4.3Editor score
10 Best Squirrel Trap (October 2026) Expert Guide
A squirrel trap should make wildlife control more humane, predictable, and manageable. The right model balances a sensitive trigger, secure containment, weather resistance, and responsible release access. From compact galvanized cages to larger multi-catch systems, each design suits different properties, target sizes, and handling preferences.
This guide compares ten squirrel traps using the supplied specifications, customer ratings, dimensions, construction details, trigger systems, and intended uses. It includes live-capture cages, foldable models, dual-door traps, and two high-rated killing designs, with particular attention to animal size, setup, portability, and outdoor durability.
Each pick highlights the product's strongest qualities and practical trade-offs so readers can choose based on the animals visiting their yard and the local rules governing wildlife removal. Product details and availability can change, so check the current listing and local trapping regulations before purchasing or operating any trap.
Top 3 Picks for Best Squirrel Trap
4.6Editor score
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Top 10 Best Squirrel Trap in 2026 Compared
The table below compares all ten traps by capture method, target size, housing dimensions, handling features, and outdoor suitability. It is designed to make differences in trap capacity and setup style easy to identify before purchase.
1. Live Heavy Duty Humane Cage – Balanced Live-Capture Design
The Live Squirrel Trap Heavy Duty Humane Animal Cage Trap offers a straightforward live-capture option with a 4.3 customer rating. Its 17-by-7-by-7-inch housing is sized for squirrels, weasels, and similarly proportioned animals. The fully assembled design removes the folding and setup steps associated with several portable cage traps.
Pros
- Ready to use immediately
- Strong galvanized iron mesh
- Suitable for squirrels
- Quick pedal-triggered closure
- Supports humane relocation
Cons
- Cannot fold for compact storage
- Unsuitable for tiny rodents
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Its galvanized iron construction is the central strength. According to the product information, the sturdy mesh is designed to resist chewing, while the pedal triggers a powerful door to close quickly after an animal enters. That combination makes it a sensible choice when containment strength and a clear trigger action matter more than having a trap that folds flat.
The important limitation is its intended animal size. The one-inch mesh openings and pedal sensitivity make it unsuitable for mice and small chipmunks that may be too light to trigger the mechanism or pass through the openings. Its fixed shape also requires more storage space than a folding cage and offers no multi-animal capacity.
This is a strong choice for homeowners dealing with ordinary squirrels or weasels who want live capture and relocation. Buy it when you have suitable placement space and can check it regularly. For lighter rodents or compact storage, one of the folding or dual-door alternatives may be more appropriate.
Quick, Predictable Triggering
The pedal mechanism is designed to react when an eligible animal steps far enough inside. Placing bait beyond the trigger area helps ensure that the animal commits fully to the cage.
Built for Humane Relocation
The enclosed wire housing supports live capture without relying on poison. After capture, users can follow applicable local guidance when checking, transporting, and releasing the animal.
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2. Rugged Ranch Squirrelinator – High-Capacity Multi-Catch Option
The Rugged Ranch Squirrelinator Humane Multi-Catch Metal Wire Live Animal Trap stands apart with a broad 24.5-by-24.5-inch footprint and a 4.2 rating. Rather than being designed for one animal at a time, its two-door arrangement and listed ability to hold up to 25 squirrels make it a practical choice for persistent, high-volume activity.
Pros
- High multi-catch capacity
- Two-way animal access
- Top access for release
- Easy to store when empty
- Works without rat poison
Cons
- Bulky during transport
- Shallow five-inch height
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Its durable metal-wire construction is intended to confine small woodland and grassland animals securely. The two entrance doors improve access from different directions, while the top lid simplifies opening the trap for inspection, release, and cleaning. A stated weight of 10.4 pounds also gives the unit a substantial feel and helps it remain stable when positioned outdoors.
Trade-offs come from its low, broad profile and heavy frame. The five-inch height may be less convenient for some storage spaces, and its weight makes repeated long-distance carrying less pleasant. It is also a live animal trap, so frequent monitoring and compliance with local release or removal rules remain essential.
