While some people may think that raccoons look cute and endearing, they can create a huge mess in our yard when they are foraging foods. They can also contaminate our insulation, food, and water sources that can increase the probability of disease transmission. For homeowners who are looking for methods to successfully get rid of them, trapping may be the best solution to your woes.



How to Build a Raccoon Trap
A live trap is the most affordable solution for the wildlife infestation. However, if you cannot make a quick trip to your local garden store, you may create your own trap using the materials that are found in your home. Here’s how:

1. Making a Trap Using Your Garbage Can
When using your garbage can to trap the raccoon, you may use a metal or plastic can. Make sure that the interior surface of the garbage can will be smooth that will prevent the animal from gaining traction. After this, you can place the trashcan next to the picnic container. Be certain that it will touch the end of your picnic table. For those who do not have a picnic table, you may use any similar structure that are stable and sturdy. Be sure that the height of the garbage can is even with the height of the structure.

• Add water inside the garbage can. The water should be enough to prevent the trashcan from tipping over. If the raccoon was trapped inside the garbage can, the water will increase their weight making it difficult for them to escape the garbage can.
• Place a plank on the picnic table. Make sure that it extends to the garbage can. Place a bait at the end of the plank. Once the raccoon stepped on the plank, the weight of the raccoon will cause the plank to shift and the raccoon will fall in the garbage can.

2. Wooden Box Trap
Cut the wood in the appropriate dimension. Make sure that the raccoon will fit perfectly inside. It should have enough space for the raccoon to move. Otherwise, the raccoon will feel agitated and aggressive. Connect the pieces of wood to create a device like a box trap. For the bait tray, you may use a metal panel. Drill a hole into the corner of the metal panel and attach it inside the box using hinges. Use PVC pipes at the front section of your trap. This will make it easier for the door to slide down once the tray has been triggered.

Some people advice you to choose a white bait since it will be simpler for the raccoons to see them. However, marshmallow or eggs may not be the best bait to use on homemade traps. Look for a bait with a sticky consistency such as pet food or peanut butter. You can also purchase bait paste at your local garden store. You should place the bait before dark to ensure that the birds will not eat it. Check the trap at least twice per day to ensure that the trapped animal will not die from dehydration.

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