How to Catch an Animal With a Havahart Trap
If you have an animal pest but you don't believe in killing, Havahart traps provide a humane way to relocate the animal. These live traps make it easy to catch any mammal from the size of a mouse to the size of a small dog. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Decide on the size of Havahart trap you need. Havahart traps come in five sizes, ranging from extra small for animals like mice and voles, to extra large for animals like raccoons and dogs. View the trap guide on Havahart's website if you're not sure what size you need (see Resources below).
-
2
Test your trap before you put it out to catch an animal. Follow the directions that come with your Havahart trap to set it, because different models use slightly different techniques. Make sure the trap springs when you touch either end of the trip plate. If it doesn't work, review the directions and set it again. If it still doesn't work, the trap may be defective. If this is the case, exchange your trap for a new one.
-
-
3
Let animals get used to the trap by putting bait in it and keeping the door propped open. Animals can then go into the trap without springing it and eat the bait. If they see the trap as a food source, they're more likely to enter it.
-
4
Set your trap in an area where the animal you want to catch frequents, putting the right food into the trap as bait. Make sure the trap is in an area that the animal will feel is secluded, such as tucked along a fence or wall or placed in the underbrush.
-
5
Camouflage your trap so animals are less leery of it. Pile up leaves and other natural materials both on top of it and lightly inside it so it blends into the surroundings. You can also cover it with a blanket that you've left outside for a few days so it doesn't smell too strongly of humans, especially if you're trapping feral cats.
-
6
Check the trap more than once a day, especially during inclement weather and nursing season.
-
7
Release the animal in an appropriate place. Call a certified wildlife rehabilitator or animal control specialist if you're not comfortable releasing the animal yourself, or if you've trapped a protected species.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you're catching an animal during nursing season, check the animal's belly to see if she has milk. Havahart traps are mesh all the way around, including the floor, so you can easily check this. If she has milk, release her immediately or her babies will die.
See if there's a feral cat association in your area if you need to trap feral cats.
