Introduction
When homeowners in the UK discover squirrels in their loft or garden, the first question is often about traps. Should you choose a live catch trap or a kill trap? Both have advantages and disadvantages, and both come with legal responsibilities.
This article provides a full comparison of live catch squirrel traps versus kill traps so you can make an informed decision. We will look at costs, effectiveness, humane considerations, and long-term value. Along the way, we will also discuss how Goodnature traps fit into the picture as a modern humane solution.
For a complete overview of all squirrel control options, you can read our complete guide to squirrel traps in the UK.
What Are Live Catch Traps
Live catch traps are cage-style devices designed to capture squirrels without harming them. The squirrel enters the cage, triggers a mechanism, and the door closes behind it.
Advantages of Live Catch Traps
- Lower upfront cost compared with most kill traps
- Can be reused many times if maintained properly
- Provide the appearance of a humane approach
Disadvantages of Live Catch Traps
- Grey squirrels cannot legally be released in the UK, which means you must dispatch them humanely yourself
- Handling live squirrels can be stressful and dangerous
- Require frequent checking, baiting, and cleaning
- Often less reliable outdoors where weather can damage the cage
What Are Kill Traps
Kill traps are designed to dispatch squirrels instantly. Traditional designs use strong springs, while modern systems such as Goodnature traps use a CO₂-powered mechanism that resets automatically.
Advantages of Kill Traps
- Quick and humane when approved designs are used
- Do not require you to handle live animals
- More reliable for long-term control
- Goodnature traps can dispatch multiple squirrels without resetting
Disadvantages of Kill Traps
- Higher upfront cost
- Some traditional models require manual resetting after each use
- Misuse of unapproved traps can cause animal suffering and legal consequences
Cost Comparison
| Trap Type | Price Range | Ongoing Costs | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic live catch trap | £15–£30 | Bait £10–£15 per month | 1–2 years |
| Heavy duty live catch trap | £30–£60 | Bait £10–£20 per month | 3–5 years |
| Traditional kill trap | £40–£60 | Small bait cost £5–£10 | 3–5 years |
| Goodnature self-resetting trap | £120–£150 | Refill kit £25 every few months | 5–10 years |
At first glance, live catch traps are the cheapest. However, once you factor in bait, maintenance, and replacement over time, the total cost can exceed that of a Goodnature trap.
Humane Considerations
Humane control is an important factor for many UK homeowners.
Live catch traps may seem humane at first, but once a grey squirrel is captured you are legally required to dispatch it. Prolonged confinement is stressful to the animal and leaving a squirrel in a cage too long can breach animal welfare rules.
Kill traps that are approved for use are specifically designed to dispatch squirrels instantly, which is considered more humane. Goodnature traps are tested and certified for humane use in the UK and other countries.
Practicality and Ease of Use
| Factor | Live Catch Traps | Kill Traps |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of setup | Simple cage design | Varies, Goodnature mounts securely outdoors |
| Maintenance | Frequent cleaning and rebaiting | Minimal, Goodnature needs refills only every few months |
| Safety | Handling live animals can be risky | Less contact required |
| Reliability | Can be avoided by wary squirrels | High, especially self-resetting designs |
Goodnature traps reduce the labour involved. Once mounted and baited, they can continue working for months without daily checking beyond legal requirements.
Common Mistakes with Both Trap Types
Live Catch Traps
- Leaving squirrels in the cage too long
- Using bait that attracts birds instead of squirrels
- Assuming release is allowed
Kill Traps
- Using non-approved traps that may not be humane
- Placing traps in poor locations away from squirrel runways
- Forgetting to check traps daily as required by law
Which Trap Is Right for You
The choice depends on your priorities.
If you want the lowest upfront cost and are prepared to dispatch squirrels yourself, a live catch trap might work for occasional use.
If you want a humane, low-maintenance, and long-term solution, a kill trap such as a Goodnature A18 is usually the better choice.
For ongoing problems, the investment in Goodnature is often cheaper and less stressful than repeated purchases of live catch cages.
FAQs
Are live catch traps legal in the UK?
Yes, but you cannot legally release a grey squirrel once caught. This means you must dispatch it humanely, which many homeowners find difficult.
Do kill traps work better than live catch traps?
Kill traps are generally more reliable because they require less maintenance and avoid the issue of handling live animals.
Are Goodnature traps worth the cost?
Yes. They cost more upfront but are self-resetting, weather-resistant, and approved for humane use. Over several years they often cost less than repeatedly buying or replacing live catch traps.
Which trap is safest for non-target animals?
Goodnature traps reduce risk because they are mounted on trees or posts, making them less accessible to pets and birds. Live catch traps placed on the ground may capture other animals by accident.
How long should I expect a trap to last?
Basic cage traps may rust within two years. Heavy duty cages or traditional kill traps can last around five years. Goodnature traps are designed for at least 5–10 years with simple maintenance.
Do all traps need to be checked daily?
Yes. UK law requires that all traps are checked at least once every twenty-four hours to ensure animal welfare standards are met.
Conclusion
Both live catch and kill traps can be effective, but they come with very different costs, responsibilities, and outcomes. Live catch traps are cheaper upfront but require ongoing effort and the difficult responsibility of dispatching grey squirrels. Kill traps, especially Goodnature traps, provide a more humane, efficient, and long-term solution.
For UK homeowners, the decision often comes down to whether you want a short-term low-cost option or a reliable long-term investment.
To learn more about squirrel control, including costs, benefits, and best practices, explore our complete guide to squirrel traps in the UK.