Squirrel Traps UK Legal, Humane, and Effective Solutions for Grey Squirrel Problems

Are you struggling with squirrel damage in your loft, attic, garden, or business property in Sheffield, Barnsley, or South Yorkshire?

Understanding squirrel behaviour and selecting the right squirrel traps and cage traps is critical for practical and legal squirrel control.

This in-depth guide provides you with everything you need to know: from squirrel trap reviews and squirrel trap types, to squirrel trap placement, squirrel trap safety, squirrel exclusion, and compliance with all UK squirrel trap regulations.

Apex Pest Control—accredited by BPCA and NPTA—offers expert advice for homeowners and businesses seeking effective, humane, and lawful wildlife management solutions. 

Why Control Grey Squirrels? Understanding Squirrel Behaviour and Damage

Grey squirrels cause extensive squirrel damage by gnawing on wood, wires, or insulation, and by raiding gardens and causing chaos around feeders and bins. Using a humane grey squirrel trap can help mitigate this issue. They are opportunistic, attracted by squirrel attractants such as:

• Unsecured rubbish

• Leftover pet food

• Birdseed

Their troublesome squirrel behaviour often leads to infestations, increasing the need for squirrel damage prevention and professional squirrel population control. Rapid, compliant squirrel removal is not just about comfort, it’s essential for property protection and supporting native wildlife.

Spotting a Squirrel Infestation

Tell-tale signs include:

• Chewed timbers

• Gnawed cables

• Disturbed insulation

• Squirrel droppings

• Strong odours

• And frequent squirrel sightings

Which indicates the need to check the trap. Scratching or scurrying noises in roof spaces often point to nests. Timely intervention using humane squirrel traps, squirrel repellent products, and professional rodent traps can stop the problem before it escalates, especially when considering how to cover the trap effectively.

Red Squirrel Alert:

If you encounter a red squirrel (distinctive reddish fur and ear tufts), do not attempt trapping or removal. Red squirrels are fully protected; contact your local wildlife trust or Apex Pest Control for guidance. Red Squirrels Northern England

Squirrel Trap Types, Reviews, Brands, Cost, and Legal Compliance

There’s a wide choice of squirrel traps in the UK. Here’s what you need to know about squirrel trap types, brands, and regulations:

• Live capture traps (e.g., Norbury, Shelmore): The most popular humane squirrel traps. These live squirrel traps allow safe squirrel exclusion when checked daily. Apex’s squirrel trap reviews rate Norbury and Shelmore highly for effectiveness and durability.

• Spring snap traps (e.g., Kania 2000): Approved for professional use only, under the Spring Traps Approval Order. These rodent traps are effective but, for trap safety and legality, always follow grey squirrel trap instructions and professional guidelines.

• Automatic multi-catch traps (e.g., Goodnature A18): Require less squirrel trap maintenance, suitable for outdoor or high-traffic sites, with proven trap effectiveness for both squirrels and other rodent control needs.

• DIY squirrel traps: Can be a cost-effective alternative for smaller budgets. All DIY grey squirrel traps must comply with strict grey squirrel trap regulations, including using recommended materials, ensuring humane function, and regular trap maintenance.

• Squirrel trap costs range from less than £20 for simple DIY or entry-level live traps, to £120+ for premium multi-catch or automatic models. Always weigh squirrel trap effectiveness, squirrel trap size, and trap safety when choosing.

Specific Traps Popular in the UK Market

Professional pest controllers and experienced DIY users often use several well-known traps, including the A18 trap, each with distinct legal and welfare considerations for humane control.

• STV Rat & Squirrel Cage Trap (STV088):

A popular live capture cage trap suitable for both rats and squirrels. It is legal for grey squirrel control provided it is checked daily and any captured grey squirrel is humanely dispatched in accordance with UK law.

• General Animal Cage Traps (Live Catch):

Widely used cages for live trapping rats, squirrels, and other small mammals. Ensure legal use by following all setup, inspection, and welfare requirements.

• Fenn Trap Protection Cage by TrapMan:

This cage is designed to enclose Fenn traps and protect non-target species. Note: Fenn traps themselves are currently NOT approved for grey squirrel control under the UK Spring Traps Approval Order; only selected models like Kania 2000 are allowed. Protection cages are valuable but do not circumvent these legal constraints regarding grey squirrel traps.

• WCS Squirrel Tube Trap (killer trap) with monkey nuts:

A spring/killer trap designed for squirrels and baited with monkey nuts. Important: Check the current Spring Traps Approval Order—only DEFRA-approved trap models are authorised for squirrel use. As of 2025, Kania 2000 is approved, but the legal status of tube traps may change. Always confirm before use.

Squirrel Trap Setup, Bait, Placement, and Maintenance

• Squirrel trap design and materials: Use DEFRA-approved products, select weather-resistant materials for outdoor rodent traps, and ensure your squirrel trap is the appropriate size for your target.

• Squirrel trap placement: Place traps on known squirrel routes—roof void entrances, along fences, or where squirrel attractants are present for best trap effectiveness.

