How to Make a Raccoon Trap
Raccoon traps can be expensive, but you can build your own trap if you have the right equipment. Raccoons weigh up to 20 lbs., and can be ferocious if they are trapped or if they feel cornered. They usually live in hollowed out trees or animal dens that have been abandoned, but in the worst case scenario they may move into your home. If you have raccoons in the attic or under the house, it is only a matter of time before they learn to eat out of your garbage can on a regular basis. If you have a raccoon as an unwanted house guest, you can build a homemade raccoon trap to get rid of him.
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Things You'll Need
- 2-foot-long wooden board
- Garbage can (3 to 4 feet tall)
- Water
- Table or picnic bench (4 to 5 feet tall)
- Rope or bungee cords
Instructions
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1
Grab your garbage can and place it next to the table. Pour approximately ten gallons of water into the garbage can, or until it is a third of the way full.
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2
Balance your 2-foot-long wooden board between the table and garbage can. Make sure the end of the board is overhanging the lip of the garbage can by about ten inches. Put your bait on the end of the board above the garbage can.
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3
Check your trap often. The weight of the raccoon will cause the board to flip it into the water when it goes for the bait. The raccoon's fur will be weighted down by water, so it cannot jump out of the garbage can, and the smooth sides of the can will prevent it from climbing out. You now have the raccoon trapped inside the garbage can.
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4
Secure your garbage can. Put the lid on the garbage can on and tie it down with rope or bungee cords. Place the garbage can into your car or truck, making sure that it is secure and will not tip over during the drive.
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Drive at least ten miles outside of town to release the animal. Lay the garbage can on its side and remove the lid quickly. Most times the raccoon will leave immediately. If not, wait patiently and the animal will eventually leave the can. The woods and countryside are good release locations for raccoons and will prevent an unwanted return to your home.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact your local game warden to make sure trapping and releasing raccoons is legal in your area. Check your trap often to avoid a possible drowning of the raccoon.
Wild animals are dangerous and can harm you if you handle them. Raccoons can carry diseases like rabies, distemper, baylisascaris procyonis (round worm), giardiasis, leptospirosis and other bacteria or parasites. You can call your local animal control to trap wild animals if you do no feel capable of doing it yourself.
