what to put in a trap to catch a raccoon

How to Set a Raccoon Trap

1. Carefully position the cage in a covered area. ...
2. Bait the trap with mini-donuts, watermelon, marshmallow, or any white bread. ...
3. Once you’ve positioned the trap, consider adding a brick or two to it to keep it firm. ...
4. Check the trap every morning to see if it has caught any raccoon or stray animal.

Full Answer

What should I do with a trapped raccoon?

What should I do with a trapped raccoon? You can release your raccoon from the trap with the back door. You can stand behind your trap before you lift the door up. Slowly back off and the raccoon will run away as fast as possible. It is almost the same as if you are releasing a cat.

What is the best bait for trapping raccoons?

What's the Best Raccoon Bait?

1. Marshmallows. It’s not uncommon for raccoons to raid bird nests and hen houses to find fresh eggs. ...
2. Whole Egg. Obviously, if eggs are what raccoons hunt for in the wild, they’re also perfect for trapping them. ...
3. Sweet Corn. ...
4. Watermelon. ...
5. Wet Cat Food. ...
6. Tuna. ...
7. Bacon. ...
8. Kitchen Scraps. ...
9. Honey. ...
10. Tin Foil. ...

What bait to trap raccoon?

Minnows are the bait of choice in some regions, while leeches and redworms get the nod in others. Other popular enticements include crickets, small crayfish or crayfish tails, and larval baits such as waxworms, mayfly larvae (“wigglers”) and maggots, or “spikes.”

How to trap a raccoon in your backyard?

Seal Off Your Home and Yard

• Seal holes. Raccoons have a great sense of smell that they use to find food, and they won’t hesitate to venture inside your home if they can smell and easily ...
• Use a perimeter fence. Raccoons are natural climbers that often venture onto trees and other tall places. ...
• Use barrier screens. ...

What type of trap do you use to bait raccoons?

Choose the type of trap you will use. The most common traps used to bait raccoons are 1-door traps or 2-door traps. The bait is positioned differently for each. Set the trap in a stable area.

Where to put a raccoon trap?

You want to put your trap in an area where a raccoon has already caused damage or, if you know where the raccoon lives, near its living spot. You are most likely to find raccoons in covered areas. They like to nestle in places like attics, porches, woodpiles, tree hollows, and underneath structures. Secure the trap.

How to get a raccoon to enter a trap?

1. Entice the raccoon to the trap. Drop a trail of bait that leads right up to your trap to increase the chances the raccoon will enter your trap. Make sure you wear gloves when you apply the bait because raccoons can sense human scent.

How to catch a racoon?

To trap a raccoon, start by getting a 1-door live trap, which is a trap that locks raccoons in when they step inside to get the bait. Then, put the trap near an area where you've seen raccoons and fill it with foods that are high in fat or sugar, like bacon, marshmallows, or sweet corn. Once you set up the trap, check on it regularly so you don't leave a raccoon trapped in it for too long. If you catch a raccoon, relocate it at least 5 miles from your property. To learn how to prevent raccoons in the first place, scroll down!

What do raccoons like to eat?

Some foods that raccoons like are marshmallows, watermelon, sweet corn, and bacon. In fact, some trappers say marshmallows draw raccoons the best of all! Raccoons also are drawn to wet cat food, fish in a can, bacon, and cooked fatty meat, like chicken legs. Bait the raccoon trap.

How to keep racoons from coming back?

Raccoons are drawn to garbage, so remove it frequently. Wash your garbage cans. Eliminate all food and water sources for a raccoon. Put tight-fitting lids on your garbage cans.

How long should a trap be?

Or you could hang it from the top of the trap. The trap should be at least 32-inches long. Put your trap in the right place.

What to use to bait a raccoon trap?

Bait the trap with mini-donuts, watermelon, marshmallow, or any white bread. For better results, leave a trail of the bait in such a way that it will lead the raccoon straight into the trap.

What type of trap do you use to catch racoons?

The live cage is the most recommended type of trap for homeowners to use in trapping raccoons. They are large metal cages with one or two doors that allow animals to walk in and get locked. You can use them to catch raccoons without hurting the animals.

How to stop raccoons from taking over my house?

You can effectively use raccoon traps and baits to stop these pests from taking over your home, especially if you live close to a cornfield or a water body where they usually make their dens. Though raccoon traps work, some factors will determine if yours will work for you.

What if a raccoon is alive in a cage?

What if having the raccoon alive in a cage will scare the living daylight out of you? You can have a professional trapper relocate it for you. You can also choose other types of traps that may likely kill the animal before you get there.

What to do after trapping a raccoon?

After trapping the raccoon in a live cage successfully, the next thing to do is to relocate it from your home. You can call for help from professionals for that or you can choose to do it yourself. If you are going to do it yourself, approach the cage gently.

How to get rid of raccoons in my house?

Trapping is one of the best and most recommended ways of eliminating raccoons from the home. You can use it to capture and relocate small animals without hurting them.

