Best Raccoon Traps And Cages
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How We Found the Best Raccoon Traps And Cages
Raccoon Traps And Cages We Reviewed:
Best Raccoon Traps And Cages
Raccoons are one of the most adaptive animals you’ll likely encounter. They can live in a wide range of habitats and can co-exist with humans. However, they can also cause significant amounts of damage, especially if they find a way into your house. They may get into your trash or destroy your garden too.
These animals are also dangerous as carriers of rabies and hosts to insects and other pests such as roundworms. They pose a risk to both your family and pets. That’s why it’s essential to rid your home of a resident raccoon. However, the task is not as easy as it sounds from a legal perspective. Hunting or killing them is limited or even illegal in some jurisdictions.
A humane alternative is to use a live trap and relocate the pest. Our Top 5 Best Raccoon Traps and Cages 2018 review lists the items worth considering if you choose to go this route. We’ll also provide tips on how to capture them.
Table of Contents
BEST OVERALL
Professional Humane Live Animal Trap
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- It comes with a three-year quality guarantee
- It is a larger size for trapping a wide range of animals
- The smaller mesh prevents scratches and bait theft
- It is reusable with the trigger mechanism outside of it
- It’s simple to assemble and use
Cons
- Placement of the hook can interfere with activating it
Features & Specs
- The dimensions of the trap are 28 x 12 x 12 inches
- It weighs 10.34 pounds
- It has two doors
Professional Humane Live Animal Trap offers an effective way to capture larger animals like raccoons and opossums. It is a sturdy cage with a smaller gauge wire mesh to protect you while handling it. The trigger mechanism is sensitive to avoid bait theft. It closes the door quickly to prevent escapes too.
The design features handles that will keep your hands away from the animals, making release safer. While it’s fairly heavy, you should secure it with stakes. It’s an excellent value for the price.
BEST SINGLE DOOR
Havahart 1089 Collapsible One-Door Live Animal Cage Trap
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- The large size makes it appropriate for larger animal
- The single-door helps prevent bait theft
- It is easy to store in between uses
- It is made in the USA
- It has several safety features to make it easy to release the captured animals
Cons
- Larger animals may damage the trap
Features & Specs
- The trap measures 32 x 10 x 11.63 inches
- The trap weighs 9.85 pounds
The design of the Havahart 1089 Collapsible One-Door Live Animal Cage Trap offers an excellent way to improve the capture rate because the raccoon has to get into it entirely to reach the bait. It is spring-loaded for quick action to prevent any escapes. The wire mesh is galvanized steel to help prevent corrosion or rust.
The cage has smooth edges on the inside to protect the animal along with other features to protect you from getting injured. It comes with a one-year warranty.
BEST DOUBLE DOOR
Havahart 1045 Live Animal Two-Door
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- The wire mesh is solid 12-gauge galvanized steel
- It comes with a one-year warranty
- It is sturdy and well-made
- It has an improved catch rate
- It’s made in the USA
Cons
- Some raccoons can figure out how to get the bait without tripping the trigger
Features & Specs
- The dimensions of the trap are 36 x 10 x 12 inches
- It weighs 12.6 pounds
Havahart 1045 Live Animal Two-Door offers a way to improve your catch rate with two access points. You can use either one or both. Like the previous product, the doors are spring-loaded to close quickly once the trap has been triggered. This model is a bit longer and heavier than the previous one. However, you should still stake it.
It’s a decent size for catching adult raccoons. If you have a problem with bait theft, use only one of the doors to make sure the animal is going all the way into the cage to get it.
BEST CHAIN TRAP
Duke DP Coon Trap
Pros
- It is affordably priced
- It works as described
- It is dog-proof to prevent catching non-targeted animals
- The setup is simple
- It uses a raccoon’s instinct to grab its food with its paws for maximum effectiveness
Cons
- Some places may not permit this type of trap because you have to kill the caught animal
Features & Specs
- The trap measures 8 x 4 x 2 inches
Duke DP Coon Trap offers a different approach to catching a nuisance animal that is inexpensive yet effective. You need to stake it securely for the best results. It is safe when used as directed. It’s an excellent choice if the raccoon on your property are avoiding any cage traps you set or are stealing the bait without triggering them.
