How To Trap Raccoons: A Humane Guide

Raccoons, those masked bandits of the backyard, can be a real nuisance. They raid your trash cans, tear up your garden, and can even cause damage to your home. If you're dealing with a raccoon problem, trapping them might seem like the best solution. But trapping raccoons requires careful planning and execution to ensure the safety of both you and the animal. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to trap raccoons humanely and effectively, from choosing the right trap to releasing the animal responsibly. So, let's dive in and learn how to reclaim your property from these furry invaders, guys!

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Before you even think about setting a trap, it's crucial to understand raccoon behavior. These creatures are intelligent, adaptable, and mostly nocturnal, meaning they're most active at night. Raccoons are also omnivores, with a diet that includes fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and, of course, whatever they can find in your garbage can. Understanding their habits and preferences will significantly increase your chances of successfully trapping them. Knowing their behavior helps you choose the right bait and place the trap strategically. For example, raccoons have a strong sense of smell, so using a smelly bait can be very effective. They also tend to follow familiar paths and routes, so placing the trap along these routes can increase your success rate. Raccoons are also very curious creatures, and they are attracted to new objects in their environment. This curiosity can work to your advantage when setting a trap, but it's also important to be cautious and avoid leaving any human scent on the trap. Raccoons are also very agile and good climbers, so they can easily access areas that other animals might not be able to reach. This means that you may need to consider placing traps in elevated locations if raccoons are accessing your property from above. By understanding raccoon behavior, you can develop a trapping strategy that is both effective and humane. This knowledge will also help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to trapping the wrong animal or failing to catch the raccoon altogether. So, before you set out to trap a raccoon, take some time to learn about their habits and preferences, and you'll be well on your way to solving your raccoon problem.

Choosing the Right Trap

When it comes to trapping raccoons, the type of trap you use is paramount. The most humane and effective option is a live trap, which captures the raccoon without causing it serious harm. Live traps come in various sizes, but you'll want to choose one that's specifically designed for raccoons, typically around 32x12x10 inches. These traps are made of sturdy wire mesh and have a door that closes once the raccoon enters. When choosing a live trap, make sure it is sturdy and well-constructed. Raccoons are strong animals, and they can easily escape from a flimsy trap. Look for a trap that is made of heavy-gauge wire and has a secure locking mechanism. It's also important to choose a trap that is the right size for the raccoon. A trap that is too small will not be able to hold the raccoon comfortably, while a trap that is too large may allow the raccoon to turn around and escape. In addition to the size and construction of the trap, you'll also want to consider the type of trigger mechanism. Some traps have a treadle trigger, which is a plate that the raccoon steps on to activate the trap. Other traps have a gravity trigger, which is a weight that is released when the raccoon enters the trap. Both types of triggers can be effective, but treadle triggers are generally considered to be more reliable. Before you set the trap, it's important to familiarize yourself with its operation. Practice setting and releasing the trap several times so that you can do it quickly and efficiently when you're dealing with a live raccoon. You should also make sure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment, such as gloves, a blanket, and a vehicle for transporting the raccoon. By choosing the right trap and familiarizing yourself with its operation, you can increase your chances of successfully trapping a raccoon while minimizing the risk of injury to yourself or the animal.

Baiting the Trap

Now that you've chosen your trap, it's time to talk about bait. Baiting the trap is crucial for luring the raccoon inside. Raccoons are attracted to sweet and smelly foods, so options like marshmallows, peanut butter, canned sardines, or even cat food can work well. Place the bait at the back of the trap to encourage the raccoon to fully enter. When baiting a trap for raccoons, it's important to consider a few key factors. First, you want to use a bait that is highly attractive to raccoons but less appealing to other animals, such as cats or dogs. This will help you avoid trapping non-target species. Second, you want to use a bait that is easy to handle and won't make a mess inside the trap. Finally, you want to use a bait that will last for several days without spoiling or losing its effectiveness. One popular bait for raccoons is marshmallows. They are sweet, smelly, and easy to handle. You can also use peanut butter, which is another favorite of raccoons. Simply smear some peanut butter on the back of the trap or on a piece of bread. Canned sardines are another effective bait, thanks to their strong smell. However, they can be messy, so you may want to place them in a small dish or container. Cat food is another option, but it may also attract cats, so use it with caution. When placing the bait, it's important to put it at the very back of the trap, behind the trigger mechanism. This will force the raccoon to step on the trigger plate as it reaches for the bait, ensuring that the trap door closes securely. You can also create a trail of bait leading up to the trap to entice the raccoon to enter. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the bait and the trap to avoid leaving your scent behind. Raccoons have a keen sense of smell, and they may be wary of a trap that smells like humans. By using the right bait and placing it strategically, you can significantly increase your chances of trapping a raccoon quickly and effectively.

