AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM TRAP MASTER DALE

Every trapping environment is different, and the squirrels in your area may have distinct food preferences. For that reason, bait selection and pre-baiting are critically important steps in maximizing success.

Peanuts used to be included with every system because they consistently produced excellent results on California ground squirrels throughout Central and Southern California. However, if you are targeting a different species—or operating in a different region—peanuts may not be the preferred food source. It is normal and expected for some locations to require a different bait.

If squirrels do not accept the bait during pre-baiting, they will not reliably enter the trap once it is armed. Pre-baiting serves two important functions:

1. It teaches squirrels that a new, desirable food source is available.
2. It allows squirrels to scent the station interior, which increases confidence and encourages future entries.

PRE-BAITING INSTRUCTIONS (REQUIRED FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS)

• Remove the Trap and Tunnel
• For initial pre-baiting, remove both the A18 trap and the tunnel insert from the
• TerraTrap station. This allows squirrels easy, unrestricted access to the “rock.”
• Place Bait in three Locations
• In the trench beneath the rock
• Inside the station itself
• Inside squirrel burrows that are close by
• Return in 3–4 Days
• Evaluate the bait activity:
  • If the bait is gone: The squirrels accept the selection. Reinstall the tunnel and arm the trap.
  • If the bait remains: Give the site another 2–3 days and reassess.
  • If there is still little or no activity after one week, switch to a different bait option.

ALTERNATIVE BAIT OPTIONS

If peanuts are not accepted, try one of these proven alternatives:

• Seeds & Grains
• Black oil sunflower seeds
• Standard sunflower seeds
• Corn kernels (whole, dry)
• Oats (whole or rolled)
• Wheat berries / cracked wheat
• Milo (sorghum seed)
• Scratch grains (mixed corn, oats, wheat)

Nuts

• Peanuts
• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Hazelnuts (filberts)
• Pistachios
• Pecans

Fruits (Dried)

• Raisins
• Dried cranberries
• Dried apple chips

Note: Best used sparingly or mixed with seeds to enhance scent.

Mixed Baits

• Wildlife feed mixes (seeds, nuts, grains, dried fruit blends)
• Bird seed blends
• “No-waste” seed mixes (shell-free blends)
• Critter feed blends
• Fruit & nut bird mixes

WHAT NOT TO USE

To ensure clean, reliable baiting and protect trap function:

• No greasy or oily foods
• No wet or perishable baits
• No meats or animal products
• No foods that mold or rot quickly
• Avoid sticky materials that coat interior surfaces
• Avoid bait mixtures containing added salt, sugar, or artificial flavors

FINAL WORD FROM TRAP MASTER DALE

It is very common to feel discouraged if the first bait they try does not produce immediate success. Don’t be. Ground squirrels vary widely in their diet preferences from region to region and species to species.

The TerraTrap GS is already a proven squirrel-kill system. When results are delayed, the cause is nearly always bait-related—not trap performance. Stay patient, follow the pre-baiting process, and switch bait if needed. Once squirrels are engaged, the trap will take care of the rest.

If you have questions or want to share results, we would love to hear from you.

With sincere appreciation,
Dale Shreve
Founder & Inventor
Innovative Trapping Solutions