Choose the Squirrelinator when several squirrels are visiting one area and the priority is collecting more than one animal in a single setup. It is less attractive for someone wanting a lightweight, compact trap for occasional use. Confirm that its large footprint will fit the intended location before ordering.
More Capacity for Busy Areas
The multi-catch format can reduce the number of separate placements required when squirrels travel together or repeatedly use the same route. Proper bait placement remains important for effective results.
Flexible Entry and Release
Two doors let animals approach from either direction, while the top lid creates convenient access for release and routine cleaning. These features make the cage easier to service without dismantling it.
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3. APXL Heavy Duty Folding Trap – Best Overall Squirrel Trap
The APXL Squirrel Trap Heavy Duty Folding 24-inch Live Trap combines a 4.6 rating with several thoughtfully described engineering features. It is designed for rodents and small mammals and includes a 24-inch cage, reinforced door, heavy-duty U-spring lock, and secure connectors. That combination makes it the most balanced option in this roundup.
Pros
- Wide trigger surface
- Corrosion-resistant coating
- Reinforced door and spring
- Smooth interior finish
- Folds for compact storage
Cons
- Heavier than smaller cages
- No stated multi-catch capacity
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The widened trip plate is a particularly useful feature because it increases the target area an animal must contact. APXL states that the plate offers 30 percent higher sensitivity and a faster response. The powder-coated steel construction resists corrosion and reduces outdoor visibility, while the coated interior and smooth finish are intended to limit sharp-edge contact.
Its design also addresses bait theft. According to the supplied information, the bait location is arranged around squirrel foraging behavior, so an animal must move deeper into the cage before reaching it. The trade-off is that this is a larger, sturdier unit designed around a specific 24-inch format, and the listing does not claim the same multi-animal holding capacity as the Squirrelinator.
This trap is best for users who want live capture, reliable outdoor materials, sensitive triggering, and easier storage in one design. It is a particularly strong fit for yards, gardens, and properties where squirrels are active but full-time observation of a larger cage would be inconvenient.
Sensitivity With a Wider Target
The expanded trip plate makes the trigger less dependent on a precise step. This is useful around busy bait stations where animals may approach at different angles or speeds.
Coating for Outdoor Longevity
Powder coating on the frame and interior supports resistance to corrosion while creating a smoother surface. The result is a cage intended to withstand repeated outdoor use without exposing raw metal.
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4. Gingbau Foldable Live Trap – Best Value for Storage
The Gingbau Squirrel Trap Foldable Heavy Duty Humane Live Animal Cage Trap offers live capture, a 4.3 rating, and a space-saving design. Its open cage measures 17.3 by 7.4 by 8.2 inches, but it folds to only 20 by 7.9 by 1.6 inches. That makes it easier to place in a closet, garage, or vehicle than a rigid cage.
Pros
- Compact folded profile
- Strong galvanized iron
- Includes setup guidance
- Live release design
- Reasonable entry weight
Cons
- Not suitable for mice
- Small chipmunks may escape
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The product is made from heavy-duty galvanized iron, a material selected in the listing to resist chewing. It is intended for squirrels, small rabbits, weasels, and similar-sized animals. A user manual and setup video are also listed, which helps reduce the uncertainty that often comes with a spring-and-pedal cage.
As with many live traps, the trigger has limits. The product is explicitly not suitable for small chipmunks or mice because they may be too light to trip the pedal or may pass through the one-inch mesh holes. The folding structure is also only useful when the trap is empty and dry, so careful handling remains important.
This is a strong value-oriented choice for a typical homeowner who mainly needs to remove squirrels and values a trap that can be stored away between uses. It is less appropriate for someone targeting tiny rodents or needing a multi-animal holding system.
Folding Saves Valuable Space
The thin folded profile makes this cage convenient for seasonal use. It can remain in a protected storage area and travel in a vehicle without occupying a large permanent footprint.
