Missouri Department of Conservation

Controlling Nuisance Mammals

CITIZENS occasionally encounter mammal problems that require live-trapping. With proper equipment, most of these problems can be readily solved. Do you have a raccoon in the attic, skunk under the house, or squirrel in the wall? If so, reading this leaflet can help you. It provides information on capturing problem mammals with cage-type live traps.

Live traps are not a solution to all animal problems. They are most effective when removal of a small number of animals provides an immediate solution.

Barriers, repellents, fencing, scare tactics and other techniques are more effective when dealing with large numbers of animals or highly prolific species. Consider these options first, because they may provide permanent remedies. Live traps do not because trapping may have to be continued for a long time.

Many styles and sizes of traps are available, designed for different animals. Catalog descriptions such as raccoon size or squirrel size are useful when ordering. Trap suppliers (see listing) also can assist in selecting the model best suited for your needs. Single-door traps are recommended because two-door designs allow easier escape. Sometimes live traps can be rented at equipment rental companies or borrowed from neighbors or the Department of Conservation. The Department of Conservation also has plans for building live traps.

You should familiarize yourself with correct setting techniques after obtaining the proper trap. Usually this is done by raising the door and engaging the trigger. Be certain door and trigger mechanisms operate smoothly.

Effective baits vary with species. Following is a partial listing of suitable baits. In most traps, baits should be located between the triggering pan and rear of the trap.

Baits for Live-trapping

*If cats become a problem, switch to a peanut butter-and-honey-mixture bait.

Proper trap location is important and will lead to a speedy capture. Locate the trap in an area frequented by the problem animal. For example, if raccoons are in the attic, check for muddy tracks or toenail marks on downspouts, porch columns and trees overhanging the house. Place the trap near such an area. In this case, the best location might be near an overhanging tree which provides the animal access to the roof, or even on the porch. If animals are raiding gardens, trash or stored feeds, place the trap near the problem area.

An animal that has burrowed under a house should be trapped at the point of entry, preferably upwind. Specially designed skunk traps with solid metal construction to minimize spraying are available (see listing). After an animal has been captured, be certain to refill the burrow to prevent occupation by another animal.

Squirrels are easily captured by placing a trap near their activity areas. If squirrels have entered a house, it may be advisable to repair entrance sites, then trap squirrels remaining inside and transport them to another location. If rabbits or groundhogs are pilfering from your garden, place a trap at the affected area or point of entry into the garden.

When a problem animal is caught, it should be disposed of in accordance with instructions from your conservation agent. If you have other questions concerning wildlife problems, contact a conservation agent or your nearest Department of Conservation office.

Live Trap Suppliers

Missouri Department of Conservation, University of Missouri, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Beaver Management in Wetlands

Managed wetlands attract many forms of wildlife including a variety of furbearing mammals. Beavers are of particular interest in these areas because they are extremely dependent on wetland habitats and because their activities can have either beneficial or damaging effects on the wetland itself.

Controlling Nuisance Bats

BATS are unique because they are the only true flying mammals. Bats wings are thin membranes of skin stretched from fore to hind legs, and from hind legs to tail. This skin is bare or thinly furred.

Controlling Nuisance Chipmunks

CHIPMUNKS are small ground-dwelling rodents with distinctive stripes on their rusty-red to chestnut-brown fur. Five dark-brown stripes line the back--one down the backbone from the neck to rump, two on each side from shoulder to rump. A creamy-buff stripe separates the dark side stripes.

Controlling Nuisance Cottontail Rabbits

How to control nuisance cottontails on your property.

Controlling Nuisance Groundhogs

Ways to control nuisance Groundhogs.

Controlling Nuisance Meadow Mice

Ways to control nuisance Meadow Mice.

Controlling Nuisance Moles

Ways to control nuisance moles.

Controlling Nuisance Skunks

Ways to control nuisance skunks

Controlling Nuisance Squirrels

Ways to control nuisance Squirrels

Controlling Nuisance Weasels

Ways to control nuisance weasels.

Damage Control: Badger

The badger (Taxidea taxus) is a medium sized, gray animal with a white stripe reaching from near the nose to the crown of the head.

Muskrat Management in Wetlands

Information on ways to control Muskrats in wetlands

Nuisance Coyotes

Information on ways to control coyotes on your property.

Controlling Nuisance Bears

Nuisance black bears are not a statewide problem in Missouri. Generally they are confined to the southern counties, but they have been reported in a few northern counties as well. In the early spring, black bears emerge from their dens very hungry at a time when natural foods are scarce. It also is in the spring that family groups break up and breeding season begins.