How to get rid of Beavers

how to get rid of beavers castor

Beavers are large semi-aquatic wild rodents with predominantly nocturnal activity. There are two species of beaver: the American (Castor canadensis) and the European (Castor fiber). They are known for building wooden dams as shelters on watercourses. Due to excessive hunting in some areas, the beaver disappeared from the territory for two centuries. In recent years, species have relocated to different places and rivers. Because beavers are animals protected by law, hunting them or injuring them in any way is strictly forbidden. 

how to get rid of beavers castor

Identifying the presence of beavers

In order to be able to choose the most appropriate method for removing beavers, it is recommended to identify the areas they are used to frequent, as well as the type of damage they cause. Among the most common signs of beaver activity, we mention:
– Construction of dams;
– Building specific shelters;
– Fallen trees with bark removed;
– Floods; 

How to use beaver traps

Capturing beavers is a process that takes time and patience as beavers may be circumspect. Therefore there are ways to capture them in an effective manner without hurting them.

Keep in mind: 

The location of the traps is an essential factor because beavers have very predictable travelling routes. Therefore it is important that the position of the trap be made along the paths, their travel routes or at the intersection of the dams.
– Place the trap in the evening, to catch beavers with nocturnal activity. In the morning they will be disarmed to avoid capturing other species;
– Use appropriate lures;
– Use traps specially designed for the safe capture of beavers, which have curved inner edges to prevent accidental injury.

RECOMMENDED TRAPS FOR BEAVERS:

They are reusable and specially designed to capture beavers without injuring them. They ensure fast, safe catches, targeting the specific size of the animals, and then releasing them safely.

The beaver routes are quite specific. Beavers usually have their routine and they establish distinct routes of movement throughout the territory – which they use regularly. If you want to have efficient capture, place traps along these routes. There are two types of trails that are at or above water level:

Long mud trails are being used by beavers to move between water and land. They are about 38-40 cm wide and are perpendicular to the water’s edge. Therefore, position the position close to the shore, along this route.

Trails between dams are used by beavers to get from one side to the other. They are often found underwater, so when setting a trap, it is important that no more than half of them are submerged underwater to avoid the danger of drowning the beaver. 

Moving captured beavers to another area must be done according to the legal provisions in force. 

Make traps more efficient by placing beaver baits. Beavers can be attracted to their favourite food or various materials they usually use to build dams. Thus, you can use tree branches (especially poplar), other tree branches covered with poplar oil, apples, etc.

The correct placement of the bait should ensure:
– complete entrapment of the beaver in the trap – both the body and the tail;
– rapid triggering of the trap when the animal enters;
– allow its triggering, without obstructing it in any way;

Beaver trap location

It is recommended to place the trap as early as possible in the day, just before they leave their lair. Place the trap in an open position, with the door to the beaver shelter. If it cannot be placed on a flat surface, it is advisable to place it on a piece of wood under it to stabilize it.

Trap monitoring 

Do not leave captured beavers inside the trap for a long time, as they can quickly become agitated, starving or dehydrated, so it is important to monitor the trap regularly so that it is released as soon as possible.

Beavers – Capturing process

Once the beaver has been captured, it is recommended to use protective gloves when handling the trap, and if possible, it is recommended that another person be present, which will help to transport it safely (as it can be quite difficult). Handle the trap very carefully and keep it stable at the same level. Depending on the local regulations in force, they will move to another aquatic environment.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Exclusion method

After you remove the beavers from the space, it is best to take appropriate measures and make it less welcoming. However, beavers have a remarkable ability to change the environment, so it is difficult to remove them using this method alone. 

Destroying dams and burrows

Burrows are key structures in the beaver ecosystem. Therefore if they are eliminated, the return of beavers will be more difficult. However, before applying these measures, it is important to:
– make sure no beaver is present in the area;
– use a wood chipper to destroy building materials so that they cannot be reused. 

Moreover: 

It is advisable to take these measures daily until the beavers will move permanently as it is known that beavers are known for their ability to rebuild dams and shelters overnight.

Protecting trees in the lower part:

Trees are the main building material of beavers. Therefore, wrapping the lower part with various materials will prevent beavers from feeling and using them. As a result, beavers could be encouraged to move to another area. It is advisable the respective materials should be wire mesh with a suitable thickness and height, but at the same time, they shouldn’t block the healthy growth of the tree. 

Installing fences

Besides the individual protection of the trees, installing fences can also be a good protection method from blocking the beavers from entering the protected area.

Using repellents 

To keep beavers away from the property, the use of repellent products is also recommended. These should be applied/used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, depending on the product chosen. 

RECOMMENDED REPELLENTS FOR BEAVERS:

They can be found in various forms and they contain substances which irritate beavers and push them away which means you will keep your area protected.

Beavers are animals protected by law, and their hunting or injury is strictly prohibited. Is important to know that the information presented is informative, no measures will be taken to remove/drive them away or to harm them.

Got a question?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

ASK A QUESTION