Wild animals that invade a property can damage items in the house, destroy gardens, and often present a health hazard to the property’s residents and pets. Citing these dangers and inconveniences, it is advisable to remove any encroaching animals as soon as their presence is detected. However, pests are notorious for their sneaky movements, which make it hard to catch them easily. One of the ways around that is by use of wild animal traps.
Understanding Trapping
Trapping is one of, if not the oldest pursuit of man, predating hunting and agriculture. Despite the practice being around for thousands of years, the fundamental principles have remained relatively unchanged.
The same principles can help you achieve better results when trapping. Below are some best practices to observe when setting up your next wild animal traps:
- Understand the target animal’s habit patterns
- Choose a humane trapping method
- Select a trap size and design suitable for the given situation
- Place the trap properly, concealed or camouflaged
- Set up a sufficient number of traps for the project
- Maintain the traps in good mechanical condition after use
How Wild Animal Traps Work
Wild animal traps come in different forms and shapes. They can be classified into two broad categories – quick-kill traps and live-holding traps. The latter is the better option as these types of traps are designed to preserve the animal’s life.
Below are some of the most common types of wild animal traps and how they function:
Foothold traps
This type of trap is designed to catch and restrain an animal by its foot. Foothold traps can be used to catch wild animals both on land and in water. They come in two main configurations – coil spring traps and long spring traps.
Conibear traps
Conibear traps are also known as body-gripping traps. They are designed such that two rotating jaws close on the animal’s neck or chest when triggered. They are commonly used to catch rodents such as beavers and otters.
Cable Restraints
These traps are set up by looping a cable and suspending it over a known animal path such that the animal runs or walks right into the loop. The loop’s knot is tied such that it tightens itself from the animal’s weight, consequently trapping it.
Live traps or cage traps
These are also known as box traps. They are designed to allow an animal into a confined space without allowing it to leave. In most cases, the door closes automatically as soon as the animal enters the cage.
Cage traps are popular because they do not harm the animal. Their only disadvantage is that they are bulky and require more elaborate transportation.
Trappable Animals
Trapping is commonly used to control the following pests:
- Foxes
- Birds
- Raccoons
- Opossums
- Squirrels
- Rats and mice
Learn More About Wild Animal Traps
At Shumaker’s Animal Control, our team is conversant with the various types of wild animal traps. We can help you pick a more humane trapping method.
Contact us today via our website or call us directly at 443-854-8072. No matter where you are in Maryland, our team can help!