Click the buttons to the left or right for more examples of how the pros set traps in different situations.
This is a bad attic set for many reasons. I set it up just to take a photo, and then moved the set outside. I've pointed out some of the mistakes, but there are more - it's important that both sides of the trap are blocked, so that the mother
raccoon can't reach in from outside and prematurely trigger the trap.
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Can you use a trap to catch a raccoon in an attic - Yes, using a trap to catch a raccoon in the attic is one of the most effective ways to get rid of the problem creature. The trick is how and where you set the trap. Few raccoons will enter a trap just set up in the attic itself, even if it has bait in it. The ideal way to catch a raccoon with a trap is to use a cage trap, one that appears open on both ends, and set it outside, strategically. Attach this trap to the opening in the attic where the raccoon comes in from the outside. If attaching the trap isn’t an option you’ll need to find a way to bolt it to your roof along the critter’s pat of travel. Don’t forget to bolt something under the trap, too, or the raccoon will ruin your shingles from trying to get out. Baiting the trap can be done with bread or marshmallows. You never want to use anything meat-based or you might lure in other undesirable animals to the location. If you’re not successful trapping the adult this way, catching the babies first and using them as a lure for the mother has a high success rate.
Click below photos for more examples of trap sets by professionals:
This is a series of photos of trap sets in the field. These examples are meant to show how professional trap setting looks. The reality is that every case of raccoon trapping is different: number of raccoons, location, type of architecture of the roof or attic they are in, etc. I've done over 1000 raccoon trapping jobs, and every set has been different. There are so many little variables that mean the difference between success and big problems! Trapping is not for amateurs.
If you need professional help, click my Hire A Pro page. I've compiled the USA's best directory of raccoon removal experts.
Can you use a trap to catch a raccoon in an attic - Yes, using a trap to catch a raccoon in the attic is one of the most effective ways to get rid of the problem creature. The trick is how and where you set the trap. Few raccoons will enter a trap just set up in the attic itself, even if it has bait in it. The ideal way to catch a raccoon with a trap is to use a cage trap, one that appears open on both ends, and set it outside, strategically. Attach this trap to the opening in the attic where the raccoon comes in from the outside. If attaching the trap isn’t an option you’ll need to find a way to bolt it to your roof along the critter’s pat of travel. Don’t forget to bolt something under the trap, too, or the raccoon will ruin your shingles from trying to get out. Baiting the trap can be done with bread or marshmallows. You never want to use anything meat-based or you might lure in other undesirable animals to the location. If you’re not successful trapping the adult this way, catching the babies first and using them as a lure for the mother has a high success rate.
Click below photos for more examples of trap sets by professionals:
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This is a series of photos of trap sets in the field. These examples are meant to show how professional trap setting looks. The reality is that every case of raccoon trapping is different: number of raccoons, location, type of architecture of the roof or attic they are in, etc. I've done over 1000 raccoon trapping jobs, and every set has been different. There are so many little variables that mean the difference between success and big problems! Trapping is not for amateurs.