How to make a trap look natural?

Especially if you placed it anywhere outside of your house. Cover it with leaves, grasses, or anything to make it blend in with the environment you placed it.

How to trap a raccoon in a live trap?

You can do so by following the helpful step-by-step trapping instructions below. Select a Raccoon Trap ». Determine Trap Placement ». Set and Bait Trap ».

How to trap a racoon?

1 Select a Raccoon Trap 1 favored by professionals and better bait protection 2 easier for larger animals to fully enter trap

How big of a trap do raccoons need?

1 Select a Raccoon Trap. The best live traps for raccoons are large to extra-large in size (about 32 - 42 inches in length). Most traps come in either 1 or 2-door models from which you can choose: 1-Door. favored by professionals and better bait protection. easier for larger animals to fully enter trap.

What do racoons like to eat?

Raccoons prefer sweet foods like marshmallows or watermelon. Properly positioning the bait is crucial to success. Be sure to place the bait so the raccoon must fully enter the trap to reach it - see image for details. Raccoons can knock over a trap in attempt to steal the bait.

How to get raccoons acquainted with traps?

Try getting them acquainted with your trap by tying it open and leaving bait inside for a few days before setting it for a catch .

What to do before trapping a raccoon?

Before trapping a raccoon, clean up any potential food sources and secure trash bins to ensure that the only attractant is your bait. Always wear gloves when handling a live trap - even when it's empty. Gloves will protect you from a trapped animal and will keep you from transferring your scent onto the trap.

Why do raccoons invade my property?

Raccoons invade your property in search of food, water and shelter. After removing the raccoon keep them out by doing the following:

What bait do you use to catch raccoons?

I'm guessing you're here because you have some sort of a raccoon problem, you want to trap it, and you want to know what kind of bait to use to catch raccoons in a trap. The short answer is: anything. Raccoons are omnivores. They will scavenge almost anything they can find. They are very common in urban areas because they eat out of garbage cans and restaurant dumpsters and from pet food dishes, etc.

What bait do raccoons use?

Marshmallows. If you must know one best bait, it's marshmallows, for a variety of reasons - raccoons are drawn to round white things, like eggs, they like sweets, this bait is easy to set, etc. But bait is really only 1% of the equation, if that. Type of bait doesn't matter. I have some very important things to say about raccoon trapping. Also, it's very important that you identify the type of raccoon problem, because different problems MOST DEFINITELY require different approaches. It's not as simple as just laying down a cage trap on the ground, and then voila, your problem is solved.

What is a raccoon trap set?

Raccoon trapping sets regardless of bait - Raccoon trapping sets usually refers to the type of trap set out in the woods for the purpose of fur trapping. A homeowner with a nuisance issue is better off using a cage trap or calling in a professional.

Why are raccoons cage shy?

The animal may have had a previous experience with a cage trap. Raccoons have fantastic memories , and if this is the case , you’ll have to do more than just bolt the trap to the outside of your roof.

Why is it important to identify the type of raccoon problem?

Also, it's very important that you identify the type of raccoon problem, because different problems MOST DEFINITELY require different approaches. It's not as simple as just laying down a cage trap on the ground, and then voila, your problem is solved.

How do body gripping traps work?

The holding sets will latch on to a leg of the animal and firmly hold them in place until the hunter returns to the location. Body gripping traps are always lethal, killing the quarry through crushing or localized pressure. The key to setting any trap, at home or in nature, is to know where to set it and how to set it.

Do you need to cover a raccoon cage with sticks?

With cage traps, you do not want to cover the trap with an excessive amount of sticks or leaves. Cage traps, if baited, will work fine as long as they are on level ground. If the raccoon goes to step in and the cage wobbles, it will scare the animal. A cage-wary critter is always more difficult to catch.

Where to place a raccoon cage trap?

Choosing the right location for a cage trap is very important, and looking for areas of high traffic is a good spot, while you can also place the trap over an exit hole if the animal is nesting in an attic or loft space. If you are placing the trap outdoors, it is also worth looking for a spot under a hedge or natural cover, while placing a stone on top of the trap will also prevent it from being tipped over by the raccoon. Bait is often discussed, but is usually secondary to the location, but successful bait can often include marshmallows, wet cat food, fish and apple. Read more about raccoon bait.

What bait do raccoons use?

Bait is often discussed, but is usually secondary to the location, but successful bait can often include marshmallows, wet cat food, fish and apple. Read more about raccoon bait. This is another type of trap that is often used in rural areas, and essentially has a metal tube with a shutter that closes over the inquisitive raccoon's paws ...

How to deal with a raccoon problem?

The most common method of dealing with a raccoon problem is to place cage traps in key locations near where the animals are active, and making sure that you have the right type of trap is very important. Choose a trap that is too small, and no raccoon will be tempted into the confined space, and if the trap is too large the weight ...

How to dispose of a raccoon carcass?

