Can You Trap A Raccoon?

Trapping a raccoon can be a tricky and dangerous task if you don’t know the proper way to do it. This post will cover all topics related to how to trap a raccoon, including what bait to use, how to set a raccoon trap, and the safety hazards related to handling wild animals.

Why Raccoons Are Bad To Have

There are several reasons why people should be concerned about raccoons foraging through their property. It’s generally displeasing to see your trash strewn all about, yes, but believe it or not, that is not the biggest concern.

#1 Rabies Virus Carrier In the State of Ohio

Learning how to trap a raccoon comes with risks that you need to know. Raccoons in Ohio are the most common animal to carry the Rabies Virus. Rabies is a deadly virus that is spread through the saliva of an infected individual. Typically through the bite of skunks, raccoons, coyotes and more. Express extreme caution when handling these animals as they can become very aggressive.

Raccoons Carry Parvovirus

Raccoons can carry canine parvovirus, feline parvovirus, and their own strain of the potentially deadly virus. Parvovirus, sometimes called “Parvo” is one of the biggest threats when it comes to viruses in dogs and cats. Even though vaccines for the virus created in the 1970s give today’s household pets good protection from the virus, they can still get it. Parvo is a particularly concerning aspect of rodent control because of its highly contagious characteristics. If your pet comes anywhere near rodents, their urine, raccoon poop, or vomit then they are at a significantly increased risk of infection, vaccinated or not. Parvo has even been known to affect cats and dogs as a result of their owners touching infected doorknobs. Please express caution when handling raccoons, or raccoon poop and ALWAYS disinfect surfaces they were on along with any objects you touched after handling them.

Raccoons Are Destructive

Having a raccoon on your property will often result in some very noticeable damage to the property. For starters, they will try everything they can to get into the trash cans and create a huge mess. Some of the expensive damages they cause are destroying insulation, damaging wiring, air ducting, and drywall, that’s just to name a few.

How To Make Raccoon Bait

This is the easiest step of the whole process when it comes to trapping a raccoon. Although there’s the occasional picky eater, raccoons will eat just about anything that smells pungent. Tuna, sardines, and peanut butter are good options. The Pest Detective’s bait of choice includes a concoction of mini marshmallows, baking soda, flour, Mountain Dew, grenadine, and cool-aid packets.

1. Mix 1/4 cup marshmallows with 3 tablespoons grenadine, 2 Cool-Aid packets
2. Add 3/8 cup mountain dew.
3. Add flour/baking soda while mixing until it has a paste texture.

How To Set A Raccoon Trap

Open the door of the live animal trap and connect the trigger rod going up the side of the cage with the door to hold it up. Test the trap to ensure proper operation by putting pressure on the trigger plate inside.

Where To Place The Trap

When raccoons travel in nature, they choose to travel along walls or beside structures for cover. Placing your raccoon trap in a thought-out spot is key to catching the animal. Below will go over how to set a raccoon trap.

Step 1.

Raccoons are some of the smartest rodents out there and they have many advantages compared to other rodents in Northeast Ohio. The main strategy that should be used when setting up a raccoon trap is placing it beside a wall or in an inconspicuous spot. Raccoons like to travel along walls and other coverings because it makes them feel more comfortable and less visible.

Step 2.

Place the bait of choice on the far wall of the trap. Make sure the pressure plate will be triggered in order for the raccoon to acquire the bait. Ensure the bait is not touching the walls.

Step 3.

Set the trap beside a wall or between bushes to make it appear as if going into the trap is the only route the raccoon can take. Disguise the trap with brush or fallen branches so the raccoon isn’t concerned about entering the cage and stepping on the pressure plate.**Put a heavy item on top if the raccoon rolls cages**

Step 4.

Cover the sides and back with wood or obstacles so that the raccoon cannot reach in from the back and steal the bait.

What Kind Of Trap Do I Need?

To trap an adult raccoon you will need a large-sized one-door trap, however, a smaller trap will likely work as long as the raccoon fits inside. Most live traps cost between $35 and $110. Try to avoid flimsy traps without strong caging otherwise the raccoon may easily escape.

1. Havahart Large Live Animal Trap – $129.99

Our Review: 5-Stars

The Havahart live rodent trap collection are some of the most sturdy traps that you can get at your local Tractor Supply or Home Depot. Being made of durable, thick galvanized steel this trap should be able to catch dozens of raccoons without having any issues. This is what we would recommend for someone who wants to have a trap that lasts for years and can be borrowed by friends and family.

2. Budget: Harbor Freight Live Trap

Our Review: 3-Stars

Although the harbor freight traps are cheaply made with thin steel wire they will be able to get the job done. This would be a good trap for someone who needs to catch two or three raccoon that aren’t too big. Need to trap a raccoon that’s become a nuisance at a very low price? This is a good trap.

Moving The Trapped Raccoon Is Tricky, We Do it Like This

Moving the cage with a live raccoon inside is where things get tricky. We always recommend you arm yourself with nitrile gloves along with some very thick work gloves overtop. A thick long sleeve shirt is recommended for safety. If the raccoon becomes erratic or gets close to your hand, put the cage down immediately.

Understandably, the raccoon will be very upset because he/she has been captured. We always recommend setting the cage down if the raccoon is doing this because in some cases it puts you at risk of being bit.