How to Get Rid of Beavers and Beaver Trapping Tips

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Beavers can cause a lot of problems when they start killing trees and flooding riverbanks near your home. Primarily nocturnal animals, beavers do most of their feeding (and working) during the night. It’s no surprise that beavers like to feed on bark, twigs and leaves. Since their teeth never stop growing, they do not become very worn although they spend a lifetime of chewing hardwood trees… some of which may be in your backyard.

With their vegetarian diet, it’s no stretch that beavers also like to eat the roots, stems and leaves of aquatic plants. But, what most people don’t realize is that this critter will also eat crops like corn, soybeans and fruit trees (gardeners beware!). This makes learning how to get rid of beavers essential to the health of your garden and landscaping if you live in an area frequented by these critters.

How to Trap Beavers

Learning how to trap beaver pests is easy with these beaver trap tips. First, determine where there is a beaver pathway. This is a path the animal frequents (like right around where they’re eating!). Be sure to cover the bottom of the trap with dirt, wood chips or other natural vegetation material so they are not able to feel the metal mesh! You can also place a few small logs on either side of the trap to prevent the beaver from avoiding it (think funnel!).

Next, you’ll need to make sure you’re using the best beaver bait. They seem to have a sweet tooth for Poplar trees, so Poplar oil may be the best bait to catch your beaver. If you don’t have any Poplar trees, you can create your own by gathering up some short branches about ½” to ¾” in thickness and debarking them so they shine white. Then simply place 4-5 of these at the back of the trap and sprinkle 5-10 drops of Poplar oil on top. Your trap is baited!

How to Get Rid of Beavers Before they Become Pests

Now you know how to get rid of beaver pests, but how do you keep them out of your garden or landscaping? By using an effective repellent. One of the best beaver repellent tips is using one that targets both scent and taste to deter the animal. Make sure you choose one that is long-lasting. You can also keep beavers out of a treed area in your yard by using galvanized metal or chicken wire to a height of at least three feet around the entire area or individual trees. For valuable, broad-leaved trees use a galvanized metal fence at least three feet high and 18 inches below ground.