TerraTrap GS field guide

Most residential properties can be successfully managed with one station. Properties larger than one acre may benefit from multiple stations. High population sites may require additional stations to achieve faster control. Stations can often be relocated as activity shifts across the property.

Start with the minimum number of stations needed. Monitor results. Add stations only when activity levels justify expansion.

Possible causes

• Station is too far from active burrows or travel paths.
• Station was placed directly at the burrow mouth and is being avoided.
• There is too much human, predator, skunk, or fox odor on the station.
• Squirrels have not been pre-baited long enough.
• Better natural food is available nearby.

Solutions

• Move station within about 50 feet of active burrows, near travel routes or cover.
• Pre-bait with the trap removed for 3–4 days.
• Use a generous amount of bait inside the station.
• Try peanuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, pecans, dried fruit, or wildlife seed mix.
• If no feeding occurs after about one week, change bait or relocate the station.

Possible causes

• They are trap-shy after a strike.
• The bait is not visible or attractive enough.
• The trap is not positioned correctly inside the station.
• The CO₂ cartridge is empty or not seated properly.

Solutions

• Disable the trap and pre-bait again for several days.
• Make sure the bait in the holder is visible from the tunnel entrance.
• Add extra loose bait below the trigger area.
• Test CO₂ cartridge and confirm trap resets properly.

Possible causes

• Bait scent is escaping into surrounding soil.
• Squirrels are investigating but not yet committed to entering.
• Natural burrow behavior is causing exploratory digging.

Solutions

• Continue pre-baiting.
• Keep bait visible from the tunnel entrance.
• Allow additional time for squirrels to become comfortable.
• Verify station placement near active travel routes.
• Bring dirt up the sides and back of the TerraTrap to cover the gaps where it meets the ground.

Possible causes

• Non-target animals are stealing bait.
• Ants, mice, rats, birds, or insects are eating the bait.
• Bait is falling out of position.
• Squirrels are feeding without activating the trap.
• The kill counter may be stuck or frozen from lack of use.

Solutions

• Use bait secured in the peanut holder.
• Add bait deeper below the trigger area, not just near the entrance.
• Reduce loose bait once squirrels are entering consistently.
• Inspect for ants or rodent activity.
• Confirm trigger and strike mechanism are working.
• If the counter may be stuck, see What if the counter does not advance for the counter-strike procedure.

This entry merges two related sections from the original guide. All bullets from both source sections are preserved.

Possible causes

• Too few stations for the property.
• Station not moved as burrow activity shifts.
• Squirrels are feeding elsewhere.
• Bait needs improvement.
• Station placement is not optimal.
• Insufficient bait attractiveness.
• Population size exceeds the coverage area of a single station.

Solutions

• Move the station every 2 weeks as needed.
• Focus on the most active burrow systems.
• Use fresh, high-interest bait.
• Consider adding a second station for high-pressure sites.
• Relocate the station closer to active travel routes.
• Refresh bait with highly attractive food sources.
• Increase pre-baiting.
• Consider deploying additional stations.

Possible causes

• CO₂ cartridge is empty.
• CO₂ cartridge is not threaded correctly.
• Trap has debris in the mechanism.
• Trap is not fully reset.
• Internal components have become damaged.

Solutions

• Install a new CO₂ cartridge.
• Remove and reinstall the cartridge, ensuring it is properly seated.
• Inspect for dirt, seeds, sticks, or debris interfering with operation.
• Follow normal reset procedures.
• If damage is suspected, remove the trap from service and inspect all components.

Possible causes

• Counter was not reset after servicing.
• Counter mechanism is obstructed.
• Counter is damaged.
• Trap is firing but the counter is not registering the strike.

Solutions

• Reset the counter during service.
• Inspect for dirt or debris around the counter mechanism.
• Verify proper operation during servicing.
• Remove the counter and strike it firmly against a hard, flat surface until the counter advances by one count. Reinstall the counter and continue monitoring. Counters that have not been used for extended periods may occasionally stick and require manual activation to restore proper operation.
• Replace damaged counter if necessary.

