Using a Humane Animal Trap

You know it is winter time when the critters start mulling around your home, barns, and outbuildings looking for a nice warm shelter. To safely remove the animals without harming them, then you will want to use a humane animal trap. To use one of these traps you will need some sort of bait to attract the animal.

What Kind of Bait do I use?

Every pest is unique and different baits work better than others.  You may find that it is best to try a few of these and see what works best for you.  Please let us know which ones were the most helpful for you!

Cat	Fish, meat, cat food
Chipmunk	Peanut butter, popcorn, grains, sunflower seeds, prune pits, unroasted peanuts, cereal
Dog	Dog food, meat, bones
Fox	Chicken entrails, prepared scented bait, mice
Gopher	Peanut butter and bread
Mink	Chicken entrails, fish, liver, veggies, apples, bacon
Porcupine	Apples, salt, carrots
Rabbit	Fresh veggies, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, apples, bread
Rat	Peanut butter, cheese, grain, sandwich meat, peppermint oil
Skunk	Chicken entrails, fresh and canned fish
Squirrel	Peanut butter, sunflower seeds, oatmeal, bread, nuts (especially peanuts)
Weasels	Fish, fresh liver, chicken entrails
Woodchuck	String beans, corn, lettuce, peas, apples

Once you have caught your animal you will want to safely release them somewhere that is far enough away from your home that you shouldn't have to worry about them revisiting you. If you have concerns about how best to release the animal then you should contact your local animal control office.

How to Maintain, Clean and Store an Animal Trap

Maintaining your trap is very important to extend the life of the trap, but it is also very simple.  The best way to clean your trap is to simply hose it down with fresh water and wipe it down.  Detergents and soaps that have a strong smell can potentially scare away animals.  If you must use something try to find a mild and unscented soap. 

When storing your trap make sure it is completely dry.  Every part on the trap is important.  Rust can render your trap unusable.  Store your trap in a dry place.  A basement may not be the best location because of moisture.