Lately, squirells are refusing to enter 5x5 traps. But, will enter larger traps.
Have tried and has work to near perfection with 12x12( coon traps), pans tension set light. Only issue, Coon traps 3x the cost of squirrell traps. Thinking about going to larger then 5x5 for most of my squirrell trapping.

So, my question is. Have you had similar refusals? If so, what did you do?

Thank you
Sarge

Lethal tube traps have worked great. Openings on both ends.

TNADC, you refering to roundtubes as i call them and or coni's in boxes? Sarge

Here you go Sgt. https://www.wildlifecontrolsupplies.com/animal/WCSTUBE.html
I use them for 99% of my gray squirrel work.

these are what I have used with great success

https://www.wildlifecontrolsupplies.com/animal/WCSTUBERR.html

WCS tubes are great traps. Comstock swing panels work great too.

My go to cage for squirrel is 24x7x8. They go in every time

Make sure it’s level, and make sure there is weight on top to hold the cage. They’ll rob from the back if they can move the trap

Had the same problem. Now I use 7 X 7's and get along fine.

With the tube traps, are you just setting them in a run where they enter/exit the building? You would not bait them, right? I know mink trappers like those tubes because mink seem to have a natural tendency to go though pipes and whatever gap they find. Not sure if squirrels are that way or if you need a "positive set" with the tube so that they have to go through. What has been effective?

Trapper_D, either way works. I used to do a lot of positive sets, but use mostly an excluder with baited tubes for years.

Peanut butter smeared on the top of the tube above the pan? Or is there a better way?

Dusty, this is how I like to modify my tubes. Take pan off, bend up the edges about 3/8", wrap 1/2"x1" wire over it. It pulls the squirrel's head over the kill zone a bit and with bait under the wire, makes them really push down to get to it. I've found you get better than 95% neck catches.



If you use the tubes as a positive set only, I add 3 (4 shown) screws directly over the pan from the top. If doesn't impale the squirrel, it just makes them duck under and makes them push the pan down.



I also double up the screw holes along the ends of the tube. Sometimes you don't have an anchor point on one end and have to have two holes on the other end to anchor so it stays horizontal.

I have been using the Comstock 7x7x24 swing panels for squirrels lately. I take a paper towel and put a wad of peanut butter on it. Squish it around then stick the paper towel through the swing panel holes. Squirrels pull and set off the trap.

A) It's called a mink box with a 120 conibear style trap.
Only it has an extended entry that is a 2.5 inch hole, where the squirrel enters the box through the hole and the trap is inside set back.
Don't kid yourself that a squirrel will enter a hole in a box in a SPLIT SECOND !
Far easier than some cage traps.
It's what they do after all in trees.
You can thank me later !!!