This, in one small 'pocket' of what is largely an urban area. The annual 'ransacking' of songbird nests, (Magpies aren't the only culprits) was also a factor which made me realise that something had to be done. The 'bait' used during all of this time has been crunchy peanut butter - grey squirrels find it hard to resist - and in all cases, the dead squirrels have been disposed of in the wood below the garden boundary. Foxes have lived there for many years and usually, within 24 hours, they claim the carcass.
Whilst trapping Grey Squirrels in this manner has made me unpopular with certain members of my family, I feel no remorse given the benefit to this small, remaining ancient woodland 'ecosystem', in which Red Squirrels were last seen by myself in about 1971.
Brownbear
Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 14929 Location: South West
These traps are only imported into the UK by two companies, one in Plymouth, I believe and the other in West Yorkshire, fairly close to where I live. That company is 'Kill Germ' in Osset (near Wakefield) Their website is www.killgerm.com
Demand was so strong two years ago, that I had to wait nearly 9 months to get one! Cost then was about �45 and I collected mine in person. I have just checked their website and they are listed as 'Kania 2000 Spring Trap'.
If you do decide to get one and would like any advice on its most effective use, please don't hesitate to ask.
Brownbear
Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 14929 Location: South West
Posted: Mon Feb 21, 11 2:19 pm Post subject:
I might give one a try. I usually use either cage traps or Fenn no. 6s in a little tunnel, backed up with shooting them if there are loads. Shooting is not the most effective way, but if it's a nice morning and there's nothing else on, head-shooting squirrels at 100m is a great way to keep one's marksmanship sharp.
if one baits for squizzers one may well get rats but that is a bonus if less appealing on a plate
Yes, indeed....I've had a few myself, even though the Kania trap is set up to hang vertically from a tree trunk, about 6 feet from the ground. Prior to this, I'd never realised that rats were such good climbers!
I might give one a try. I usually use either cage traps or Fenn no. 6s in a little tunnel, backed up with shooting them if there are loads. Shooting is not the most effective way, but if it's a nice morning and there's nothing else on, head-shooting squirrels at 100m is a great way to keep one's marksmanship sharp.
Yes, I imagine it certainly would. Presumably that's by means o a .22 rimfire? I'm anticipating a bit of shooting myself soon, in some woodland which my brother owns. The resident greys there are quite shy but as I'm 'air power' only, FAC air rifle out to around 40 yards will be the order of the day.
Brownbear
Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 14929 Location: South West