How to Catch a Wild Squirrel

Set a trap. Because the squirrel can be similar in size to the rat, a rat trap will often work. These traps are made with a metal spring and wood base. When the squirrel is caught, you can dispose of the entire trap. Another trap that will work to catch a squirrel is a glue trap, a plastic tray filled with glue. The squirrel steps into the glue and becomes stuck.

Place a live trap in a place where the squirrels frequent as a more humane option for catching squirrels. If the squirrel has been entering a building by a certain hole, you should place the trap nearby. Once the squirrel is caught, wear gloves to protect your hands as you remove the trap. Squirrels have sharp claws and teeth and can scratch and bite you if frightened. Squirrels are also very territorial, so if you let one go after catching it in a live trap, it may return to the same area.

Bait your traps. Add a dab of peanut butter to better entice the squirrel. Apples also work well as squirrel bait. Be sure to securely wire the bait to the trap so the squirrel can not "squirrel" it away.

Place poison in the squirrel's territory if you wish to catch them in order to exterminate them. Rat poison will work on squirrels, causing them to become thirsty. The squirrel will travel into the open in search of water and die where you can find it and dispose of the body.