If you have already scoured the net trying to find high-quality raccoon traps, and you are now looking for a step by step guide that can help you capture the unwanted guest that has taken over your yard, we can help.
After reading about what people that have dealt with these pests before had to do to get rid of them, we have prepared an inclusive article that you are likely to find practical.
Select an appropriate trap
There are currently two types of traps that you can use to capture a nuisant pest such as a raccoon. Firstly, there are one-door traps. These choices function by luring the animal inside by using baits. Once the pet enters the cage, a trap pan is triggered and the door of the unit shuts closed.
To activate a trap of this kind, one has to place the bait behind the trigger plate. The bait should not be left near the walls of the trap, as raccoons might be able to swipe the food from outside the cage.
These models are preferred by numerous professionals because they are easy to use when capturing large animals.
Secondly, there are also two-door models that you can test. These options allow the user to place baits behind or under the trigger. Most of these alternatives are around 32 inches in length.
Lethal traps
If you do not find the idea of having to rehouse the captured raccoon enjoyable, you should explore the possibility of purchasing a lethal trap. Numerous models of this type are currently available.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you should bear in mind that there are areas in the USA where such traps are considered illegal. So, before you make any purchases, it wouldn’t hurt to do some legwork on the topic.
Position the trap
Once you have acquired a trap, it is time you set it up. When it comes to this, experts recommend that you place it in an area that you know the pest frequents. Most raccoons tend to prefer covered spaces where they can also nestle. Therefore, they enjoy spaces such as tree hollows, porches, attics, underneath structures and woodpiles.
Another aspect that you should be aware of is that, once the trap is set, the raccoon might try to knock it over. To prevent this, you should secure it by putting a brick, or another heavy object, over it.
Opt for the right kind of bait
As you might know, raccoons rarely say no to any type of food. Still, if you want your mission of capturing the annoying culprit to be efficient, it is best that you opt for those foods that they find irresistible.
According to the experts, when setting up a trap, you should select sugary foods that are high in fats, as these pests love them. So, you should try your luck by using sweet corn, bacon, watermelon or marshmallows.
On top of that, some say that wet cat food and fatty meats are also a good bait idea as raccoons are drawn to them. Before you set the trap up, remember that the bait that you place is likely to attract other animals. Consequently, you should expect interferences.
Placing the bait correctly in the cage is also vital. To avoid allowing the pest to steal the food unharmed, it is recommended that you set it in the back of the trap. This way, the animal will be forced to step inside the cage in order to reach it.
Strategy
To make sure that your plan of capturing the pest functions as expected, you should also consider dropping a trail of bait that leads the pest to the trap itself. When you place the bait, it is recommended that you wear gloves. This is vital as raccoons can easily detect the human scent, and this can make them suspicious.
You should also wear gloves when handling the captured animal. This is highly important as it can help you avoid the risk of catching an infection.
Once the trap is set up, previous users recommend that you take the time to check it regularly. By doing so, you will avoid leaving an animal trapped inside of it for long. Even more so, once they are caught, these pests tend to be frightened. Therefore, leaving them to suffer for days on end should be, at all costs, avoided.
What to do once you capture the raccoon?
What most people that are dealing with a raccoon problem fail to understand is that once one has captured the pest, he/she has to relocate it. Depending on the state that you live in, relocating raccoons might be considered a crime. So, before you do anything rash, it is advised that you check the regulations imposed by your local legislation.
To relocate a raccoon, it is best that you take it at least five miles away from your property. When opening the door of the cage you should wear gloves. You should avoid coming in contact with the animal while releasing it. Additionally, keep in mind that raccoons can get violent when they feel threatened.
Prevent further infestations
If you have successfully eliminated the uninvited guest from your yard, it is time to take measures so that the animal won’t return to your propriety. So, it is advised that you remove the garbage stored in your yard on a regular basis and that you wash the garbage cans as often as possible.
All sources of water and food should also be eliminated. For extra protection, you should consider placing tight-fitting lids over the garbage cans.
Plus, all broken screens and vents should be fixed. You should keep your windows closed, especially if you know that there are raccoons lurking in the area that you are living in.
If you follow these recommendations, we are confident that you will be able to get rid of the raccoon that is bothering you. Also, if you follow the precaution tips and tricks, you will most likely not have to deal with a new infestation any time soon.
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