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Affordable HOSP trap?

18 years ago

I am having in ever increasing problem with HOSP (they're now trying to take over my bluebird house) and really want to get rid of them. Problem is, I don't have $50 to shell out for a trap. Does anybody have an affordable solution? Maybe something I can make to capture a group?

HELP!

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Comments (6)

lisa11310
18 years ago
The Van Ert in box trap is just a few dollars. Check out the www.sialis.org site and look under traps for Mr VanErt's phone number. He will send you one right away.
bigmatt
18 years ago
This is the trap I use in box,works very well,and easy to make.see link below

Here is a link that might be useful: sparrow trap inbox
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So far I've gotten 5 males and 1 female... so proud! Unfortunately the female bb was looking at it.. hope she sticks with the nest she started. I'M SO EXCITED, the female bb just ate some of my homemade bluebird suet! I knew someone was getting it, but I just saw her eat several mouthfuls and take one large glob off with her... Freeze dried mealworms have been accepted just fine. I have some cool picture plans. Once I have them eating from the window feeder again, I'm planting pink geraniums in the planter for a beautiful background... this will make for some awesome pics! Sandra
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Lisa, after I get the HOSP out of the traphouse into a bag I take the bag and set something very heavy on top of it in the garage. In this way I do not actually do anything to the bird with my own hands. I tried the whacking once and seriously could not do it hard enough, I cannot squeeze them with my own hands (hubby can but I cannot) so I let something heavy do it for me. Drowning would be good I guess but seems like too much fuss for me. Much easier to take the bag in the garage, set something heavy on it and walk away for a bit. I don't feel bad like you seem to about doing it thankfully but that being said I cannot do it physically with my own hands. Shooting is fine too but like you said, you cannot always get a good shot. Trapping is easier. Good luck!! Donna
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I've watched HOSP go into the trap and turn around in the hole... they didn't actually go into the box fully. It's kind of frustrating, but I guess it's part of their house inspecting process. I've seen it happen several times. They do eventually go it, patience! I trapped severl HOSP and now they are leary of my "trap house". I THINK they are nesting in the gutter.. nature should take care of that with the next good rain.. My son wants to help, is WAY too eager too, kill these birds if I get him a BB gun... I'm afraid of broken windows, wrong birds being shot, and feeders with holes in them! But my traps won't work if they don't try to nest there... what to do... Sandra
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Comments (16)
Thanks again Kendra, Sue, etc. I REALLY want to put the DRST back out but I'm worried there won't be a good enough place where it'll be hidden, and not attract predators like Hawks and Raccoons which could get my bluebirds. I heard HOSP nestlings on this woman's property. They nest in her pine trees. I have 3 properties under control from HOSP. This is the ONE area they are coming from. Her husband suggested if I do it, to do it away from them. Oh the irony!! That's where the HOSP are coming from to begin with! Guess you can't win em all. Luckily they sold the alpacas they had...one time before they said there were birds in there, sparrows, but they didn't stop them I don't believe. So they were probably multiplying more back then. The barns they were in have been closed since last fall. Previously there were HOSP and Starlings in them. So, really, how vulnerable are juvenile HOSP to the DRST?! Does anyone think I'd have a good chance of trapping them after fledging? Unfortunately I can't rip their nests from the trees like I do with the other neighbor's. The 3 plots are the one I rent, the landlords' where my bluebirds are, and the 3rd is where the martin housing is. adjacent is her property. Confusing, I know. Try to be vigilant with this youngster ^^
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bluebars
18 years ago
The Van Ert, for inside the nestbox, is to trap one at a time inside the nestbox. If you have HOSP harassing nesting bluebirds, you might want to try that in a mobile nestbox (see the link below).
Ground traps are worth the investment if you have a lot of HOSP in the area. Or if you are handy, you could make one. Bet's web page provides links to several types you can buy or build.
Also on Bet's web page below are other solutions you might want to try.
Best of luck!
BlueBars

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.sialis.org/hosp.htm
erictammy
18 years ago
I know the DRST Deluxe Repeating Sparrow Trap is expensive, but I've heard from others that other traps have birds that escape and aren't as effective. I do know of people on the songbird family forum that have made their own sparrow and Starlings traps.
Tammy
mulchmamma
18 years ago
I paid $60.00 for one years ago and never caught a single bird. Now, since I can't figure out how to use it - duh, ordered a DRST. If it works, believe me, it's worth it. Money well spent isn't a waste. Opening a box to find dead fledglings, courtesy of a HOSP, is worth the investment. That's what it is, an investment.

Linda
organicgardener
18 years ago
The only bird that I've caught in my ground repeating trap is Carolina Wrens. I've released them. The sparrows are not attracted to it at all. They love the Purple Martin house. I have two traps there and have caught 5 HOSP this year - 4 males and 1 female.

Linda C

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