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Improved Squirrel Trap

 

This is based on Chris Notap's Original Squirrel Trap design:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7XZ8Yr6x8g

And a subsequent update:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QoWJUEs5E0

Please check out the above excellent videos

 

In my design I am addressing a few things and making a couple of improvements

1.       Using the flare out of the PVC pipe for the pivot sleeve

2.       Rubber lining on the sleeve for better grip

3.       Use standard wall plate for the door

4.       Wire mesh to address false triggers

5.       Use Velcro to adjust pivot point

6.       Place magnets on outside

7.       Use JB Weld instead of hose clamp

 

Note: in my build I'm using 3" PVC instead of 4" because I'm trying to target smaller ground squirrels. But the same concepts can be applied to a larger trap.

Using the flare out of the PVC pipe for the pivot sleeve

In Chris's update, he suggests just cutting a section of pipe to use as the pivot sleeve. However I noticed that some PVC pipe has a 'flare out' end to allow for joining pipe end-to-end. I just cut this end off for the sleeve and it fits perfectly.

 

Rubber lining on the sleeve for better grip

 

I cut up some old bicycle inner tubes to rubber line the inside of the sleeve. This gives the sleeve more grip and prevents it from sliding. I used contact cement to glue the rubber.

Use standard wall plate for the door

 

I wasn't able to find a $1 pizza crisper, but I found these metal plates already with holes punched. I don't know what these are called but at the hardware store they are in the area where the 'joist hangers' are, and they are really cheap, approx $1. I used it without cutting, it fit perfectly.

 

Wire mesh to address false triggers

 

Chris mentions that squirrels sometimes falsely trigger the trap by standing on the closed end of the tube. I used a metal mesh to cover that area. The mesh is 1/4 inch and you can get this really cheap by the foot at the hardware store. Cut to size then tape the edges because they're sharp and bend it to the desired shape then staple (or nail) it to the base board.

Use Velcro to adjust pivot point

 

Sometimes I need to adjust the pivot point for balancing the tube. Instead of nailing down the crossbars I use Velcro so they can be adjusted as appropriate.

 

Place magnets on outside

Instead of gluing the magnets on the inside of the tube, I placed them on the outside. Not sure if it makes a difference but I think its aesthetically more pleasing. I used JB weld to glue the magnets.

 

Use JB Weld instead of hose clamp

 

I found that using a hose clamp to attach the door hinge sometimes will "bend" the hinge, making it not move freely. Instead I used JB Weld to glue the hinge - both to the door plate and to the pipe. I used some pilot screws to hold the hinge to the pipe before glueing. Don't over tighten the pilot screws because that will bend the hinge and make it stick. The screws can be removed once the glue has set.

Finished product

 

Contact

Comments, questions, etc..? Email me at dave _AT_ davelai _DOT_ com . Put 'Squirrel Trap' in the Subject. I'll add your comments and questions to this page. Thanks