When wild animals cause property damage, homeowners are usually eager to have the creatures removed from their yards. Live trapping techniques are effective and humane ways to deal with the problem wildlife.
Overview of Humane Live Trapping
Humane live trapping methods are intended to keep animals safe and healthy and to prevent harm to pets and other wild animals that are not targets. Cage traps and box traps are among the most common tools used in live trapping.
Traps can be activated in various ways. Some models have a spring mechanism that causes the door to shut when an animal enters, while other traps have doors that fall due to gravity.
A trap should be an appropriate size for the species that it’s meant to capture. Using the smallest cage that will get the job done can reduce the risk of accidentally catching another animal of a different species.
Best Practices for Setting and Monitoring Traps
A trap should be placed in an area that the target animal is known to frequent. Putting a trap next to the entrance to the animal’s den can maximize the chance of capturing the intended animal and keep others from being caught accidentally. If the target animal doesn’t have a den, or if the den’s location isn’t known, setting multiple traps can help catch it quickly.
Traps must be checked at least once per day, even on weekends and holidays. Checking frequently can limit the amount of time that an animal spends confined. If a trap captures an unintended target, it can be released quickly.
Choosing Appropriate Bait for Different Species
Bait is placed inside a trap to attract a target animal. Using the right type of bait is important. It should be something that’s known to appeal to the species of animal that the homeowner wants to be trapped and removed. The bait that’s used should be unlikely to appeal to other kinds of wild animals or pets.
Get Professional Help with Live Trapping
Trapping wild animals is straightforward, but that doesn’t mean that it’s something that most homeowners should attempt themselves. It’s essential to know what type of trap to use, where and how to set it up, and what kind of bait will work best with a particular species.
Homeowners might be able to figure all of that out themselves, but they might not know what to do with a wild animal once they catch it. A caged animal can panic and bite or scratch, which can lead to serious injuries and possibly spread disease.
Anderson Wildlife Control has a team of professionals who know how to humanely trap raccoons, squirrels, opossum, and other species. If a wild animal is causing a nuisance at your Connecticut home, contact us today to get a quote for live trapping.
