Trying to outsmart a raccoon? You’re not the only one.
These clever nighttime prowlers are some of the most intelligent animals you’ll encounter in your backyard. With sharp memories and an uncanny ability to avoid danger, raccoons can be surprisingly difficult to trap, especially if you don’t understand their behavior.
Whether they’re raiding your trash or nesting in your attic, raccoons are more than a nuisance. They’re skilled at slipping into tight spaces, rummaging for food, and turning your home into their hideout. Learning how to trap a raccoon effectively takes more than just bait and hope – it requires strategy.
Before you set that trap, it’s important to know what works. From choosing the right trap size and bait to following local laws and handling them safely, every step matters.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to trap a raccoon safely, legally, and humanely, so you can protect your property without putting yourself or the animal at risk.
Understanding Raccoon Behavior and Habits
Recognizing raccoon behavior is the first step to successful trapping. These masked visitors leave distinct clues and follow predictable patterns that, once understood, will significantly improve your trapping success.
Common signs of raccoon activity
Raccoons aren’t exactly subtle houseguests. If you’ve got raccoons, you’ll notice specific evidence of their presence. Look for distinctive tracks resembling small human handprints with five finger-like toes on both front and back feet [1]. At night, you might hear various vocalizations including purring, chittering, growling, and even screaming [2].
Additionally, raccoons create “latrines” – designated areas specifically for droppings and urine that they use repeatedly [2]. These waste sites often appear as large scat piles and emit a foul odor similar to a musky, wet dog smell [2].
Property damage is another telltale sign. Raccoons frequently tear up insulation, shred drywall, and may leave scratch marks appearing as shallow, parallel lines on surfaces [2]. They’re also notorious for knocking over garbage cans, as they can lift lids, slide doors, and even undo bungee cords [2].
Why raccoons invade your property
Raccoons aren’t randomly selecting your home – they’re drawn to specific features. First and foremost, they seek food sources. Your property becomes attractive if you have:
- Accessible garbage bins
- Pet food left outdoors
- Fruit trees, gardens, or bird feeders
- Compost piles [2]
Beyond food, raccoons need shelter. They naturally prefer high tree cavities that mimic the warmth and protection of your attic or chimney [3]. Water sources like swimming pools, ponds, fountains, and even pet water dishes further enhance your property’s appeal [2].
Seasonal patterns that affect trapping success
Timing matters significantly when trapping raccoons. During spring (January through March), raccoons enter breeding season, becoming more active as they search for mates [4]. Females give birth between April and June, making them particularly protective and territorial [5].
In summer, raccoons actively forage during twilight hours, seeking food for their growing young [6]. Fall brings increased feeding as raccoons build fat reserves for winter [4]. They become especially determined to find food and secure warm shelter during this time [5].
Winter presents unique trapping opportunities. Though raccoons don’t truly hibernate, they enter a torpor-like state during extremely cold weather [7]. On warmer winter days, however, they emerge to replenish energy reserves, making trap success higher during these brief activity windows [7].
Consequently, trapping success is reported to be greatest when temperatures are below 24°C (75°F) [8], and notably decreases after fruits become abundant [8].
Choosing the Right Trap for Your Situation
Selecting the right trap is crucial for successful raccoon removal from your property. With multiple options available, understanding what works best for your specific situation will save time and frustration.
Live cage traps vs. other options
Live cage traps remain the preferred choice for most homeowners and wildlife professionals. These humane devices capture raccoons without causing harm, allowing for safe relocation. A typical live cage trap features a metal enclosure with a door that automatically closes once the animal enters and steps on a trigger pan.
Although some areas permit foothold traps or body-gripping conibear traps, these options require specialized knowledge and may be restricted by local regulations. For homeowners, live cage traps offer the safest and most ethical solution, primarily because they minimize risk to pets, children, and non-target wildlife.
Size and durability considerations
For effective raccoon trapping, size matters significantly. Your trap should be at least 32 inches long, 12 inches high, and 10 inches wide to properly accommodate an adult raccoon [9]. Smaller traps risk capturing only a part of the animal or failing altogether.
Look for traps constructed from:
- Heavy-duty galvanized steel wire that resists rust and corrosion
- Reinforced steel rods for structural integrity
- Smooth interior edges to prevent animal injuries
Single-door models work well for most situations, but double-door traps offer an advantage with cage-shy raccoons that might avoid single-entry traps [10]. Ultimately, sturdiness is essential since raccoons are surprisingly strong and persistent once captured.
