How To Use Raccoon Traps In 4 Steps

Raccoons are intelligent and inquisitive pests that can become aggressive when disturbed or while looking for food, which is why raccoon traps are essential.

Putting a live trap on your property and releasing the animal is one way to get rid of raccoons. An efficient and secure method of keeping animals out of your house is live trapping.

In this article, we have mentioned ways to control this pest using raccoon traps.

 

Step 1: How To Identify Raccoons (Identification)

Raccoons typically measure between 24 and 38 inches long and 12 inches tall. Its tail is striped, and its fur is grey. Its face has a black mark that looks like a mask.

They are smart creatures that often weigh between 15 and 25 pounds. Raccoons can occasionally adjust to become “cage-wise.”

This implies that they will steer clear of all traps once they realize they will be caught in the live one. As a result, your live trap is useless.

Wild animals that are mostly nocturnal and highly hostile are raccoons. When interacting with or approaching this animal, use caution. They can swim and they are excellent climbers.

Make sure you are dealing with a raccoon on your property by using the picture and description provided above.

 

Read also: Raccoon Lifespan: How Long Do Raccoons Live?

 

Step 2: How To Inspect For Raccoons

Raccoons are nocturnal creatures; thus, any harm will occur at night. Raccoon activity can be indicated by specific indicators, like overturned trash cans, broken gardens, and raccoon traces.

These tracks will resemble small hands, measuring between two and three inches in width. You may notice broken roof shingles if raccoons are attempting to get into your attic.

You should choose locations where raccoon activity is high. Most likely, these creatures are looking for food on your land.

Raccoons are most likely to be seen in areas with greenery and areas where waste is kept. Raccoons may be nearby if your property is close to a body of water or a wooded region.

 

Step 3: How To Use Raccoon Traps (Treatment/Control)

• STEP 1:

With the use of bait, you want the raccoon to fall into the live trap. Consequently, rival food sources must be eliminated.

Store your garbage in closed trash cans with lids and keep it sealed in trash bags. Water bowls and pet food should be brought inside as soon as possible.

• STEP 2:

You ought to have identified locations with a lot of raccoon activity by now. You are going to set your trap at these spots. Make sure the surface you set your trap on is level.

To get to the bait within the raccoon traps, a raccoon may push or topple it. To prevent this, place a block or other weight on top of the trap.

• STEP 3:

Your chances of trapping a raccoon will rise if you use the right bait. These animals have a preference for sugary meals like marshmallows.

It is best to position the bait close to the rear of the trap. This makes sure that for the raccoon to get to the food, it will have to step on the trigger plate.

After that, you’ll set your trap by lifting the door plate and applying pressure to the door lock.

To set it, pull the trigger arm forward while maintaining the door plate elevated. When the hook on the trigger arm catches the door, you will know it is set.

• STEP 4:

You must check the raccoon traps twice a day, ideally in the morning and the evening. This is the time to replenish bait if necessary.

Regularly inspecting the raccoon traps could deter raccoons from coming near it. An animal should never be kept in a cage for more than 24 hours at a time.

 

Read also: How To Get Rid Of Raccoons Under Your Deck

 

Step 4: How To Prevent Raccoons (Prevention)

• Properly Dispose of Trash:

Leaving rubbish lying around invites raccoon visits. Make sure to dispose of any garbage in a trash can, ideally one that can be closed with a lid.

Raccoons may be lured to your property to dig burrows and nests, so clear up all clutter and debris.

All possible sources of food or water, particularly pet food, ought to be kept indoors and secured tightly in a container. Look for areas on the property where water collects on a regular basis.

 

Read also: How To Use Gopher Traps

 

Where To Buy Raccoon Traps

• Amazon

 

Watch the Explanatory Video On How To Use Raccoon Traps

 

Conclusion

After catching a raccoon in a live trap, confirm with your local authorities that the animal is being relocated appropriately. Be patient as you approach the trap, and speak softly.

To prevent startling the raccoon, cover the cage with a towel. After you’ve moved far enough, cautiously open the trap to let the animal out.

Eliminate any possible food sources and trash from your property, then use caulk and Stuf-Fit Copper Mesh to fill any gaps and crevices to keep raccoons out.

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