Time to Catch Raccoons in a Trap? A Raccoon Trap's Unique Instructions
Raccoons are notorious for their adaptability and intelligence, making them challenging yet necessary to control. When these creatures invade urban and suburban areas, they often cause significant property damage and pose health risks. Understanding how and when to trap a raccoon involves practical advice on various techniques and methods suitable for urban settings.
At Brampton Wildlife Control, trapping raccoons is not our first method or recommendation to for our customers for raccoon control. We do understand that it’s a service homeowners are seeking out and certain scenarios require it.
It is crucial to frequently check the raccoon trap to avoid leaving an animal trapped for an extended period, so our customers must be available to monitor the traps for activity and alert us immediately once an animal is trapped inside the cage. Trapping can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days, so timely inspections are necessary to prevent prolonged distress for the trapped animals.
Effectively trapping raccoons requires a strategic approach that adheres to local wildlife regulations while ensuring humane treatment. Our guide provides expert advice on the best methods to trap raccoons safely and efficiently, including the use of humane raccoon traps, minimizing harm to the animals and potential risks to humans.
Understanding Raccoon Behaviour
Nocturnal Habits
Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. This behavior makes it essential to set traps during the evening hours. Understanding their nocturnal nature helps in determining the optimal placement and timing of traps.
Diet and Feeding Patterns
Raccoons have an omnivorous diet, including fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals. They are also attracted to garbage and pet food. Utilizing bait that aligns with their dietary preferences can effectively attract raccoons into traps. Some effective bait options include:
Canned cat food or fish-flavored pet food
Marshmallows
Sweet corn
Fruits such as grapes or watermelon
Nesting Preferences
Raccoons often seek shelter in attics, basements, chimneys, and under decks or sheds. They look for dark, secluded areas to nest, especially during the breeding season. Identifying potential nesting sites can help in strategically placing traps to capture these animals. Dealing with a mother raccoon and her young can be particularly challenging, as it is crucial to identify the mother raccoon to ensure that all her babies are safely accounted for during the removal process.
Selecting the Right Raccoon Trap
Live Trap for Raccoon
Best raccoon traps are the most humane option for catching these animals. Each trap sets differently, so it is important to follow the specific instructions provided for each model. They are designed to capture the animal without causing injury. These traps are typically made from sturdy wire mesh with a door that closes once the raccoon enters to reach the bait.
Recommended Trap Size: A trap measuring 32 to 42 inches in length, 10 to 12 inches in width, and 12 to 14 inches in height is ideal for trapping raccoons.
Placement and Positioning
Place the trap near areas where raccoon activity is noticeable, such as near garbage cans, garden patches, or close to entry points they use to access your home. Setting multiple traps in various locations along raccoon pathways and near areas of previous damage can significantly improve the chances of capturing raccoons. Ensure the trap is stable and positioned on a level surface to prevent tipping over. Adjust the trap doors to the open position as part of the proper setup process.
Camouflage and Concealment
Raccoons are cautious creatures, making trap concealment essential. Camouflaging the trap with leaves, branches, or grass can make it less noticeable and increase the likelihood of success. Avoid placing traps directly in the open, as this may deter the raccoon. Raccoons possess great memories, which can make them cautious around traps.
Baiting Techniques
Effective Baits for Raccoon Trapping
Canned Cat Food: The strong odor makes it an effective raccoon bait that attracts raccoons.
Marshmallows: The sweet smell appeals to their sweet tooth.
Sweet Corn: A preferred food source for raccoons.
Fruit: Grapes or watermelon are highly effective due to their strong fragrance.
Bait Placement
Position the bait at the rear of the trap to ensure the raccoon fully enters before the door closes. Proper bait placement is crucial for success. Strategic trap placement is also important; place traps in locations that show signs of raccoon activity, such as areas of damage or potential shelters like chimneys and attics. Secure the bait to the trigger mechanism if possible, making it difficult for the raccoon to steal it without setting off the trap.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Adherence to the City of Brampton's Wildlife Control By-Laws
Before setting traps, familiarize yourself with local wildlife regulations. In many areas, it is illegal to trap and relocate raccoons without proper permits. Contact your local wildlife authority for guidance on legal trapping practices.
Humane Treatment of Raccoons in Brampton
Humane raccoon removal is crucial. Check traps frequently, ideally every few hours, to minimize the time the raccoon spends confined. It is important to trap regularly to ensure the captured animal is not left in the trap for extended periods, which could cause stress and anxiety for the raccoon. Paw hold traps, which clamp down on an animal’s paw to hold it, are often used by fur trappers for nuisance wildlife removal. These traps are effective and designed to trap raccoons humanely by minimizing injury. Use gloves and protective clothing when handling trapped raccoons to avoid bites and potential disease transmission.
How Mush Does Trapping Raccoons Cost in Brampton?
Dealing with raccoon problems in Brampton requires understanding the associated costs of trapping these intelligent and often troublesome animals. The cost of raccoon trapping services can vary significantly depending on factors such as the severity of the infestation, the number of raccoons to be trapped, and the methods used. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the typical expenses involved in trapping raccoons.
