Humane use of live animal traps
Trapping is not recommended when babies are present. If absolutely necessary (homeowner moving, heavy construction, etc), trap mom using only a humane live trap. Taking every reasonable precaution for personal safety, gather up the babies and place them in a shallow open box that they can not crawl out of. While wearing thick protective gloves, carry mom (still in trap that is partially covered with a towel) and babies to an area of your yard that has some cover (plant growth, bushes) and is furthest from the house. Sit box with babies next to mom's cage (and partially remove the towel) so that she can identify them as her own and see that they are safe. Observe from a distance. After about 20 minutes, release mom. She will immediately run away. Allow her 4-6 hours to return to collect her babies and relocate them to a new nesting site. You must keep all activity (children, pets, etc) away from the area, otherwise mom will be too nervous to return.
Most homeowners immediately want the animal removed and relocated, which they feel is a quick solution for them and they believe it is a humane alternative for the animal. There are 4 important elements that should be considered before trapping and relocation is attempted:
In addressing a nuisance situation, the trapping of wildlife is only recommended when it is necessary to remove an animal in order to address the situation that originally attracted it. For a listing of alternatives that we recommend you try before attempting to trap Click Here. You must also take steps to prevent the same situation from happening again. For instance, trapping squirrels in your attic is ineffective if you fail to fix the big gaping hole that they originally used for entry and any other sections of wood that are deteriorating. Other wildlife will see that big gaping hole as a welcome sign posted on your home and quickly will move in. Proper use and baiting of live traps
Most homeowners immediately want the animal removed and relocated, which they feel is a quick solution for them and they believe it is a humane alternative for the animal. There are 4 important elements that should be considered before trapping and relocation is attempted:
- More than 50% of relocated wildlife do not survive. In an unfamiliar environment, they do not have an established shelter site, food source or territory.
- If you trap an adult female, there is a high probability that she is caring for young who will starve without her.
- Most jurisdictions do not allow the relocation of wildlife and require that pest control operators destroy trapped wildlife. This is usually accomplished by shooting, drowning, suffocation or injection with commercial solvents such as acetone.
- Unless the situation that initially attracted the animal is corrected, then the problem will only be repeated as other wildlife are drawn to the property.
In addressing a nuisance situation, the trapping of wildlife is only recommended when it is necessary to remove an animal in order to address the situation that originally attracted it. For a listing of alternatives that we recommend you try before attempting to trap Click Here. You must also take steps to prevent the same situation from happening again. For instance, trapping squirrels in your attic is ineffective if you fail to fix the big gaping hole that they originally used for entry and any other sections of wood that are deteriorating. Other wildlife will see that big gaping hole as a welcome sign posted on your home and quickly will move in. Proper use and baiting of live traps
Online Sources of Live Animal Traps
| Havahart Live Animal Cage Traps | 1 lb | starting at $17.95 | JeffersLivestock.com | Search by item number: BE-L1 or search Live traps |
