An animal trap is a specialized tool designed for the capture of wildlife, used for purposes ranging from managing pests to ecological research. Properly setting one involves a methodical process that ensures efficiency in capture and the safety of the user and non-target animals. This guide provides instructions for the effective preparation, mechanical setting, and compliant deployment of common animal traps.
Pre-Setting Preparation and Placement Strategy
Successful trapping requires careful consideration of the target animal and the environment before the device is armed. The initial step involves selecting the appropriate trap design, categorized as either a live cage trap for relocation or a snap-style trap for lethal control. Cage traps must be correctly sized; a trap that is too small may injure the animal, and one that is too large can allow for escape.
Next, the bait must be chosen to specifically appeal to the target species while avoiding non-target animals, such as pets. For instance, viscous foods like peanut butter and oatmeal are effective for attracting rodents, while raccoons are often drawn to sweets. The bait should be positioned to force the animal to fully enter the trap and interact with the trigger mechanism.
Strategic placement is executed by identifying “hotspots” where the animal is known to travel, such as along walls, near entry points, or close to food sources. Rodents prefer to move along vertical surfaces, so traps should be placed flush against a wall with the entry facing the animal’s path. If outdoors, ensure the trap rests on a level, stable surface in a shaded area to prevent tipping and protect a captured animal from overheating.
Mechanics of Setting Common Trap Types
The physical act of arming the trap varies significantly between live cage models and spring-tensioned snap traps. For a live cage trap, the process starts by securing the door in the open position, often by pushing the door plate upward and lifting the trigger arm forward. The trigger arm’s hook must then be carefully engaged with a notch or catch that holds the door open.
Once the door is secured, the trip plate must be tested for sensitivity. The bait is then placed beyond this plate, ensuring the animal must fully step onto the plate to reach the lure. The goal is to set the mechanism so that a minimum amount of pressure triggers the door to instantly spring shut, safely containing the animal.
Setting a lethal spring or snap trap requires caution due to the high tension of the strike bar. The spring is compressed, and the holding bar is carefully moved over the strike bar, securing it with a delicate catch on the trigger pedal. For smaller pests, the trigger sensitivity can be increased by lightly setting the holding bar on the very edge of the catch, ensuring the slightest disturbance activates the mechanism. Always keep fingers well clear of the strike path during the process.
Essential Safety Protocols and Legal Compliance
Before handling any trap, especially one that has been used, protective gear is mandatory to prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases and minimize human scent transfer. Heavy-duty gloves should always be worn, as they shield the skin from contaminants and the sharp edges of the trap material. This also prevents human oils from transferring to the trap, which can deter cautious animals from approaching the device.
Accidental trigger release is a risk when setting spring-tensioned traps, so the user should manipulate the mechanism from the sides or use a setting tool. If a trap needs to be disarmed, reverse the setting process slowly and deliberately. All deployed traps must be secured from access by children and domestic pets, often by placing them within a larger, inaccessible structure or covering them.
Beyond physical safety, compliance with local, state, and provincial regulations is essential for responsible trapping. Trapping laws vary widely by jurisdiction, dictating permissible trap types, species that may be legally captured, and whether a permit is required for deployment. The user must actively verify all local ordinances, as failure to comply can result in severe penalties or animal cruelty charges.