A Humane Target-Specific Design
The dimensions and reinforced mesh are tailored to squirrels and similar animals. Users who need a chipmunk- or mouse-sensitive mechanism should choose a more compact cage instead.
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5. Outdoor Heavy-Duty Trap – Best Premium Outdoor Setup
The Outdoor Heavy-Duty Squirrel Trap for Patios and Garden Use has the joint-highest rating in the group at 4.8 and presents a distinctly different capture method. It is a killing trap intended to respond immediately when a squirrel or similarly sized animal applies pressure to the trigger mechanism.
Pros
- Highest listed rating
- Weather-resistant steel frame
- Solid cedar mounting base
- Supports permanent placement
- Works across varied settings
Cons
- Killing rather than live capture
- Correct rod placement is critical
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Its premium construction comes from a galvanized steel frame and a solid cedar base. The trap may be secured to wood as a fixed installation or positioned as a mobile unit in a garden. That flexibility lets users adapt it to patios, fields, forests, and other outdoor environments where a long-term or seasonal placement may be needed.
Correct assembly is essential. The instructions call for pulling back both trigger frames and securing the locking rod across both; the product details warn that securing it over only one frame will not generate the required force. Users should also keep hands and objects clear of the entrance during setup and operation.
Because this is a lethal trap rather than a live-capture cage, it serves a narrower set of priorities and requires careful placement. It is best suited to a user who specifically wants immediate dispatch, understands local restrictions, and can mount or position the trap securely away from people, pets, and non-target wildlife.
Premium Materials for Exposure
Galvanized steel and cedar create a structure intended to tolerate moisture and seasonal weather. The materials suit users who need a durable unit placed in exposed outdoor areas.
Permanent or Portable Placement
The same design can be fixed to wood or moved around a garden as activity patterns change. This flexibility is useful for seasonal or location-specific squirrel control.
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6. Humane Live Squirrel Cage – Simple Ready-to-Use Capture
The Humane Live Squirrel Cage Trap is a fully assembled live-capture option with a 4.3 rating. Like the first product in the list, it uses a 17-by-7-by-7-inch galvanized iron housing and a pedal-triggered door, but its simpler listing makes it a useful straightforward option for basic squirrel relocation needs.
Pros
- No folding required
- Ready for immediate placement
- Quick pedal closure
- Chew-resistant iron mesh
- Compact standard size
Cons
- Fixed storage footprint
- Limited to similar-sized animals
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Because it arrives assembled, users only need to open it and prepare it for placement. The instant-closing door is designed to secure the animal after the pedal is triggered, and the sturdy mesh is intended to prevent chewing through the cage. These details support a practical live capture and release approach.
Its limitations are clear. It is not large enough for big cats or other large animals, while mice and small chipmunks may be too light to activate the pedal or may escape through the one-inch mesh openings. The rigid construction also means the trap needs a dedicated storage location when it is not in use.
Choose this model when simplicity is the priority and you need a compact live cage for squirrels, weasels, or comparable animals. It is less appropriate for tiny rodents, large wildlife, or users who require a foldable or multi-catch design.
No Folding or Assembly
The fully assembled format is convenient for users who do not want to manipulate folding wires. It can be positioned near an active feeding or travel area with minimal preparation.
Clear Size Boundaries
The 17-inch cage is built for squirrels and similar-sized animals. Recognizing its minimum and maximum target sizes helps prevent unsuccessful captures or unsafe handling.
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7. Faicuk Heavy Duty Trap – Versatile Rodent and Squirrel Capture
The Faicuk Heavy Duty Squirrel Trap is the most compact conventional cage in the group, measuring 16.3 by 6 by 6.7 inches. Its 4.0 rating is the lowest listed here, but the specification set is broad and includes grey squirrels, chipmunks, tree squirrels, flying squirrels, weasels, rats, voles, and similar nuisance animals.
