Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion

Least weasel, Mustela nivalis (left); Shorttailed weasel, M. erminea, in summer coat (middle); Short-tailed weasel in winter coat (right).

Weasels can be excluded from poultry houses and other structures by closing all openings larger than 1 inch (2.5 cm). To block openings, use 1/2-inch (1.3-cm) hardware cloth, similar wire mesh, or other materials.

Trapping

Weasels are curious by nature and are rather easily trapped in No. 0 or 1 steel leg hold traps. Professional trappers in populated areas use an inverted wooden box 1 or 2 feet (30 or 60 cm) long, such as an apple box, with a 2- to 3-inch (5- to 8-cm) round opening cut out in the lower part of both ends (Fig. 5). Dribble a trail of oats or other grain through the box. Mice will frequent it to eat the grain and weasels will investigate the scent of the mice. A trap should be set inside the box, directly under the hole at each end of the box. Keep the trap pan tight to prevent the mice from setting off the trap.

Figure 5. A trap set within a wooden box can successfully catch weasels without catching larger nontarget species.

Alternatively, make a hole in only one end of the box and suspend a fresh meat bait against the opposite end of the box. Set the trap directly under the bait.

Trap sets in old brush piles, under out-buildings, under fences, and along stone walls are also suggested, since the weasel is likely to investigate any small covered area. Trap sets should be protected by objects such as boards or tree limbs to protect nontarget wildlife.

Weasels can also be captured in live traps with fresh meat as suitable bait. If trapping to alleviate damage is to be conducted at times other than the designated season, the local wildlife agency representative must be notified.

Summary of Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion

Block all entrances 1 inch (2.5 cm) or larger with 1/2-inch (1.3-cm) hail screen or similar materials

Trapping

Set No. 0 or No. 1 leg hold traps inside a protective wooden box. Live traps.

Other Methods

Not applicable or effective