Where to purchase or rent quality traps
Quality raccoon traps can be found at:
- Hardware stores and home improvement centers like Home Depot [11]
- Online retailers with specialized trap selections [12]
- Wildlife control supply companies
Popular brands include Havahart, Tomahawk, Duke, and Comstock [9]. Expect to invest between $50-$100 for a durable, well-constructed trap. Alternatively, some equipment rental companies like Sunbelt Rentals offer animal traps for short-term use [13], which might be more economical if you’re dealing with a one-time raccoon issue.
How to Trap a Raccoon: Set Traps Effectively
Image Source: Amazon.com
Success in trapping raccoons depends primarily on proper trap placement and setup. After selecting the right trap, your next steps will determine whether you capture that nuisance visitor or end up with an empty cage.
Selecting the perfect trap location
Place your trap where raccoons regularly travel. The best locations include:
- Areas with visible raccoon tracks or damage
- Near water sources like streams or ponds
- Along walls, fence lines, or established pathways
- Under decks, porches, or outbuildings
- Close to their den entrance if identified
Raccoons prefer covered areas such as attics, porches, mulch beds, and areas underneath structures. Furthermore, setting multiple traps in different locations along raccoon pathways will yield better results.
Preparing and placing bait that raccoons can’t resist
Sweet foods prove most effective for raccoon trapping since they attract raccoons while minimizing captures of non-target animals. Marshmallows make excellent bait, alongside other options like white bread, watermelon, or commercial raccoon lures.
Bait placement is equally important as bait selection. For single-door traps, position bait behind the trigger plate where raccoons must fully enter to reach it. With double-door traps, place bait just behind the trigger, bury it underneath the trigger plate, or hang it from the top of your trap.
Proper trap setup techniques
Initially, set your trap on completely level ground—an uneven surface that wobbles will immediately spook wary raccoons. Test the trigger mechanism by pressing on the trigger plate after setting the door to ensure it functions properly.
For trap-shy raccoons, try “pre-baiting” by tying the trap door open for several days while placing bait inside. This helps raccoons become comfortable with the trap before you actually set it.
Securing your trap to prevent escapes
Raccoons possess remarkable strength and intelligence, often tipping traps over in escape attempts. Secure your trap by:
- Placing a weight or brick on top
- Anchoring with stakes if outdoors
- Attaching to permanent structures when possible
- Using heavy-duty wire or cable to prevent dragging
Check traps at least twice daily—morning and evening—to ensure humane treatment of captured animals and to release any non-target catches promptly.
After the Capture: Safe Handling and Next Steps
Once your trap door snaps shut, your raccoon situation enters a critical phase requiring careful handling and decision-making.
Approaching a trapped raccoon safely
First of all, approach the trap calmly and cautiously. Raccoons can become aggressive when confined and may attempt to bite or scratch through the cage [14]. Keep these essential safety measures in mind:
- Wear thick leather gloves whenever handling the trap
- Drape a cloth over the cage to keep the raccoon calm [15]
- Hold the cage away from your body to maintain safe distance [15]
- Use a long pole like a shovel or boat hook for moving the trap if needed [2]
- Speak softly when approaching to minimize stress [15]
Never try to handle or directly touch a trapped raccoon, even if it appears docile. These animals can transmit serious diseases including rabies, leptospirosis, roundworm, and salmonellosis [14].
Legal considerations for relocation
In fact, before taking any action, check your local wildlife regulations. In many states, it’s illegal to relocate raccoons due to disease concerns [16]. Some areas require on-site euthanasia or on-site release instead of transportation [17].
If relocation is permitted, transport the raccoon at least 5-10 miles from your property [15][18]. Otherwise, it will likely find its way back. Release the animal in a wooded area away from other residences, preferably near water [18].
Nonetheless, understand that relocated raccoons face significant survival challenges. Studies indicate mortality rates above 50% within the first two months after relocation [19]. They must compete with established raccoons for territory, food, and shelter in unfamiliar surroundings.
When to call a wildlife professional
Given the risks involved, professional wildlife removal is often the wisest choice. Contact wildlife experts immediately if:
You suspect the raccoon has babies (visible nipples indicate nursing) [20] You’re uncertain about local laws regarding trapping and relocation [21] The raccoon appears sick or unusually aggressive [14] You feel uncomfortable handling the situation yourself [22]
Wildlife removal experts have proper training, equipment, and licensing to handle raccoons safely and legally [23]. They understand humane practices and can implement more robust preventive measures to keep raccoons from returning to your property [3].
