Grower shares info on squirrel control efforts
PECAN SOUTH
May 2003

Editor's Note: Texas pecan grower Richard Haller participated in a grower panel discussion in July 2002 at the TPGA's annual conference in Waco. His squirrel control comments and slides prompted requests for additional information and he has provided these and the photo above.

By Richard Haller

    This trap stand design, pictured above, was developed because it enhances the ability of the trap to draw squirrels to it. The trap used on the stand is a Duke 110.  The trap must be securely tied to the tree or stand. Bobcats or coyotes may pull at the dead squirrel and will drag off the trap if it is not secure.

    The trap stands on a four-foot base, which is a No. 3 rebar pole. The stand floor is 8 inches by 8 inches and is covered in wire mesh.

    The best bait for the trap is a native hard shell pecan with a a 1/8-inch hole drilled into it. The native hard shell pecan is less likely to crack when drilled. The pecan is then tied in the trap with a twist tie. Setting the trap takes strong hands and much caution. (A trap-setting tool can be purchased separately.) Also, the traps should be dipped in oil every other month so they will continue to spring easily. After dipping several times, the oil tends to coat the rust and dipping is required less often.

    The best location for the live traps on a stand is near the edge of the orchard where there are larger trees adjacent to the orchard. The traps should be used to catch squirrels every month except during harvest season, when they will have to be taken down for tree shaking.

    Another method to cut down the squirrel population is to find their nests on a cold, damp winter day and shoot a shotgun shell through the nest.