1. Inspection Fees
Before setting up raccoon traps, wildlife control professionals typically perform a thorough inspection of the property. This inspection helps identify potential food sources, trap placement areas, and entry points used by raccoons. Inspection fees in Brampton usually range from $75 to $150. The inspection is a crucial step to ensure that the right strategy is employed to catch a raccoon effectively.
2. Trap Setup and Rental Fees
Trap rental, including the use of live traps such as live cage traps, is common for humane raccoon trapping. Setting up these traps can incur costs that vary depending on the number of traps needed and the duration for which they are set. Each trap should be placed in covered areas near food and water sources, like trash bins or mulch beds, where raccoons are likely to frequent. Trap setup and rental fees generally range from $100 to $250 per trap, depending on how many days the traps need to remain in place.
3. Per Animal Capture Fees
When a raccoon is caught in a cage trap, there is usually a fee associated with each animal trapped. This fee covers the costs of handling, relocating raccoons, and ensuring the trapped animal is treated humanely. The per animal capture fee in Brampton is typically between $75 and $150 per raccoon. It’s important that the trappers follow humane guidelines to prevent animal suffering, especially for mother raccoons with young.
4. Exclusion and Repair Costs
After trapping and removing raccoons, it's essential to take steps to prevent raccoons from re-entering the property. This involves sealing entry points, repairing structural damage, and installing barriers such as fencing or mesh around potential access points. Exclusion and repair costs can vary but typically fall between $200 and $600. Effective exclusion methods help to ensure raccoons do not return, reducing the need for repeated trapping.
5. Follow-Up Visits
To ensure that raccoon problems are fully resolved, follow-up visits may be necessary. These visits involve checking the traps regularly, resetting them as needed, and verifying that all entry points remain secure. Follow-up visit fees typically range from $50 to $100 per visit. During these visits, professionals may also re-bait the traps and ensure that no other critters have been caught unintentionally.
6. Emergency Services
If raccoons pose an immediate threat or are causing significant disturbances, emergency raccoon removal and trapping services might be required. These services are available around the clock to address urgent situations, such as a raccoon inside a home or an aggressive animal near children or pets. Emergency service fees are higher due to the immediate response required and typically range from $200 to $500. Rapid response minimizes the risk of injury to people and pets and quickly resolves raccoon nuisances.
Summary of Raccoon Trapping Costs in Brampton:
Inspection Fees: $75 - $150
Trap Setup and Rental Fees: $100 - $250 per trap
Per Animal Capture Fees: $75 - $150 per raccoon
Exclusion and Repair Costs: $200 - $600
Follow-Up Visits: $50 - $100 per visit
Emergency Raccoon Removal Services: $200 - $500+
Additional Considerations
Best Bait for Raccoons: Using effective bait, such as canned cat food, marshmallows, or fruits, can attract raccoons to the traps. Bait should be placed behind the trigger plate to ensure the raccoon fully enters the trap before the door closes.
Wearing Heavy Gloves: When handling traps and captured animals, wear heavy gloves to protect against bites or scratches. Speak softly to keep the trapped raccoon calm and minimize stress.
Humane Trapping: Using humane traps like live cage traps ensures that the animals are not harmed. Most traps are designed with a trip pan and close mechanism to contain the raccoon safely until it can be relocated.
Trap Placement: Place traps near fence lines, trash bins, and other potential food sources to increase the likelihood of catching a raccoon. Ensuring the traps are in open positions with bait inside will attract the raccoons into the cage.
Dealing with raccoons requires a combination of strategic trap placement, regular trap checks, and humane treatment of the animals. Following raccoon trapping tips and working with professional wildlife control experts ensures that raccoon trapping is effective, humane, and compliant with local laws, providing peace of mind for homeowners in Brampton.
Post-Trapping Procedures
Relocating the Raccoon
Raccoon relocation, if permitted, should be done to a site within the legal limit from your property. Ensure the release site provides adequate food, water, and shelter to increase the raccoon’s survival chances. Do not release the raccoon beside busy roadways or public spaces occupied by people.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
After trapping and relocating a raccoon, trap sanitation is crucial; clean and disinfect the trap thoroughly. This prevents the spread of diseases and makes the trap more effective for future use. Use a bleach solution to sanitize the trap and rinse it with water.
Sealing Entry Points
Prevent future raccoon intrusions by identifying and performing entry point sealing. Use materials such as metal mesh or heavy-gauge steel to cover openings. Install chimney caps and repair broken vents or screens.
Safety Precautions
Personal Protection
When setting or checking traps, wear protective gear such as gloves and long sleeves to protect against scratches or bites. Raccoons can carry diseases like rabies and leptospirosis, so handling them with care is imperative.
Avoiding Aggression
If you encounter aggressive raccoons or a raccoon that appears to be acting unusually (e.g., stumbling or disoriented), do not attempt to handle it. Contact local wildlife control professionals to manage the situation safely.
Conclusion
Trap a raccoon by understanding their behaviour, using the right equipment, and adhering to legal guidelines. By following these detailed steps, you can effectively manage raccoon issues on your property while ensuring humane treatment and minimizing risks to yourself and the animal. Always prioritize safety, legality, and the well-being of the wildlife involved in any control measures.