Pros
- Broad target-animal range
- Rust-resistant construction
- Sensitive light-pressure trigger
- External trigger bar
- Clear bait placement guidance
Cons
- Lowest rating in the list
- Not suitable for large animals
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The cage uses 12-gauge galvanized steel wire for rust and corrosion resistance. Its gravity-action door drops after even slight pedal contact, while the trigger bar is positioned outside the cage so a captured animal cannot damage it. The product information also provides detailed bait suggestions and recommends placing food toward the rear to discourage outside access.
The compact profile can be useful where a larger rigid cage is inconvenient, although the narrower interior may offer less room for larger squirrels. It is explicitly unsuitable for groundhogs and rabbits. A rating of 4.0 suggests some variability in customer experience, so setup and bait placement should follow the instructions closely.
This is a versatile option for a property dealing with several small nuisance species rather than squirrels alone. It is especially relevant where low-profile placement is needed or where a broad live-capture target list is useful. Always check local trapping laws before use, as the manufacturer itself recommends.
Sensitivity and Trigger Protection
The gravity-action system reacts to light pedal pressure, while the external trigger bar is less exposed to interference from the captured animal. Together they support a responsive, straightforward mechanism.
Bait Placement Matters
The supplied guidance recommends placing bait beyond the trigger plate near the rear. This can encourage an animal to enter deeply enough to activate the door while reducing bait theft.
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8. HOMESTEAD Dual-Door Live Trap – Best for Safe Transport
The HOMESTEAD Live Trap is a fully assembled, 18-by-5-by-5-inch cage with a 4.1 rating. Its defining feature is the dual-door arrangement, which allows an animal to enter from either end and provides flexible placement along travel routes. The compact shape can be useful along fences, decks, or narrow garden edges.
Pros
- Animals enter from either end
- Handle guard improves safety
- Rust-resistant metal coating
- Fine bar spacing limits escapes
- Four-step setup process
Cons
- Narrow five-inch interior
- Weight may limit portability
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Safety during transport is addressed through a sturdy carrying handle and a solid metal guard intended to protect the user's hands from bites or scratches. A sensitive bait pan closes the spring-loaded doors automatically, while the rust-resistant coating and 0.5-inch bar spacing support containment and repeated outdoor use.
The narrow five-inch height is the main compromise. It may suit smaller squirrels, chipmunks, weasels, and comparable animals, but it provides less interior room than the 24-inch APXL cage or broad Squirrelinator. The listing also does not indicate multi-animal capacity, so it should be treated as a single-catch design.
This is a good choice for users who prioritize a protected handle, two-sided entry, and compact live capture. It is less suitable for larger animals that need more space. Users should also account for the actual carrying weight of the metal cage and transport it securely.
Two-Sided Placement Flexibility
Dual entrances make it easier to align the trap with a route animals already use. This is helpful along fence lines, garden edges, and other narrow spaces with consistent traffic.
Safer Handling After Capture
The guarded carrying handle is designed to reduce direct contact with a captured animal. It remains important to keep the cage secure, avoid squeezing it, and follow wildlife-handling guidance.
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9. Garvee Two-Door Live Trap – High-Capacity Humane Containment
The Garvee Squirrel Trap with Carrying Handle is a live-capture cage designed around high capacity and easier access. It has a 4.1 rating and shares useful traits with the Squirrelinator, including a two-door entry system, a top lid, and a heavy-duty metal-wire body intended to withstand outdoor use.
Pros
- Can hold multiple squirrels
- Dense chew-resistant wire
- Top lid aids release
- Carrying handles aid transport
- Suitable for varied areas
Cons
- Capacity claim lacks measurements
- Larger target list needs verification
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The top-opening design supports checking, release, and cleaning without dismantling the cage. Carrying handles help limit direct contact during movement, while the dual doors improve entry opportunities from different directions. The listing describes a cage capable of holding multiple squirrels, which may reduce repeated setup during periods of heavy activity.
