How to Make a Pipe Trap

Squirrels can be quite a nuisance. Not only are they skilled at stealing birdseed from feeders, squirrels also have a penchant for electrical wiring. With enough nibbling, exposed wires can spark and cause a house fire. Commercial squirrel traps are widely available, but these humane metal traps usually cost a pocketful of cash. Fortunately, you can make a simple and inexpensive squirrel trap with materials found around the house.

Things You'll Need

  • Stove piping
  • Hacksaw
  • Wire mesh
  • Staple gun
  • Hammer and nail
  • Dry corn
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut down a length of stove piping to approximately five feet using a sharp hacksaw. You may wish to hammer the sharp edges inward to avoid cutting your hands while maneuvering the pipe into position.

    • 2

      Cover one end of the pipe with wire mesh. Staple the mesh in place along the pipe opening using a staple gun. If the metal is too thick for staples, tap a small nail into place every few inches around the pipe rim.

    • 3

      Locate a tree occupied by squirrels near your house. Squirrels are especially fond of oak trees because they produce acorns. Check the ground for acorn shell fragments and the branches for squirrel dens.

    • 4

      Place the stove pipe against the tree trunk vertically, with the mesh end nearest the ground. Attach the pipe to the tree with a nail just below the rim of the pipe's upper opening.

    • 5

      Pour approximately one pound of dry corn into the pipe.

    • 6

      Squirrels will smell the corn and drop down the pipe to get to it. The pipe's smooth internal surface prevents them from running back up and escaping. Check your pipe trap every few hours.