How to trap and remove squirrels in Connecticut | Tree squirrel

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How to trap and remove squirrels

Photo accompanying step 1

Squirrel in a box trap

Use properly sized cage or box traps:

Fox squirrels - 7-inches x 7-inches x 24-inches

Gray and red squirrels - 6-inches x 6-inches x 19-inches

Flying squirrels - 5-inches x 5-inches x 1-inches” with 1/2-inch x 1-inch mesh

Using improperly sized traps for small squirrels can harm the squirrels and allow escape.

Remove other food sources to make your trapping effort more effective.  

Set traps near den holes or along travel routes. Traps placed off the ground should be secured to something solid (e.g. tree branch) and be placed on plywood when on roofs to prevent shingle damage.

Bait traps with apple slices, cracked nuts, or peanut butter.

Pre-bait the traps by tying the doors open for two or three days so squirrels become accustomed to feeding in the traps. Once the squirrels have eaten the bait two or three times, untie the doors and set the trap.

Check the traps twice daily.

Repair any entrances and release trapped squirrels outside.

Female squirrels generally will return for their young. Remove infant squirrel pups by gloved hand or using capture pole/graspers and place outside during daylight, in a cardboard box secured near the sealed entry hole to reunite pups with females.

Translocation of squirrels is not permitted in many states due to disease concerns and low survivorship.  Release squirrels in your yard after taking action to minimize future problems.

Never try to grab an adult squirrel with a gloved hand. They will bite through most leather gloves, causing injury. 

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Connecticut

Trapping and shooting general information for homeowners

Outside of regulated seasons, homeowners are strictly prohibited from trapping and shooting wildlife, unless the animal has been causing property damage or is an obvious threat to public health and safety. If trapping and/or shooting is undertaken under these circumstances, homeowners must still comply with the state’s regulated season trapping laws, which regulate trap types and sizes, baits and lures, location and placement, and how often traps must be checked  Homeowners must also comply with regulated season firearms laws, which regulate allowable weapons and ammunition, and discharge and shooting times.  Finally, homeowners must comply with all state and local firearms regulations and restrictions, and any other applicable local ordinances.  For regulated season trapping and shooting regulations and any other information on the regulated season, see the CT Hunting and Trapping Guide.  Please see the CT Law Library for information on state firearms regulations. Contact your municipality for information on local firearms restrictions and other applicable local ordinances.

Regulated hunting season

In Connecticut, there is a legal hunting season for this species.  Shooting may only be done by a licensed hunter or the landowner of the property, and hunters must follow all laws and regulations regarding allowable weapons and ammunition.  Check the CT Hunting and Trapping Guide for information on season dates and required permits, and for any special conditions.

Fox squirrels, red squirrels and flying squirrels

There are no regulated trapping or hunting seasons for fox, red, or flying squirrels, therefore no permit is required to trap and kill this species.  However, homeowners must comply with all state and local firearms regulations and restrictions, and any other applicable local ordinances.  Please see the CT Law Library for information on state firearms regulations. Contact your municipality for information on local firearms restrictions and other applicable local ordinances. Please see Regulated hunting season information for gray squirrels.
While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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