A key limitation is that the supplied information does not provide exact cage dimensions or a clear weight, making direct comparison with measured alternatives difficult. The broad list of target animals also calls for careful size verification, especially when considering rabbits, moles, guinea pigs, or hamsters. Buyers should check current listing details before assuming suitability.
This model is most appropriate for a property with repeated squirrel traffic and a preference for humane live capture. It is also useful when access from multiple directions and a convenient top lid are more important than a slim, easily folded profile.
High Capacity for Repeated Activity
A multi-animal holding design can be efficient when squirrels arrive in groups or revisit a baited location. Monitoring frequency should increase when the cage has more than one animal.
Serviceable Top-Access Design
The top lid makes it easier to check, clean, and release animals. Users should open it only when the trap is stable and the animal is not in a position where it could escape.
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10. Outdoor Heavy-Duty Trap Black – Rugged Fixed or Mobile Design
The Outdoor Heavy-Duty Squirrel Trap for Garden Use-Black is the black version of the high-rated lethal trap design, also carrying a 4.8 rating. Like its counterpart, it combines a galvanized steel frame with a solid cedar base and can be installed on wood or positioned as a mobile unit.
Pros
- Joint-highest customer rating
- Durable outdoor materials
- Flexible installation options
- Immediate trigger response
- Suitable across outdoor settings
Cons
- Lethal capture method
- Assembly errors reduce force
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The design is intended for immediate operation, with light pressure from a squirrel or similarly sized animal activating the mechanism. Its materials are described as capable of withstanding moisture, rust, and seasonal weather changes, making the unit suitable for gardens, fields, forests, patios, and professional outdoor settings.
The critical issue is setup precision. Both trigger frames must be pulled back, and the locking rod must be secured across both. Failure to do so means the trap will not generate the necessary force. Users must also keep their hands and objects clear of the entrance during assembly and operation.
Choose this option for immediate dispatch in a location where a fixed mounting is practical. It is not the appropriate choice for someone seeking live capture, and it requires a careful review of local rules. Its high rating reflects customer satisfaction, but correct setup and responsible placement remain essential to achieving the intended result.
Built for Long-Term Outdoor Use
The galvanized frame and cedar base are intended to endure exposure in varied outdoor environments. A properly secured installation can provide a stable and durable trapping point.
Setup Determines Performance
The rod must cross both trigger frames to create the intended force. A final visual check before placing bait or allowing animals near the entrance helps identify an incomplete setup.
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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Squirrel Trap
The best squirrel trap depends on the target species, capture method, placement area, storage needs, and local regulations. Compare dimensions, trigger sensitivity, access points, weather resistance, and handling features before buying.
Live Capture or Immediate Dispatch
Summary: Choose the capture method that is legal, appropriate, and realistic for your property.
Animal Size and Mesh Spacing
Summary: Match both interior space and mesh spacing to the smallest and largest animals you expect.
Trigger Sensitivity and Bait Placement
Summary: Look for a responsive mechanism, then place bait beyond the trigger to encourage a full entry.
Capacity and Number of Doors
Summary: Match holding capacity to animal traffic without sacrificing safe, frequent monitoring.
Construction and Outdoor Durability
Summary: Pick corrosion-resistant materials and an outdoor finish suited to the placement environment.
Storage and Portability
Summary: Measure storage and transport areas, and favor a foldable design if space is limited.
Safe Handling and Release Access
Summary: Prioritize guarded handles and accessible lids, but follow professional wildlife-handling precautions.
Legal and Ethical Responsibility
Summary: Confirm local rules before purchase, and use a responsible placement and monitoring plan.
How to Use and Care for Your Squirrel Trap
Begin by confirming the local rules that apply to squirrels and the selected trap type. Read the manufacturer's instructions, inspect the trigger, door, locking rod, fasteners, and mesh, and make sure the trap is clean, dry, and free of damage. If the product includes a setup video, watch it before setting the mechanism for the first time.