The mechanism is simple. You simply add bait to the tube, preferably something the animals have to work at getting out of it. When the raccoon reaches inside for it, it clamps onto its paw, trapping it.
BEST SPRING TRAP
Duke #110BT Single Spring Body Grip Trap
Pros
- They are inexpensive
- The jaws are strong
- They are escape-proof
- The traps are effective
- The release mechanism is simple to use
Cons
- It is only useful for smaller animals
- The trigger is hard to set
Features & Specs
- The package includes six traps
- The opening is 4.5 x 4.5 inches
Duke #110BT Single Spring Body Grip Trap uses a strong mechanism to catch pests with no chance of escape. They are effective and will catch animals. The springs are tough to set. You should wear gloves when doing so. They will kill them, so you may not be able to use them in some areas.
The design is simple and works as described. Wildlife agencies across the country use this type of trap for controlling nuisance pests. They are versatile, so you can place them where you’ve seen signs of activity.
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Raccoons will eat just about anything they can find since they are omnivores. And they’re always on the hunt for reliable food sources.
What Are Signs That There Is a Raccoon Living on My Property?
You may not see an animal because they’re nocturnal. However, you’re likely to encounter signs of them. Things you may notice include:
- Holes in your house
- Tipped over trash cans
- Damage to bird feeders, food crops, or ponds
Raccoons will eat just about anything they can find since they are omnivores. And they’re always on the hunt for reliable food sources. Making a note of what they’re taking may provide a valuable clue for your choice of bait.
Why Should I Use a Trap?
While it’s a humane method, it might be the only way you can remove a nuisance animal, depending on local ordinances. Some areas may permit trapping them. It may also differ based on how your state’s wildlife management agency classifies them since they are fur-bearing animals. That may mean that you need to apply for a permit first.
Some places may also regulate the type of trap that you can use. Live cages are often allowed whereas others are illegal. Others may dictate where you can release a captured animal too. We strongly urge you to ask first since violations of these laws carry hefty fines.
What Is the Best Way to Use a Live Trap?
Knowing where they are active is the first step in getting rid of a raccoon. They’ll often return to the same places especially if they usually find something to eat. These animals are cautious like other pests such as rats and mice. They prefer to move along areas that provide some shelter such as along fence lines or walls.
To prevent bait theft, make sure you put it well inside the cage so that the raccoon will trigger it. They are not unlike people in that they have a sweet tooth too. Foods such as marshmallows and corn make excellent choices for bait. You’ll also have to secure the trap. Remember that they are larger animals, weighing up to 23 pounds as adults. Then, it’s a matter of waiting.
It’s imperative to check it often. After all, that’s why you’re using a humane method in the first place. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few days before you’re successful. You may try different baits or a new location if you haven’t caught anything.
The good news is that all these measures are excellent ways to deter other unwanted visitors like rodents or other wildlife By taking this multifaceted approach, you will go a long way toward preventing a pest issue and the costs associated with these problem animals. But we’ll leave you with one thought about them to consider. Possums also happen to be excellent tick killers.
What Do I Do With the Captured Animal?
Use caution when approaching the trap since you’re dealing with a frightened animal that is unpredictable. Move slowly and avoid sudden movements. The gauge of the cage is likely too small for it to reach out to scratch you. Nevertheless, cover it with a blanket to protect you and settle the raccoon down as you get ready to relocate it.
It’s also essential to wear heavy gloves when handling the trap. Animals living in populated areas tend to have small ranges because they can meet their needs without having to venture far. We suggest taking the raccoon at least five miles from your home to avoid having it return. Be sure to follow all local regulations regarding relocation.
How Can I Prevent a Raccoon From Returning?
The best way to prevent a recurrence of the problem is to make your house and yard inhospitable to these pests. That means removing all sources of food that may attract these animals to your dwelling. Clean any garbage cans along with the area around them. If you store pet food in your garage, put it in a raccoon-proof container. Take up any food or water bowls at night.
Keeping your yard free of clutter or vegetation can remove places where an animal may seek cover. You may also find it helpful to use a repellent formulated to deter raccoons. You may even consider installing an electric fence for a persistent problem. They are opportunistic creatures. If you put up enough of a deterrent, they will move on to a better place.