Possible causes

• Cartridge was not fully tightened.
• Seal is damaged.
• Cartridge has been punctured improperly.
• Trap is malfunctioning and leaking gas.
• Squirrels were engaged with the trigger longer than needed.
• CO₂ cartridges can lose gas over time.

Solutions

• Install a fresh cartridge.
• Inspect seals and connection points.
• Verify proper installation procedures.
• Remove malfunctioning traps from service for inspection.

This is usually normal. TerraTrap is designed so scavengers can remove carcasses. Crows, ravens, vultures, foxes, coyotes, skunks, raccoons, opossums, bobcats, and other scavengers may remove dead squirrels quickly.

Predator odor can make squirrels avoid the station.

Solutions

• Clean or air out the rock top and station.
• Move the station to a fresh location.
• Re-start pre-baiting before setting the trap again.

Possible causes

• Ants are attracted to bait.
• Ant colonies are located near the station.
• Warm weather has increased ant foraging activity.

Solutions

• Remove heavily infested bait and replace with fresh bait.
• Relocate the station if ant activity remains severe.
• Keep bait fresh and dry.
• Service the station more frequently until ant pressure declines.
• Do an appropriate ant treatment, but do not spray chemicals on your TerraTrap GS.

Possible causes

• Station installed in a low area.
• Irrigation spray is directed toward the station.
• Heavy rainfall has saturated the site.

Solutions

• Relocate the station to higher ground.
• Adjust irrigation heads away from the station.
• Remove wet bait and replace with fresh dry bait.
• Inspect the trap for moisture or debris before returning it to service.

Possible causes

• Scavengers are attracted by successful kills.
• Station is not adequately secured.
• Heavy scavenger pressure exists in the area.

Solutions

• Verify the station is properly anchored.
• Inspect for movement or damage during each service visit.
• Relocate the station if scavenger interference becomes excessive.
• Consider additional anchoring methods where appropriate.

Possible causes

• Excessive moisture.
• Irrigation exposure.
• Long service intervals.
• Humid environmental conditions.

Solutions

• Remove all spoiled bait.
• Replace with fresh bait.
• Relocate the station if moisture problems persist.
• Increase service frequency during wet periods.

Possible causes

• The squirrel population is larger than initially estimated.
• Additional squirrels are moving into the area from surrounding properties.
• Multiple active burrow systems exist on the property.
• The station is controlling squirrels, but not yet fast enough to reduce visible activity.
• Only a portion of the active population is regularly encountering the station.

Solutions

• Continue operating the station and monitor kill counts.
• Large infestations may require several weeks of continuous operation before activity noticeably declines.
• Relocate the station periodically to target different burrow systems.
• Place the station closer to the areas showing the greatest activity.
• Consider adding additional stations on heavily infested properties.
• Inspect neighboring areas for additional burrow systems that may be supplying new squirrels.
• Focus on long-term population reduction rather than daily activity observations.

Possible causes

• Local squirrel population has been significantly reduced.
• Squirrels have shifted to another area.
• Natural food sources have become more attractive.
• Seasonal behavior changes have reduced activity.
• Trap has been sprayed by predators.
• Trap has a buildup of blood on it.

Solutions

• Inspect the property for fresh burrows and feeding activity.
• Relocate the station to active areas.
• Refresh bait.
• Continue monitoring before removing the station.
• Clean rock with soap and water to remove predator smells.
• Perform another dirt bath to restore natural soil scent and reduce human or predator odors.
• Clean blood off of trap itself with a small brush and water. Do not use soaps or cleaners that may leave odors.

Possible causes

• Reduced squirrel activity.
• Changes in food availability.
• Weather-related behavioral changes.

Solutions

• Continue monitoring active burrows.
• Focus placement near known winter activity areas.
• Expect slower results during colder periods.
• Maintain fresh bait and regular inspections.

This can happen because TerraTrap may also kill rats and mice. If the goal is ground squirrels, relocate closer to squirrel burrows and away from structures, trash areas, wood piles, or other rodent harborage.