Open the trap according to its instructions and place the bait inside the housing, beyond the trip plate and away from the entrance. For a lethal model, pull back both trigger frames and secure the locking rod across both; verify the mechanism by following the manual rather than testing it with your hand. Position the trap in a stable, sheltered area away from children, pets, and other animals.
Check the trap at least daily and more frequently when animals are known to be present. Never leave a captured animal without attention for extended periods, and follow the relevant release or removal process. After use, open and inspect the trap, remove debris, clean the interior with an animal-safe method, dry every part thoroughly, and store the mechanism in a clean, dry place away from corrosive materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best size of squirrel trap for a typical yard?
Most standard squirrel cages are around 16 to 18 inches long, while the APXL offers a 24-inch format and the Squirrelinator uses a much larger multi-catch frame. Choose a size that gives the intended squirrel enough room while fitting the available placement area. Also consider whether you may encounter chipmunks, since many standard cages are not designed to hold tiny rodents.
Can a squirrel trap safely catch chipmunks and mice?
Several models explicitly exclude mice and small chipmunks. Their light weight may not activate the pedal, and one-inch mesh openings may allow smaller animals to escape. If chipmunks or mice are the primary target, look for a smaller, more sensitive cage with finer mesh and verify that the product's target list includes the exact species.
What bait works best in a live squirrel trap?
The Faicuk product information lists peanut butter, cake, biscuit, jujube, longan, walnut, beans, corn, peanuts, sunflower seeds, fried food, sausage, and roast meat among possible baits. Whatever food is used, place it deep inside the trap beyond the trigger plate so the animal must enter fully. Keep the bait fresh and follow any product-specific advice.
How often should a trapped animal be checked?
Check the trap at least once daily, and more often when squirrel activity is high. A trapped animal depends on the trap remaining secure and the weather staying suitable, so frequent observation is important. Follow local rules for maximum retention time and release procedures, and contact a wildlife authority if an animal appears injured or distressed.
Should I choose a live trap or a killing trap?
A live trap is designed to contain an animal for relocation or another lawful handling process, while a killing trap is designed for immediate dispatch. The appropriate choice depends on local regulations, property conditions, and personal preferences. Confirm that the mechanism matches your objective and that you understand the safety requirements of the design you purchase.
How do I stop squirrels from taking bait without triggering the trap?
Place the bait deep inside the cage, beyond the trip plate and away from the opening. Secure the trap so an animal cannot pull the bait through the mesh. The APXL and Faicuk descriptions specifically emphasize this placement principle because it encourages the animal to travel farther into the cage before contacting the trigger.
Can these traps be reused outdoors?
Several products are explicitly described as durable, reusable outdoor traps made from galvanized steel, iron mesh, or powder-coated steel. Actual longevity depends on exposure, corrosion, damage, and maintenance. Rinse away debris, dry the cage thoroughly, inspect the springs and fasteners, and store the trap in a clean, dry area when it is not being used.
Where should I place a squirrel trap?
Place it along a frequently used route, near a source of animal activity, or close to a damaged garden or bird-feeder area without blocking normal human access. Stabilize the unit, protect it from unnecessary weather exposure, and keep it away from children, pets, and non-target wildlife. A quiet, shaded location can also help an animal enter naturally.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Squirrel Trap
The APXL Heavy Duty Folding Trap is the strongest all-around option because it combines a sensitive widened trip plate, powder-coated construction, smooth finish, reinforced hardware, and foldable storage. The Gingbau model is a practical budget choice, while the Outdoor Heavy-Duty Trap stands out for users seeking a fixed or mobile lethal setup with a high customer rating.
Before purchasing, prioritize the target species, legal capture method, interior size, mesh spacing, and outdoor placement conditions. Live-capture users should also consider trigger sensitivity, bait access, door configuration, and safe carrying features. Fold the choice into your available storage space rather than assuming every compact-looking product packs away.
Product details, customer ratings, and availability can change, so review the current listing before ordering. Compare the latest dimensions and instructions, confirm that the trap is appropriate for the animals visiting your property, and check local trapping and release requirements before putting the device into service.