15 Things You Need To Know Before You DIY Trap

15 Things You Need To Know Before You DIY Trap

Often times we get a customer that has found themselves in a “pickle” by not thinking things through.  The first question that generally comes to mind is, I can do it myself…HOW HARD CAN THIS BE? Although the initial thought is somewhat true, it really isn’t that hard to trap a wild animal, but what becomes the problem is the things that people don’t think about. So, here is a list of things to think about before doing it yourself. (DIY)

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The following list is things to consider before even trapping the animal:

  1. Do I know what animal I’m targeting?

  2. Do I have time in my schedule to deal with it?

  3. What is the right equipment I’ll need to trap the animal?
  4. What is the best bait to use?

  5. Where is a good place to set the trap where the trapped animal will not cause even more damage?

While an internet search will  get you enough information to be dangerous, keep in mind if you trap lets say a raccoon and you used a cheaply built trap or it escapes, you’ll probably never be able to trap that animal again. That makes it very hard for a Trapper to come in, after the fact, and rid you of the critter. Wild Animals are not dumb… They know that wire box looking thing almost had them and won’t go back to it again. Which in turn makes them what we call trap shy and more work for us.

Ok, so you were lucky enough to get the critter in the trap. YAY!!!! Now is where the fun begins. So, what’s your plan now that you have the animal in the trap? I bet you’re thinking: I’m just going to throw that animal, trap and all, in the trunk, drive down the road to the park and let it go, right? I mean how hard is it to do this stuff and the trapper wanted SOOO much money to trap this animal. Well, remember the first issue we discussed on trapping the critter,  here is an even bigger list of stuff you are not going to find on a Google search or You Tube Vide0. This list will not only make you think twice but can save you a lot on medical bills or time in the legal system.

 

  1. Are you trained on the proper handling of a trapped animal? (Even though they are in a cage they can still hurt you)

  2. Do you posses the proper safety equipment for handling wildlife?

  3. Where are you going to take the animal? Did you know transporting and releasing certain wildlife is Illegal? Did you know releasing into parks is illegal? Do you know why?

  4. Did you know certain urines and gland smells are almost impossible to get out of trunks of vehicles?

  5. Do you know that you could introduce a virus or disease into an area and completely wipe out several species in that area? (That’s why parks do not allow releasing of wildlife. You could totally screw up a complete Ecosystem with just one release.)

  6. Did you take it far enough away? Some species can travel back within a  20 miles radius.

  7. Do you know what precautions you need to take to halt the spread of zoonosis disease to humans?

  8. Do you know what habitat the animal needs to survive? (The woods is not the only answer)

  9. Do you know the state  and county guidelines and laws are for releasing wildlife in your area?

  10. Did you know if you are bit or scratched from a vector carrying animal that you are now an exposure and will have to go through the series of rabies shots?

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So, now that you have asked your self these questions is trapping said animal yourself such good idea? In the end, it will probably be cheaper to hire a professional to do the trapping and then you are not putting yourself, your family or the environment at risk for safety, disease or legal trouble. Professionals have the training, not from a YouTube video, not to mention the experience and licensing to perform the trapping in a professional manner while protecting your family and the health and safety of the animals.

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