Animal Traps

The Need for Animal Traps

The problem with nuisance animals such as raccoons, skunks, squirrels and opossums constantly foraging and living in your yard is that they can cause damage to your garden, home and property. Even some potentially dangerous animals like coyotes and bobcats can be a stressful and annoying.
 
Although there are ways to dissuade and keep nuisance animals away from your property (repellents), trapping can sometimes be the better option. When trapping animals it is important to be totally prepared before any traps are purchased or used.
 

Trap Options

There are various styles of traps available to the home-trapper, and we sell many of them, especially live traps. Anywhere from squirrels to cougars, there is a trap that is right for your nuisance animal. Steel traps are very common. They are strong and constructed for the safety of both you and the animal. 

Live animal traps, such as cage or box traps are also very common. Exclusion traps are perfect for indoor nuisance animals, because once they have exited the trap, they cannot get back in, and this allows you to get the animal out of your home without handling it. Snares and hunting traps (like clawed clamps) are not the same as the traps for sale here. They cause damage to the animal and are not legal without a hunting permit.
 

When you should trap animals

Before trapping, it is important to make sure you have taken all the steps to exclude the animal. For example, many times raccoons and opossums hang around because of a food source. Unsecure garbage receptacles, cat or dog food kept outside, and compost piles can be perfect for these critters. Install any barriers you can (fences, etc.) and check out possible scare tactics to keep animals away. Remember to ask yourself two questions before trapping:

1. Can I do this legally? Most states require animal nuisance control permits for any trapping. Also, relocation of animals is largely illegal. Always check with your state’s regulations before moving forward. 

2. Can I do this humanely? If you choose to trap the critters yourself, choose a live animal trap. Most traps available are box or cage style traps or exclusion traps. Live traps are good options to keep both you and the animal safe. Quick kill traps (like those for mice and rats) are legal, but for larger animals may be illegal. Always check your state’s regulations.
 

When you should not trap animals

You should always be cautious of any dependent offspring of the animal you want to trap. Always avoid trapping a mother with dependent young, or a nursing mother. Avoid trapping during poor weather conditions. Animals store energy to cope with harsh winter weather, and in stressful situations like being trapped, could die if released back into the bad weather.
 

What to do with animals after trapping

There are generally three options for removing the animal once it has been trapped. Always have a plan in place before trapping to make sure you can safely remove the animal.

1. Release animal at site of capture: This is especially good when an animal has been captured inside a home. Before releasing, make sure exclusionary measures have been taken. 

2. Releasing animal outside its home range: In many states, transporting wildlife away from their home (even squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons) is illegal. It can be dangerous for both the animal, the environment it is moved to, and for people living in that area. This is only a good option if it can be done legally and safely. 

3. Euthanasia: This option makes many cringe at the thought, but is often the most humane and sometimes the only option for ensuring an animal can be safely removed and will not return. It is safe for the animal, with minimal pain and stress. Many times, humane euthanasia cannot be done at home. Contact a veterinarian, animal shelter, or wildlife control center to see if they can euthanize the animal for you.