How to get rid of Beavers

get-rid-of-beavers-traps

Beavers are large semi-aquatic wild rodents with predominantly nocturnal activity. There are two species of beavers: American (Castor canadensis) and European (Castor fiber). They are recognized by the wooden dams they build on the water for shelter. For two centuries, due to excessive hunting, the beavers disappeared from the territory of some countries. There, they are animals protected by law, hunting or injuring them is strictly prohibited.

Signs of the presence of beavers

In order to be able to choose the most suitable method for removing beavers, it is recommended to identify the areas they usually frequent, as well as the type of damage they cause. Among the most frequent signs of beaver activity, we mention:

  • Construction of dams;
  • Construction of characteristic shelters;
  • The presence of felled trees/trees with removed bark;
  • Floods.

The use of traps

An efficient method to remove beavers from a certain space, without hurting them, is the use of traps. Capturing them is a process that requires patience, as beavers may have a certain fear of traps.

Useful aspects that you should keep in mind:
beavers-trap
  • Beavers have very predictable travel routes, therefore an essential factor is the positioning of the traps. It is recommended that the trap is placed along their paths/travel routes or at the intersection of dams; 
  • It is recommended to place the trap in the evening, to capture nocturnal beavers. In the morning they need to be disarmed, to avoid capturing other species; 
  • The use of suitable baits;
  • It is recommended to use only traps specially designed for the safe capture of beavers, which have curved inner edges to prevent their accidental injury. 

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

As a rule, beavers establish distinct paths of travel throughout the territory, which they use regularly. For an efficient capture, the traps will be placed along these routes. There are two types of trails that can be found at or above the water level:

beavers-routes
  • Long mud tracks, which are approximately 38 – 40 cm wide and are perpendicular to the water’s shore, are being used by beavers to move between water and dry land. Thus, the trap will be placed close to the shore, along this route;
  • Routes between dams, are used by beavers to pass from one side to another. These are often found underwater, therefore, when the trap is placed, it is important that no more than half of it is submerged underwater, to avoid the danger of the beaver drowning; 

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

beavers-bait

At the same time, beaver baits will be placed inside the trap. Beavers can be attracted with the food they prefer or with various materials they can use to build dams. Thus, you can use tree branches – especially poplar, other types of tree branches covered with poplar oil, apples, etc.

The correct placement of the bait ensures:

  • the beaver is lured inside the trap completely – both the body and the tail;
  • the quick release of the trap when the animal enters it;
  • the trap’s triggering, without obstructing it in any way.

Placing the trap

beavers-placing-the-trap

It is recommended to place the trap early in the evening (as early as possible), just before the beavers leave their burrow. The trap is recommended to be placed in an open position, with the door facing the beaver shelter. If it cannot be placed on a flat surface, it is recommended to put a piece of wood under it to stabilize it.

Monitoring the trap

beavers-trap-monitoring

A beaver should not be left inside the trap for a long period of time, because it can quickly become agitated, hungry or dehydrated. Therefore, it is important to monitor the trap regularly, so that it is released as quickly as possible.

Captured beavers

After the beaver has been captured, it is recommended to use protective gloves when handling the trap, and if possible, it is recommended to have another person present to help transport it safely (since this can be quite difficult). It is recommended that the trap be kept at the same level, stable. Depending on the local provisions in force, they will be moved to another aquatic environment.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

The method of exclusion

After the beavers have been removed from a space, it is recommended to modify it through various methods, to make it less welcoming for them. However, beavers show a remarkable ability to change the environment, and therefore, their removal using only the above-mentioned method is difficult.

The removal of dams and burrows

beavers-in-water

These are key structures in the beaver ecosystem, and if they are removed, the beavers’ return will be more difficult. However, before applying these measures, it is important that:

  • No beaver is present in the respective area;
  • You use a wood chipper to destroy the building materials so that they cannot reuse them.
Additionally:

Beavers are known for their ability to rebuild dams and shelters overnight, and therefore, it is advisable to repeat these measures daily, until the beavers move away permanently.

Tree wrapping

beavers-gnawed-tree

Trees are the main construction material for beavers, and therefore, wrapping their trunks with various materials will prevent them from cutting them down and using them. Thus, the beavers could be encouraged to move to another area. As a guideline, the respective materials should be wire nets with an adequate thickness and height, which, at the same time, they allow for the healthy growth of the tree.

Fence mounting

beavers-fence

Besides the individual protection of the trees, another method is the mounting of fences, in order not to allow beavers to enter the areas that need to be protected.

The use of repellents

To keep beavers away from the property, it is also recommended to use products with a repellent action. They will be applied/used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, depending on the chosen product.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

In conclusion, beavers are animals protected by law, and hunting or injuring them is strictly prohibited. Also, the information presented is informative, since beavers are a species that has recently returned to the territory of some countries, no measures will be taken to drive them away or harm them.

×

We help you
to take care of your plants

If you haven't yet found solutions in our articles or previous discussions, start a new discussion and our experts will help you.

New discussion about

How to get rid of Beavers
How to get rid of Beavers

Your information:

Your name must contain a maximum of 30 characters. If you would like to pass on the details of the problem you are facing, please complete the other fields.

The maximum document size is 59 MB.

Add
It helps if you attach some Images or Clips maximumm 15 sec


Want to know more?

Our specialists participate in the discussions of the armuro community with useful information and solutions.
If you want, you can start a discussion about the problem you are facing.
Read the discussions