the end. Alan |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"Ophelia" wrote in message ... Rusty_Hinge wrote: The message from Martin Pentreath contains these words: I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). Plan B and a lot of practice. You're unlikely to lure a sqrl into a tunnel. You could try erecting a board/piece of sheet a few inches above the ground and putting peanuts under that to accustom it to the cover, then glueing peanuts to the #### and burying it as before. With the board set high enough not to be threatening, and low enough to deter birds, you *MIGHT* succeed. Want a recipe for sqrl? Might I suggest the OP learns to use his airgun well? Much better to eat what you kill if they are edible. I have plenty of recipes if anyone is interested:) I've never found one with enough meat on it to make it worthwhile cooking it! Alan |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"pied piper" wrote in message ... "Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). Why kill the squirrels? Because they are vermin, just rats with furry tails. |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"Derek Turner" wrote in message ... On Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:52:33 +0000, pied piper wrote: Why kill the squirrels? Because they are incredibly destructive vermin? OP: bricks and slate works for me, I don't use any 'bait' - their natural curiosity usually gets them. Please enlighten me, you could have saved me a lot of money, I have three fenn traps. |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"mark" wrote in message et... "Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). I feed mine peanuts. I quite like to watch them. Do you feed aordinary rats as well? mark |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"BAC" wrote in message ... "Sacha" wrote in message ... On 16/3/09 10:42, in article net, "mark" wrote: "Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). I feed mine peanuts. I quite like to watch them. mark They're lovely to watch but they're so destructive to birds' eggs. Hmmn. Eating an egg or chick is 100% destructive to it, true, but how many birds' eggs and chicks does the average squirrel consume each year, and, more important, what effect do squirrels have on bird breeding success? Dr Mark Avery, Director of Conservation for the RSPB wrote in a letter to the Telegraph on 22nd October, 2007, "Grey squirrels are not found in most other parts of Europe, yet woodland bird population is also dropping on the continent. ... Poor woodland management, climate change and factors affecting migrating birds are far more significant." Wise words, IMO, and I don't believe we should rush to judgement to scapegoat squirrels, magpies and sparrowhawks for observed declines in bird populations. In addition to changes in the climate and in agricultural practices at home and abroad, there are plenty of gardeners who have been doing their bit to destroy birds' habitats, by removing nesting sites (trees, shrubs, holes under eaves, etc), food stuffs (weeds and seeds etc) and paving over or decking land which used to produce invertebrate food for birds. Wouldn't it be ironic if such people were to start killing squirrels and magpies because they don't notice so many birds about as there used to be? I wonder if he would feel the same if he wanted to grow things like nuts for his table? |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
On 16 Mar, 18:47, "alan.holmes" wrote:
Please enlighten me, you could have saved me a lot of money, I have three fenn traps. Hi Alan, Don't get excited, I think he means he's doing what I've been trying, ie using a fenn trap but building a tunnel round it with four bricks and a couple of tiles. Could you explain a bit more about your tunnel technqiue with the bin bag? You mean you're burying the trap in the earth (which I'm also doing) and then making some sort of tunnel with a bin bag? One of the points of the tunnel is to make sure other species don't go into the trap, I can't see how a bin bag would manage that, but I'm ready to try all (lawful) ideas. Cheers! Martin |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"alan.holmes" wrote in message ... "mark" wrote in message et... "Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). I feed mine peanuts. I quite like to watch them. Do you feed aordinary rats as well? I most probably do but inadvertently rather than deliberately. I haven't jumped on the bandwagon that squirrels are tree rats. Rats are incontinent, constantly dribble urine and can excrete up to 100 million bacteria per ml of urine. That's why most local authorities offer free rat extermination. This service as far as I'm aware does not extend to squirrels. mark |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"alan.holmes" wrote in message ... "BAC" wrote in message ... "Sacha" wrote in message ... On 16/3/09 10:42, in article net, "mark" wrote: "Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). I feed mine peanuts. I quite like to watch them. mark They're lovely to watch but they're so destructive to birds' eggs. Hmmn. Eating an egg or chick is 100% destructive to it, true, but how many birds' eggs and chicks does the average squirrel consume each year, and, more important, what effect do squirrels have on bird breeding success? Dr Mark Avery, Director of Conservation for the RSPB wrote in a letter to the Telegraph on 22nd October, 2007, "Grey squirrels are not found in most other parts of Europe, yet woodland bird population is also dropping on the continent. ... Poor woodland management, climate change and factors affecting migrating birds are far more significant." Wise words, IMO, and I don't believe we should rush to judgement to scapegoat squirrels, magpies and sparrowhawks for observed declines in bird populations. In addition to changes in the climate and in agricultural practices at home and abroad, there are plenty of gardeners who have been doing their bit to destroy birds' habitats, by removing nesting sites (trees, shrubs, holes under eaves, etc), food stuffs (weeds and seeds etc) and paving over or decking land which used to produce invertebrate food for birds. Wouldn't it be ironic if such people were to start killing squirrels and magpies because they don't notice so many birds about as there used to be? I wonder if he would feel the same if he wanted to grow things like nuts for his table? You are what you eat, they say. |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