Conclusion
Successful raccoon trapping requires careful planning, the right equipment, and proper safety measures. Understanding raccoon behavior patterns helps you place traps effectively, while choosing appropriate bait and locations significantly increases your chances of success.
Remember that safety comes first when dealing with these intelligent creatures. Always wear protective gear and maintain a safe distance from trapped animals. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local wildlife regulations before attempting any raccoon removal.
Though DIY trapping can work well for simple situations, certain circumstances call for professional intervention. Wildlife experts bring valuable experience and proper equipment to handle complex cases, especially those involving mother raccoons or multiple animals.
Most importantly, take preventive steps after removing raccoons. Seal entry points, secure garbage bins, and remove food sources to prevent future visits. With patience and proper technique, you can effectively manage raccoon problems while ensuring both your safety and the animal’s well-being.
FAQs
Q1. What’s the most effective bait for trapping raccoons? Marshmallows are highly effective as raccoon bait. They appeal to raccoons’ sweet tooth while being less attractive to other animals. Other options include white bread, watermelon, or commercial raccoon lures.
Q2. How can I deter raccoons from my property? Raccoons dislike strong smells like vinegar, ammonia, and peppermint oil. They’re also deterred by bright lights and loud noises. Removing food sources, securing trash bins, and blocking potential den sites can help keep them away.
Q3. What’s the best type of trap to use for raccoons? Live cage traps are the most humane and effective option for homeowners. Choose a trap at least 32 inches long, 12 inches high, and 10 inches wide to accommodate an adult raccoon comfortably.
Q4. Where should I place the trap to catch a raccoon? Place the trap in areas with visible raccoon activity, such as near water sources, along walls or fence lines, under decks or porches, or close to their den entrance. Setting multiple traps in different locations can increase success.
Q5. What should I do after capturing a raccoon? After capture, approach the trap cautiously while wearing protective gear. Check local regulations regarding relocation, as it’s often illegal. If permitted, release the raccoon at least 5-10 miles away in a suitable habitat. Consider contacting a wildlife professional for safe and legal handling.
References
[1] – https://thecritterteam.com/how-to-spot-a-raccoon-infestiation-on-your-texas-property/
[2] – https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Remove-a-Raccoon-from-your-Attic-the-Huma/
[3] – https://icwdm.org/species/carnivores/raccoons/raccoon-damage-prevention-and-control-methods/
[4] – https://pestong.ca/blog/seasonal-changes-that-impact-raccoon-behavior-in-canada/
[5] – https://www.wildliferemovalaurora.ca/blog/the-lifecycle-of-raccoons-how-their-behavior-changes-throughout-the-year/
[6] – https://wildliferemovaldirectory.com/what-time-of-year-are-raccoons-most-active/
[7] – https://www.skedaddlewildlife.com/location/scarborough/blog/seasonal-changes-and-raccoon-activity-what-to-expect-during-the-winter/
[8] – https://escholarship.org/content/qt2gh0h6mh/qt2gh0h6mh_noSplash_2ab9db56ac7be746eb1227e2bea609b2.pdf?t=plu0pw
[9] – http://www.wildlife-removal.com/raccoontrappingtips.html
[10] – https://humaneraccoonremoval.org/trap.php
[11] – https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Pest-Control-Animal-Rodent-Control-Traps/Raccoon/N-5yc1vZ2fkoqfwZ1z1tshc
[12] – https://www.livetrap.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=167
[13] – https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment-rental/general-construction-tools/animal-trap/1500475/
[14] – https://crittercontroloftampa.com/when-to-call-a-raccoon-exterminator/
[15] – https://www.havahart.com/how-to-trap-raccoons?srsltid=AfmBOorM9UxHi1r2Z5mxkZHQycUFeGhOKHfdwvV5nEjwYHna95dvWO5a
[16] – https://www.quora.com/What-do-I-do-with-a-raccoon-after-it-is-caught
[17] – https://www.raccoonatticguide.com/relocating.html
[18] – http://www.wildlife-removal.com/raccoonwheretorelease.html
[19] – https://humaneraccoonremoval.org/relocate.php
[20] – http://wildliferemovalusa.com/raccooncatch.html
[21] – https://bestwayanimalremoval.com/when-to-call-a-professional-for-wildlife-removal/
[22] – https://twinforkspestcontrol.com/pest-blog/when-to-call-wildlife-control-services/
[23] – https://www.mccallservice.com/blog/when-should-you-call-for-professional-wildlife-removal/
