The KANIA2000 Squirrel Trap

A spring trap requires Parliamentary approval under The Spring Traps Approval Act before it can be added to the list of spring traps that can be used in the UK. Prior to approval the spring trap must satisfy Parliament it is humane and to this end undergoes rigorous testing during which government researchers measure mechanical characteristics such as velocity, effective mass, clamping and impact forces. Unless a spring trap satisfies researchers it exceeds predetermined threshold guidelines it will not gain approval.

All users must satisfy themselves they comply with the requirements of the act and traps must only be set where they will not catch animals other than those they are being set for. Traps should only be set on land owned by the person setting them, or where they have permission from the landowner to do so. Avoid setting them on or near public footpaths, public rights of way or areas of common land.

The KANIA2000 trap, originally developed in Canada in the early 1980’s for the fur trade, was approved for use in the UK from 1st March 1993 against mink, grey squirrel, stoat, weasel, rats and mice.

The KANIA2000 is a self-contained unit, widely considered one of the safest setting and most humane traps in the world today. This is a selective trap, very suitable for use by pest controllers in a wide variety of situations and locations. Its power makes it humane especially for grey squirrel and also as a mink trap. To fire this trap the target is in the perfect position for the trap to kill it instantly. The KANIA2000 is manufactured from galvanised/plated materials and before use should be thoroughly de-greased and preferably painted brown or green to make it less visually obtrusive, both to the target and to casual passers-by etc. When mounted in a tree it will then look like a bird box to a casual glance. Do not use household paint because it leaves a strong residual smell. Use a spray-can of automotive touch-up. The propellant evaporates very quickly and does not leave a residual smell.

If you wish to test fire spring traps of any make, do not use hard, rigid materials such as pieces of wood etc, as this can have a detrimental effect on trap components and welds etc. Always use a padded item, piece of rubber or PVC hose etc.

Remember, it is illegal to release grey squirrel or mink into the wild in the UK.
Either captured alive in a cage trap has to be shot whilst in the trap or removed from the trap and humanely dispatched, not an easy task for the untrained. Drowning is NOT a legal option.
The KANIA2000 removes this problem by immediately and humanely dispatching its catch.

For the best results when trapping grey squirrels pre-bait for up to a week before actually setting the trap. This gets all the local squirrels used to eating at the trap and they loose all fear of it, even if they see another of their kind dead in it. To pre-bait simply mount the trap in its intended position, but un-set and place plenty of bait in and around it.
The spring hanger is a good bait holder for this purpose. Once the trap is an established feeding position, set it!

A KANIA2000 is the perfect trap to use in loft spaces for grey squirrel, baited with peanuts, peanut butter or whatever your favorite attractant happens to be. This trap is also highly successful for grey squirrels when set in a tree or on the side of a building. When mounted over three meters from the ground on the vertical trunk of a tree this trap becomes very target specific to grey squirrels. Drive two nails in and suspend the trap by the hanging loops provided. Ensure the trap is securely fixed and will not wobble when entered. Stability is important and some trappers stabilize using bungee cords, large washers fitting over the base lip secured by screws, cable ties etc. Do not bend the nails over or use staples. Remember, the trap needs to be easily taken down to remove a catch and reset. Always remove nails on completion.
Under no circumstances should this trap be used in areas where there are red squirrels.

For use as a mink trap, set the trap on the ground near water and place a handful of sand or dirt on the floor of the trap to act as camouflage as well as providing a more attractive walking surface for the intended target. Place bait from the trigger side so that it is in front of the screen and scatter some feathers, preferably light colored ones, around and in the trap to act as a sight attractant. The trap should then be covered and the entrance protected using “at hand” materials such as brash, bracken, grass etc.

The above information is for guidance only. Always ensure traps are correctly used and set in accordance with current legislation, properly protected and beyond the reach of non-target species. Always check set traps at least once a day.

SETTING THE KANIA2000 TRAP

WARNING - BEFORE PICKING UP AND HANDLING A TRAP ALWAYS CHECK THAT IT IS NOT SET

  1. Place the trap on the ground and hold it down with your foot or knee. Unhook the outer arm of the torsion spring from its hook/catch situated just above the trap entrance.
    KANIA2000 grey squirrel trap

  2. This done pick up the trap, undo the swing catch on the access panel to the left of the trap (looking at it from the front) and remove the panel, it will lift out.
    KANIA2000 setting instructions

  3. If you wish to place bait or scent attractant behind the mesh panel, or elsewhere inside the trap body, do so now.
    KANIA trap mink trap

  4. Push strike bar/internal spring to the back of trap behind the “dog” which is a heavy wire that hangs down from trigger assembly:
    KANIA trap, instructions on how to set and use

  5. With the strike bar/internal spring arm held against the roof, lift the dog upwards, thus trapping the spring and fit the end of the dog into the blind hole in the trigger suspension arm. The strike bar/internal spring is now held against the trap roof:
    KANIA2000 trap, instructions on how to set

  6. The trap is now primed but not finally cocked/set.

  7. Re-fit the side panel/door and lock back into position:
    KANIA trap, how to set the trap

  8. Place the trap back on the ground/floor, as in instruction No.1 and reset the outer spring arm into its hook/catch:
    KANIA trap, instructions for use

    KANIA2000 Spring trap

  9. The trap is now cocked/set:
    KANIA trap

  10. If the trap is being set on a tree or side of house/building, then use the trap hanging loops and hang it from two nails/screws. Do not try to set/un-set the trap while on tree or building – always set/cock trap while on ground/floor:
    KANIA2000 trap, how to set and use

Traps need to be stable. Animals are reluctant to enter unstable traps.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE
This trap is probably the most powerful spring trap on the UK market. Its power and the precision with which it kills also makes it very humane. Under no circumstances allow body parts past the trap entrance once set. This trap has the power to break the bones in the in a human hand!
Always correctly position and protect your spring traps from non-target species. Regularly check traps in accordance with current legislation and risk-assess potential sites to avoid accidents.