Expert's Corner
Basic Trapping Tips

Havahart® brings you expert tips for first time trapping, inside trapping, outside trapping, and feral cat trapping that will make the task simple!

Basic Trapping Tips

Havahart® recommends that you contact the Humane Society, or the local or state game commission before setting a trap to determine the lawful method of releasing a captured wild or nuisance animal. Many species are protected by law in various states.

• Be aware of weather conditions. Trapped animals should not be left out in the elements as they can die from prolonged exposure to heat and cold.

• Check traps FREQUENTLY. Wild animals stress easily and may seriously injure themselves as they attempt to escape.

• Other animals besides the target animal may get caught in the trap. If this happens,  advice on releasing it safely can be obtained from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your state.

• Depending on the time of year, you may trap a nursing mother and if you relocate only her, her babies will not survive. To see if you've trapped a nursing female, stand the trap on one end to observe the belly.

• Traps should be washed, disinfected with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts of water and let it remain on for 20 minutes), and thoroughly rinsed after each capture to stop the spread of any potential disease. Animals frequently defecate and urinate when captured and it is unhealthy to put bait down unless trap is cleaned thoroughly.  

All Havahart® live animal traps are constructed of sturdy wire mesh that is galvanized for maximum resistance to rust and corrosion.