When you have trapped a squirrel, you will have to decide whether to kill it or locate it, depending on what the legal options are for where you live. If a squirrel is in your house, you may also install a one-way exclusion door on the exit or entry hole so that it will not be able to re-enter once it leaves. There are live trap and lethal trap options.



When you have a squirrel in the home, it is a nuisance as well as a health hazard. When you decide to kill the rodent, it should be done in a humane way by making sure that the squirrel suffers as little as possible. You can also opt to take the animal to a nearby veterinarian.

Asphyxiation using CO2 has been approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association, and this method uses common household items. The guidelines given are for vets, not for ordinary people, so only someone qualified should carry out this method in order to prevent the pain and suffering of the squirrel.

You can opt to use blunt force trauma to the head. You need to know that the goal for this method is to ensure that you destroy the brain of the squirrel using a powerful and swift blow to the head with a striking object or hammer. It can be emotionally taxing and daunting. If you cannot kill the animal using only one blow, think about other available options. If you do not do it right, you will cause distress and pain to the animal. Putting the squirrel in a bag and smashing it against a wall or stomping at it is not humane. This may lead to a painful and protracted death for the squirrel.

You can use a re-usable and study spring or snap trap. When they have been designed well, they are able to kill the squirrel quickly, and they offer a quick death compared to other traps like glue traps.

Shooting at the squirrel can be done by a skilled person who understands firearms and has more of a chance to shoot and kill the squirrel instantly. You can use a small caliber, air rifle or low power gun. A powerful gun will carry the risk of shooting through a squirrel or ricocheting. It may also spread the biological material further compared to a small gun, which may become a health hazard.

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