If you do have to remove a carcass, make sure that you place it in a double layer of garbage bags, or in a sealed container, and that you dispose of it in line with the laws in your state.

How to transport a live raccoon?

If you are dealing with a live raccoon, throwing a thick blanket over the animal or the cage trap can make it much easier to transport the animal. If you do have to remove a carcass, make sure that you place it in a double layer of garbage bags, or in a sealed container, and that you dispose of it in line with the laws in your state. ...

Can you trap a raccoon?

While there are a variety of different options for those who are dealing with a raccoon problem, trapping is a popular option as it can remove the animals fairly quickly, and there are different types of traps that can be used. Some people will choose to hire a professional as raccoons can often be quite elusive, ...

Can you euthanize a raccoon?

This choice will usually depend on your state's laws and regulations, as there are many areas where the re location of raccoons is either illegal, or can only be carried out by licensed operators. This means that euthanasia is the only option, and your local animal department can offer guidance on whether they have recommended veterinarians or facilities within the state that can dispose of the raccoon for you. This is a particularly difficult choice as relocated animals do not have a great rate of survival, while euthanasia is not always a pleasant process for the animal either, and can be stressful for many creatures.

How to trap a raccoon in a cage?

Place some of the food behind the pan of the cage trap, and sprinkle some of the juice around so that it leads the raccoon to the trap. If cats are a problem, then use sweet baits such as molasses, marshmallows, or strawberry sugar wafers. Nontarget animals, such as opossums, may be attracted to the bait. Be sure to be ready in case you catch ...

What bait to use for raccoons?

However, there are several popular baits that have been very effective on raccoons. If cats are not a concern, sardines packed in oil is a good one. Another option is wet cat food—the kind that comes in the small can similar to a tuna can. Place some of the food behind the pan of the cage trap, and sprinkle some of the juice around ...

What are racoons' favorite baits?

There is no best bait. Raccoons are omnivorous, eating both plant and animal foods. Plant foods include all types of fruits, berries, nuts, acorns, corn, and other types of grain. Animal foods are crayfish, clams, fish, frogs, snails, insects, turtles and their eggs, mice, rabbits, muskrats, and the eggs and young of ground-nesting birds ...

How far off the ground should you place a skunk trap?

To avoid capturing skunks, place traps on a secure platform 12 inches off the ground. Most skunk species do not climb well.

How to keep raccoons from knocking over traps?

To prevent raccoons from knocking over your trap, secure it by placing a brick or weight on top of the trap. Create a trail of bait from the outside that leads your raccoon into the trap. Always wear gloves when baiting your trap; raccoons may be wary of a human’s scent. Baiting is just one step in the trapping process.

What is the first step in catching a raccoon?

Selecting a raccoon bait is only the first step in catching a raccoon. Placing your bait is critical, and just as important as the type of bait you use.

What are raccoons' favorite foods?

Raccoons are opportunistic eaters known to dine on a variety of foods, but they favor those high in fat or sugar. Sugary foods are the best to use in a live raccoon trap, because they target raccoons without attracting other unwanted wildlife.

Where to place bait in a 2 door trap?

For a 2-door trap, you have several options: you can place the bait just behind the trigger, bury it in the ground underneath the trigger plate/trap or hang it from the top of your trap.

How to set a trap for raccoons?

Find fresh tracks to see where the raccoons walk most often. Set the trap near their trail, but away from anything they may be able to reach with their arms once in the cage, about 6 inches. Make sure the trap is on flat ground. The animal will not go in if the cage wobbles or makes any noise.

What to do if you have a raccoon trapped?

If you have successfully trapped a raccoon, put a blanket or other cover over the cage before you pick it up. Do not stick your fingers in the cage and hold the trap away from yourself. Remember raccoons can carry rabies.

How big is a Havahart trap?

There are specific traps for raccoons in order to account for the animals’ size. They are at least 32 inches long and about a foot high and wide. You need to make sure the trap is of a correct size to safely keep the raccoon inside.

What happens if a raccoon is too small?

If it is too small, they may not get their body all the way in and will either escape or become caught in the door. This can cause a lot of pain to the raccoon and you want to avoid that at all costs. What Bait to use. Raccoons enjoy eating almost anything. If a human likes it, so will a raccoon in most cases.

How to catch a raccoon without being caught?

They are intelligent animals. If they get in and out of a trap without being caught, they will remember what happened and you will have to change your tactics. Using a no-kill, or live cage, trap is the best way to humanely catch raccoons.

How far away can you trap a raccoon?

Relocate a raccoon without babies at least ten miles away from your home and it will not come back. Keep in mind that trapping is illegal in many states. Before you start trapping, call your local animal control office. If it is illegal in your state, hire a professional to take care of the problem for you.

Why do raccoons dig up my yard?

When raccoons start digging up your yard looking for bugs or getting into your trashcans at night, they can cause a huge mess. Your gardens may also be a prime target. Other times, females will nest inside or under your home to give birth to and raise their young.