Best Raccoon Traps And Cages

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.