Setting the Trap

With the right trap and bait in hand, it's time to set the trap. Choose a location where you've seen raccoon activity, such as near trash cans, gardens, or under decks. Place the trap on a level surface and ensure it's stable. Camouflage the trap by covering it lightly with leaves or twigs, but avoid blocking the entrance. When setting a raccoon trap, the location is just as important as the bait. Raccoons are creatures of habit, and they tend to follow the same routes and pathways. Look for signs of raccoon activity, such as droppings, tracks, or overturned trash cans. These are good indicators of where raccoons are likely to travel. Ideal locations for setting a trap include near known food sources, such as garbage cans or gardens, as well as along fences, walls, or other natural barriers that raccoons may use as travel routes. You can also place the trap near denning sites, such as under decks, sheds, or in hollow trees. Once you've chosen a location, clear the area of any obstacles that could interfere with the trap's operation. Make sure the ground is level and that the trap is stable. You may want to place a few rocks or bricks around the trap to prevent it from tipping over. Camouflaging the trap is also important, as raccoons are intelligent animals and may be wary of a new object in their environment. You can cover the trap with leaves, twigs, or other natural materials to help it blend in with its surroundings. However, be careful not to obstruct the entrance or the trigger mechanism. Before setting the trap, make sure you understand how it works and how to set it properly. Most live traps have a simple locking mechanism that holds the door open until the animal steps on the trigger plate. Practice setting and releasing the trap a few times to ensure that you can do it quickly and efficiently. When setting the trap, wear gloves to avoid leaving your scent behind. Raccoons have a keen sense of smell and may be deterred by human scent. Once the trap is set, check it regularly, preferably every day, to ensure that an animal is not trapped for an extended period of time. By choosing the right location, camouflaging the trap, and setting it properly, you can increase your chances of successfully trapping a raccoon while minimizing stress to the animal.

Checking the Trap

Checking the trap regularly is essential, ideally twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. This ensures that a raccoon isn't left trapped for too long, which can cause stress and dehydration. It also allows you to release any non-target animals quickly. When checking a raccoon trap, your safety and the animal's well-being are the top priorities. It's crucial to approach the trap cautiously and avoid making any sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the animal. Raccoons are wild animals, and they may become aggressive if they feel threatened. When you approach the trap, observe the animal from a safe distance to assess its condition. Look for any signs of injury or distress. If the raccoon appears injured or sick, you may need to contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. If the trap contains a non-target animal, such as a cat or a dog, you should release it immediately. Cover the trap with a blanket or towel to calm the animal, and then carefully open the door. If you're not comfortable handling the animal yourself, you can contact animal control or a local humane society for help. If the trap contains a raccoon, you'll need to decide what to do next. In many jurisdictions, it's illegal to relocate raccoons to another area, as they can carry diseases that could harm other wildlife populations. If relocation is not an option, you may need to contact a professional wildlife removal service to have the raccoon euthanized. Before you decide what to do with the raccoon, it's important to check your local laws and regulations. Some areas may have specific rules about trapping and relocating wildlife. If you are allowed to relocate the raccoon, you should choose a release site that is at least five miles away from your property. This will help prevent the raccoon from returning. When releasing the raccoon, choose a location that is near a wooded area or a body of water. This will provide the raccoon with shelter and a source of food and water. Open the trap door slowly and allow the raccoon to exit on its own. Avoid making any sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the animal. By checking the trap regularly and handling the trapped animal with care, you can ensure that the trapping process is as humane as possible. It's also important to remember that trapping is not always the best solution to a raccoon problem. In many cases, you can prevent raccoons from entering your property by taking steps to secure your garbage cans, seal off entry points, and remove potential food sources.