• Squirrel trap bait: Effective squirrel bait includes peanuts, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter. Follow all guidelines for bait placement to enhance trap effectiveness and ensure no non-target animals are harmed.

• Trap setup and instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s squirrel trap instructions. For optimal results, enlist professional help for squirrel trap installation.

• Trap maintenance: Every trap—live, automatic, or snap—must be checked at least daily. Remove animals promptly, replenish squirrel trap bait, clean, and reset as needed. Proper trap maintenance preserves animal welfare and ensures compliance with trap regulations.

• Trap safety: Handle with gloves and keep all traps clear of children and pets.

Squirrel Exclusion, Proofing, Repellent, and Deterrents

After removing current pests, prevent new infestations with robust squirrel exclusion and squirrel proofing:

• Seal holes, mesh vents, and block roof access points

• Trim trees or vegetation that touches your property

• Remove squirrel attractants like open bins or regularly scattered bird feed

• Install squirrel deterrents (electronic devices, mesh guards) and use approved squirrel repellent products in garden areas

These methods, combined with periodic checks using live traps or rodent traps, help secure effective squirrel damage prevention and reduce reliance on ongoing squirrel trap alternatives.

UK Squirrel Trap Laws, Acts, and Industry Regulations for Squirrel Control

Legal squirrel control in the UK is governed by strict legislation:

1. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

• It is illegal to release or keep a trapped grey squirrel. Immediate, humane dispatch is required by law.

• Red squirrels are strictly protected—do not trap, harm, or disturb them.

2. Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019

• No person may keep, breed, transport, or release grey squirrels without a licence.

• Natural England issues no licences for grey squirrel release.

3. Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996

• No method of squirrel removal or rodent control can cause unnecessary suffering. Never drown squirrels—always use humane traps and dispatch methods.

4. Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932

• Makes it an offence to keep or release grey squirrels other than under an official licence.

5. Spring Traps Approval Order

• Only DEFRA-listed spring traps, such as the A18 grey squirrel trap, are legal for squirrels. Always follow official trap regulations and trap setup instructions.

6. SSSI & Forestry/Grant Land

• In Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or managed woodland, you may require a Squirrel Control Plan. See Forestry Commission guidance for compliance and information on dispatching the squirrel humanely.

• All pest controllers must use only approved squirrel trap types and rodent traps and maintain up-to-date trap maintenance records.

7. BPCA and NPTA Professional Codes

Accredited pest controllers follow strict record-keeping, regular trap maintenance, and documented squirrel trap reviews, ensuring humane, legal, and effective control every time.

Professional Grey Squirrel Trap Installation & Ongoing Maintenance

DIY squirrel trap options are suited only to small, easy-access problems where you can ensure proper trap safety, humane handling, and legal compliance. For serious issues, SSSI/woodland work, or large-scale squirrel population control, always contract a BPCA- or NPTA-accredited professional for:

• Expert squirrel trap installation and setup

• Routine trap maintenance visits

• Documentation in line with legal grey squirrel trap regulations

• Specialist squirrel trap reviews of brands and methods for your situation

Testimonials:

“We had a persistent squirrel infestation. Apex recommended the best humane traps and handled everything legally and professionally—now our property’s secure!”

“Apex’s expert squirrel exclusion and squirrel proofing stopped squirrels getting back in for good.”

FAQs on Squirrel Cage Traps and UK Law

Are squirrel traps legal in the UK?

Yes—if DEFRA-approved, humane, checked daily, and compliant with all relevant legislation.

Can I use DIY squirrel traps?

You may lawfully use a DIY squirrel trap only if it is humane, effective, made of safe materials, checked at least daily, and does not cause suffering. You cannot release or keep grey squirrels—they must be humanely killed as per the above laws. Using unapproved spring/killer traps is illegal.

Always check DEFRA guidelines and the latest Spring Traps Approval Order to ensure compliance.

Key references:

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

• Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996

• Spring Traps Approval Order 2018

• Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019

• DEFRA squirrel trap guidance

Best squirrel bait for UK traps?

Peanuts, seeds, and peanut butter attract grey squirrels reliably.

What if I capture a red squirrel?

Release it immediately and report to a wildlife authority.

• Natural England – Main Contact Details
  www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england

• Scottish Natural Heritage (NatureScot):
  www.nature.scot

• Natural Resources Wales:
  naturalresources.wales

• Northern Ireland Environment Agency:
  www.daera-ni.gov.uk/topics/biodiversity-land-and-landscapes

Conclusion and Resources

Gaining control of squirrels requires the right combination of:

• Deep understanding of squirrel behaviour is crucial when setting the trap for effective control, especially when using the clever live-capture trap like the A18 squirrel trap.

• Selecting humane squirrel trap brands.

• Expert squirrel trap setup, baiting, and daily maintenance.

• Ongoing exclusion, grey squirrel deterrents, and legal compliance with native red squirrel protections.

Apex Pest Control ensures every phase of squirrel population control, squirrel damage prevention, and rodent control fits UK laws, best practice, and animal welfare requirements.

For trusted grey squirrel trap reviews, advice, legal compliance, and professional installation across South Yorkshire, contact Apex Pest Control.