Trap pays for itself

[Charlie Rogers]

I received the Universal Sparrow Trap I ordered and have already trapped 2 of 6 sparrows that have been a thorn in my side. No PM eggs yet, but things are looking up.

[MamaBruff]

YAY! Often a trap is more effective (and easier) than shooting! Best Wishes!

[Nealbopper]

I set em up each weekend when I have time to keep an eye on them but so far I have caught everything but sparrows. I may have to get a decoy. I know a bird seed srore that has tons of sparrows out front. I may need to show up with a little seed, a can and some string tied to a stick. LOL

[cchild03]

I have the best luck with my spar-o-door trap, but I also have the UST. I need it now because I'm trying to trap a pair of starlings. Do you camouflage the trap at all? I've put a little grass inside there to try to hide the release bar. So far I haven't had any luck, but the starlings haven't really committed to a single compartment yet.

[cchild03]

I found your other thread where you talked about how you all make your traps more enticing. I think I'm doing it right ... I just need to be patient now.

[MamaBruff]

Candace,

IMHO, your starlings are much smarter than HOSPs... They will likely see that shiny metal trip wire and move on. My setup is all SREH, but there is the occasional starling that squeezes in. Right now during nesting season, I find that the PMCA nestbox trap with some scraps of nesting material in the bottom works extremely well. It is a comfortable-looking alternative to the PM house! I did, however, have a starling that would look in the hole and see the tripwire, and trigger it with his beak! Smartie Pest! So I used a black sharpie marker to make it black to look like a shadow, and I caught 2 more today. Maybe you can make your tripwire black too. Another poster, Leandortree had recommended gluing some feathers/nest material to (I think) a small rock so it's not easily dislodged or blown away. Remember to keep a close eye on that trap while it's set, in case a native or PM enters!

Zero S&S is a constant battle, but oh the sweet, peaceful rewards for the short time they are absent! Keep at it, and you will succeed!

Happy Hunting,
Mary

http://shop.purplemartin.org/Starling_H ... tails.aspx

PS:If you don't want to buy the nestbox trap, make one out of scrap lumber like KathyF did. Get a VanErt trap to attach to inside of your box.

[cchild03]

Thanks so much for sharing what works for you, Mary. You're right ... these starlings are smarter and much more leery than the sparrows. It's a whole new game with them. But I'll succeed ... one way or the other.

[MamaBruff]

You go girl!