Releasing or Relocating the Raccoon

If you've trapped a raccoon, you have a few options: release it on your property, relocate it, or contact animal control. Releasing or relocating the raccoon depends on local laws and regulations, so it's crucial to check these first. Relocating a raccoon is often discouraged, as it can be stressful for the animal and may spread diseases. If relocation is permitted, choose a site at least 5 miles away, near a wooded area or water source. When releasing the raccoon, approach the trap calmly and cover it with a blanket to reduce stress. Open the door and allow the raccoon to exit on its own. It's important to remember that raccoons are territorial animals, and relocating them to an unfamiliar area can disrupt their social structure and their ability to find food and shelter. For this reason, many wildlife experts recommend releasing raccoons on the same property where they were trapped, as long as it is safe to do so. If you choose to release the raccoon on your property, you should take steps to prevent it from returning to the areas where it was causing problems. This may involve securing your garbage cans, sealing off entry points to your home, and removing potential food sources, such as pet food or fallen fruit. If you're not comfortable handling a trapped raccoon, or if you're not sure what to do, you can contact animal control or a local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. These professionals have the training and experience to handle raccoons safely and humanely. They can also advise you on the best way to resolve your raccoon problem in a way that is both effective and ethical. In some cases, it may be necessary to euthanize a trapped raccoon, particularly if it is injured, sick, or aggressive. However, this should be considered a last resort, and it should only be done by a qualified professional. Before you trap a raccoon, it's important to consider all of your options and to choose the solution that is best for both you and the animal. Trapping should be used as a last resort, and it should always be done in a humane and responsible manner. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that trapped raccoons are treated with respect and that your raccoon problem is resolved in a way that is both effective and ethical.

Preventing Future Raccoon Problems

Once you've dealt with the raccoon, the next step is preventing future raccoon problems. This involves securing your property to make it less attractive to these critters. Make sure your trash cans are tightly sealed, remove potential food sources like pet food and fallen fruit, and seal any openings in your home's foundation or roof. Preventing future raccoon problems is often more effective than trapping, and it is also a more humane approach. Raccoons are drawn to areas where they can find food and shelter, so by removing these attractants, you can make your property less appealing to them. One of the most important steps you can take to prevent raccoon problems is to secure your garbage cans. Raccoons are notorious for raiding trash cans in search of food, so it's essential to use cans with tight-fitting lids that cannot be easily opened. You can also secure the lids with bungee cords or straps, or you can store your garbage cans in a shed or garage. Another important step is to remove potential food sources from your yard. This includes pet food, birdseed, and fallen fruit. If you feed your pets outdoors, be sure to bring their food inside at night. You should also clean up any fallen fruit from your trees and shrubs. Raccoons can also den in a variety of places, including under decks, sheds, and porches. To prevent raccoons from denning on your property, seal off any openings or access points. You can use wire mesh, hardware cloth, or other materials to block these openings. You should also trim back any overgrown vegetation that could provide cover for raccoons. In addition to these steps, you can also use deterrents to keep raccoons away from your property. There are a variety of commercial raccoon repellents available, or you can make your own deterrents using natural ingredients, such as cayenne pepper or peppermint oil. You can also install motion-activated lights or sprinklers to scare raccoons away. By taking these steps, you can make your property less attractive to raccoons and prevent future problems. Preventing raccoon problems is not only good for your property, but it is also good for the raccoons. By removing food sources and denning sites, you can encourage raccoons to move to more natural habitats where they will be less likely to come into conflict with humans. So, take the time to secure your property and prevent future raccoon problems. It's the best way to protect your home and your local wildlife.

Trapping raccoons can be a necessary solution when they become a nuisance, but it's important to do it humanely and responsibly. By understanding raccoon behavior, choosing the right trap, using effective bait, and following proper procedures for checking and releasing the animal, you can effectively manage raccoon problems while ensuring their well-being. And remember, prevention is always the best approach in the long run, guys! By taking steps to secure your property, you can minimize the chances of future raccoon encounters and enjoy a peaceful coexistence with these fascinating creatures.