4 Solutions to Get Animals in Traps

Are your customers upset that their traps aren’t working right? That a problem critters is refusing to take the bait and go inside a Havahart^® humane animal trap? Sometimes, it seems that raccoons, skunks, rabbits, squirrels and other nuisance animals simply won’t go in a trap.

Not a worry, Havahart^® has a few ideas on what you can do to help them make the catch!

Solution 1: Let the Animasl "Get Acquainted" with the Trap

Trapping an animal doesn’t necessarily happen overnight. In many cases, an animal won’t go in the trap immediately after placement, especially if the trap is brand new and hasn’t been “broken in” yet.

Instead of setting the trap right away, give the animal time to get familiar with it so it. Essentially, the animal shouldn’t be allowed to view the trap as a threat.

Here’s what your customers should do: Fasten the trap doors so they remain open and place some bait in the trap to allow the animal to explore the trap without setting it off. Leave it open for several days or until the bait is taken. This allows the critter to come to see the trap as offering an easy meal.

When the bait has been taken a few times or, at the very least, disturbed, then it’s time to set the trap.

Solution 2: Camouflage the Trap

In many cases, an animal won’t go in the trap because it looks like, well … a trap. Advise your customers to camouflage the trap. They should make it look more like a natural part of the surrounding environment. Doing so will increase the likelihood the offending critter will investigate it and ultimately venture inside it.

The easiest way to camouflage a trap is to cover the top with leaves or twigs, an effort that will make it look less shiny and obtrusive. Some animals may actually view a well-disguised trap as a potential shelter or hiding place, particularly if there is a tasty snack waiting inside.

Solution 3: Switch Your Bait

Choosing the right bait is essential to trapping success. If a nuisance animal won’t go in the trap, your customer should re-evaluate the bait being used. Some animals won’t respond to fruits. Others won’t be interested in eggs. With that in mind, advise your customer to cycle through the list of bait options for the animal until one works.

Proper bait placement is also key. In addition to placing the bait under the trap’s trigger mechanism, suggest they create a bait trail that starts outside the trap and leads the animal inside.

Solution 4: Move the Trap

Just like in real estate, with animal trapping, location is everything. Obviously, an animal can’t go in a trap that’s not in its neighborhood! Make sure your customers are placing the trap in an area that the problem animal frequents.

They should look for telltale signs including animal droppings or animal damage to determine the best location.

Setting the trap on a level surface is also important. The tripping mechanism may not work properly otherwise.