Why Trapping Squirrels Is Inhumane?

If squirrels have become a problem on your property, you may consider trapping and relocation to get rid of them. While this might sound like an appealing way to remove squirrels without hurting them, it actually does more harm than good. There are better, smarter ways to deal with squirrel removal in Coquitlam, and a quick call to Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control will set you on the path to being wildlife-free. In the meantime, it’s helpful to understand why trapping is a bad choice.

Traps Cause Harm

When a squirrel is trapped, it’s exposed to the elements and must go without food or water until it’s released. It can also be injured by the trap itself and left to suffer. Keep in mind, too, that the bait used to lure unwanted animals is just as attractive to other wildlife and even to pets. By using traps in your attempt to eradicate squirrels, you may harm other animals unintentionally. For these reasons, it's not surprising to learn that causing injury by deploying traps is considered animal cruelty.

Squirrels Suffer in Unfamiliar Territory

Imagine you suddenly found yourself having to start a new life in unfamiliar surroundings. Fortunately, you’d have your human brain power and your phone’s search engine to help you find places to live and buy food. Of course, that’s not the case for squirrels. In new territory, squirrels struggle to find resources for sustenance and shelter. They often fall victim to other predatory animals since they don’t know where to safely escape from harm, and they’re more likely to be hit by cars as they cross unfamiliar roadways. Relocation spells almost certain doom for territorial animals like squirrels.

Orphans Are Left Behind

There are typically two birthing seasons for squirrels, and most babies remain in the nest for about three months. That means that when you trap, there’s a significant chance of removing a parent squirrel and orphaning its offspring. Baby squirrels can’t fend for themselves, so when they’re left behind, they have little chance of securing the food and water they need to survive. If baby squirrels are starving they will make a lot of noise and can cause damage out of their desperation to stay alive. It is important to deal with the matter quickly because if the babies die in your home they can leave an awful smell for many weeks. 

Relocation Is Only a Temporary Solution

Even setting aside these troubling issues, removing individual squirrels from your property won’t fix the problem long-term. Unless you make your home inaccessible, unwanted visitors will continue to show up and settle in. Eliminating entry points so food, water, and safe nesting spots are unavailable to squirrels is the only way to end the problem.

Exclusion Is Your Best Choice

Discouraging squirrels from returning to your house is the most thorough way to get rid of them without causing them direct harm. A process called exclusion, in which access points are located and sealed prevents further infestations. Unlike trapping, which removes the squirrels but not the access, exclusion makes preferred nesting spots inaccessible. When squirrels can no longer set up residence in your home, they move on to other nest sites, leaving you free from their presence once and for all. Exclusion is the best humane, long-term squirrel removal solution.

Contact Skedaddle for Humane Squirrel Control

Now that you understand why trapping is inhumane and ineffective, it’s time to call in the professionals at Skedaddle for squirrel removal that works. Attempting to take care of the problem yourself can be dangerous, and without the right training and skills your own exclusion efforts aren’t likely to be successful. At Skedaddle, we’re experts at identifying and eliminating the access points and attractors that are bringing wildlife to your property. Let us help you get a handle on your squirrel problem in the safest and most humane way possible. Just give our Coquitlam team a call today so you can return to living squirrel-free ASAP!