raccoons can make a mess in your yard when they are looking for food at night and they may carry diseases such as rabies.Setting traps is the easiest way to catch and relocate raccoons if you notice that they are in your area.If your raccoon problem persists, you can build a live trap with a few tools.
Step 1: The dimensions of your box should be cut from plywood.
It is important to look for 2 in (1.3 cm) plywood treated for outdoor use.To cut plywood for your box, use a handsaw or circular saw.There are 3 pieces that are 12 in 24 in (30 cm ) and 1 piece that is in 30 in.The bottom and walls of your trap will be the 3 pieces that are 12 in 24 in.The 12 in 22 in piece is the top of your trap with room.The back piece is 30 cm in length.
Step 2: The box needs to be braced with 2 pieces of wood.
Measure one of your 12 boards in 2 in from the long sides and lay it on a flat surface.Use a pencil to mark the distance and then lay 2 wood pieces on the insides of your lines.Attach the wood pieces with 3 screws and an electric screwdriver.The wooden pieces will help strengthen the box trap.One end of your wooden braces should be flush with the short side of the bottom.This will make your trap door room shut.
Step 3: Use an angle grinder to cut metal panels.
If you want to cut through the metal panel, use a metal-cutting blade on your angle grinder.If you want to use a trap door, you need to cut one panel that is 10 in 11 in (25 cm ) and another panel with a Trigger that will spring the trap.You should always wear safety glasses when cutting through metal.If the metal has sharp edges, use a grinding bit on your angle grinder to smooth it out.
Step 4: There are four drill holes from a corner through each metal plate.
The drill bit is meant for going through metal.As you push the drill through the steel, use a slow speed and firm pressure.Make a hole in one of the corners of your metal plates so that a wire can be fed through them to make a trap.
Step 5: Attach the metal plate to the bottom with hinges.
The hinges are screwed onto the metal panel.The upper left or right corner of the panel is where the hole was drilled.Attach the hinges to the bottom of the box trap so it is at least 13 cm from the back wall.The trap can be set and activated by a metal panel.
Step 6: The side and top pieces have to be screwed onto the box trap.
The bottom braces are used as anchor points.Attach the walls to the box trap with 3-4 screws per side and an electric screwdriver.Put the top panel of wood on the box trap so it is flush with the back wall once the walls are secure.
Step 7: Attach the half of the pipe to the other half.
You can make your cuts with an angle grinder or circular saw.Attach the pipe so it doesn't move.Start at the end of the pipe and cut it in half.You should have two 20 in (51 cm) long halves when you are done.The door can be dropped without getting stuck.
Step 8: Put the metal door between the halves of the pipe.
If you want the rounded edges to touch the walls, place the pipe halves against the front of the trap.Attach it to the wall pieces with a few screws.The metal panel between the pipes can be used to make a door.The corner where you drilled the hole should be on the bottom of the door.Drop the door into the pipes to see if it catches the screws.Try to make them tighter and more flush with the inside of the pipe.
Step 9: There is an 8- to 10-gauge wire between the metal plates.
Wrap the wire through the hole in the 9 in 3 in panel so it holds up.The wire should be run through the hole in the door.You can buy wire from any hardware store.
Step 10: There is a garbage can next to the table.
If the garbage can is smooth on the inside, you can use it.The garbage should be placed next to the picnic table.Make sure your garbage can touches the edge of your table.If you don't have a picnic table you can use, then use a sturdy structure that is the same height as your garbage and that raccoons can easily climb onto.
Step 11: 6 liters of water is required to fill the garbage can.
You can put water into your garbage can with your hose.The garbage can can fall over if it is not filled, so keep it filled to prevent that.The amount of water is enough to keep the garbage can from tipping over.The water will make it difficult for them to jump out or knock the can over.
Step 12: Put a board halfway over the garbage can.
A 2 in 4 in board is 18 in (46 cm) long on your picnic table.Put the board out so it extends halfway across the garbage can.The weight will shift when the raccoon steps on the board over the garbage can.
Step 13: You should bait your trap.
White food like marshmallows or eggs are easier for nocturnal animals to see.Other baits include apples, fish, and dry fish cat food.If you are using a box trap, make sure the bait is against the back wall.Put your bait on the end of the board over the garbage can.You can buy commercial bait at outdoor care stores.Birds don't eat bait first when it gets dark.
Step 14: Twice a day you should check your traps.
In the morning and early evening, look for animals in your trap.Since they are nocturnal, most times they enter your trap in the middle of the night.When you see that the trap is set, take it out of your yard.If your bait isn't eaten, change it every 2 days.You can either release the animal back in your yard or take it somewhere else.
Step 15: The animal should be released in an area 3 miles away.
You should take the animal to an unpopulated area at least 3 miles away from where you captured it.Lift the door so the trap won't come near you when you let the animal go.Before transporting a garbage can trap, you should put a lid on it.If you are concerned about getting bitten, wear gloves.