alan.holmes wrote:
I've never found one with enough meat on it to make it worthwhile cooking it! Well, I wouldn't suggest cooking just one:) |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"alan.holmes" wrote in message ... "Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). I'm sure the traps I have are Fenn, and at first I had a lot of trouble luring the damned things into the trap. a neighbour told me they like tunnels, so I covered the thing with bits of twigs and other debris, and the following morning I noticed there was something strange about the trap, when I went to have look it had one of the vermin in it. I now cover them with a dustbin bag, put some peanuts inside on a small tin lid, and the success rate has been high. Don't give up, just keep trying, you will be successful in the end. Alan Fenn traps showing he http://www.thehuntinglife.com/html/s...fenn-trap.html Got a feeling the first thing it would catch would be me! mark |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
On Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:58:08 -0700, martin_pentreath wrote:
Don't get excited, I think he means he's doing what I've been trying, ie using a fenn trap but building a tunnel round it with four bricks and a couple of tiles. Yep. A couple of old-fashioned terracotta drainage pipes, one either end seems to make it irresistible. |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
On Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:43:40 +0000, mark wrote:
I most probably do but inadvertently rather than deliberately. I haven't jumped on the bandwagon that squirrels are tree rats. Rats are incontinent, constantly dribble urine and can excrete up to 100 million bacteria per ml of urine. Citation? The urine of all mammals is usually sterile. ****ing on a friend's open wound can wash out dirt and bacteria and may save their life. It has the added advantage of being isotonic. |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
"Martin Pentreath" wrote in message ... I've got a Fenn MkIV trap but I'm not having much success in coaxing the little bleeders into its jaws. I've dug the trap into the earth so that its treadle plate is pretty much level with the soil and then covered the whole trap with bark chips to make it more or less invisible. I bought a metal tunnel with the trap, and I've covered the whole set up with this. But despite scattering a few peanuts around and inside the tunnel I've had no luck. They eat the nuts outside and carefully avoid the tunnel. I thought perhaps they didn't like the strange metal tunnel, so I've tried a couple of house bricks with roof tile on top - no success that way either. I don't much like the idea of poison for the sake of the squirrels or other wildlife, so plan B is an airgun, but obviously a trap would be a lot less work (and less vulnerable to my appalling marksmanship). You'd do much better to get a catch alive trap for squirrels. Fenn traps are best for rats and stoats. Plan B if all else fails but if you're not good Plan A. |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
On Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:18:04 +0000, Christina Websell wrote:
You'd do much better to get a catch alive trap for squirrels. Fenn traps are best for rats and stoats. Plan B if all else fails but if you're not good Plan A. Who says? Fenn 4's are legal for squirrels (among other vermin). WTF do you do with a live-caught one? It's against the law to release vermin on someone else's land. Drop the live trap in the rain-barrel? A Fenn is much more humane. I really don't think you've thought this one through! |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
The message
from Derek Turner contains these words: On Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:43:40 +0000, mark wrote: I most probably do but inadvertently rather than deliberately. I haven't jumped on the bandwagon that squirrels are tree rats. Rats are incontinent, constantly dribble urine and can excrete up to 100 million bacteria per ml of urine. Citation? The urine of all mammals is usually sterile. ****ing on a friend's open wound can wash out dirt and bacteria and may save their life. It has the added advantage of being isotonic. But rats pass Weil's disease organisms in their urine. -- Rusty Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. Direct reply to: horrid dot squeak snailything zetnet point co period uk |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
The message
from "Christina Websell" contains these words: You'd do much better to get a catch alive trap for squirrels. Fenn traps are best for rats and stoats. Plan B if all else fails but if you're not good Plan A. I think it is illegal to release trapped grey squirrels... -- Rusty Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. Direct reply to: horrid dot squeak snailything zetnet point co period uk |
Who's got squirrel-trapping experience?
On 16 Mar, 22:18, "Christina Websell"
wrote: You'd do much better to get a catch alive trap for squirrels. *Fenn traps are best for rats and stoats. Plan B if all else fails but if you're not good Plan A. I'd rather let the fenn trap kill the animal than capture it live and have to look it in the eye and kill it myself. I'm just a great big Jesse really. I believe the live-capture traps are recommended where there are other species (red squirrels in particular) that you don't want to kill. The only other animals likely to get into my trap are rats, and they're fair game. |
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