Reviews for Havahart® Medium 1-Door Animal Trap
Model
1078
53
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Securing the sprung door so its immovable
Feb 22, 2026
We used the trap effectively last year but this year, when some new rabbits came around, the rabbits came into the trap, ate the bait, released the suspended door but then were able to escape the trap by pushing the sprung door open. Should the door, after it has closed, somehow be secure so the rabbit can't push it open?
Response from Admin
Mar 5, 2026
Hi, thank you for reaching out. We’re glad to hear the trap worked well for you previously.
Yes, once the trap is triggered and the door closes, the locking mechanism should keep the door secured so the animal cannot push it back open from the inside. These traps use a spring-loaded door and locking bar designed to shut quickly and keep the animal contained after the trigger plate is activated.
This video shows the correct way to set the trap and ensure the locking mechanism is engaged:
https://youtu.be/15wuVpbK6gw
If everything appears to be set correctly and the issue continues, please feel free to contact us at 855-542-8242, and we’d be happy to help troubleshoot further.
Terrible company.
Dec 10, 2025
Terrible company. It doesn't support its products (see comments for $39.99 trap)
Response from Admin
Dec 12, 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback on the Havahart® Medium 1-Door Animal Trap. We’re sorry to hear about your experience. This trap is designed to be durable and reliable when set up and used as directed, so the situation you described isn’t what we expect. If the trap is not functioning as intended or you need assistance with setup or support options, our team is happy to help. Please give us a call at 1-855-542-8242 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–7 PM EST) and we’ll be glad to assist.
The trap seems to be ...
Aug 4, 2025
The trap seems to be sturdy but the trip setting mecannism is far too sensitive. Very frustrating to set.
Squirrels and chipmunks ...
Mar 27, 2025
I had squirrels and chipmunks eating the ignition wiring of my truck. They had to go. I started with the small trap, and it worked great for chipmunks - I caught four in a short amount of time. I also caught two squirrels, but after that, the trap would sometimes trip with bait gone, sometimes with the bait (peanuts) still there.
I figured there might be two problems - (1) the trap was not long enough, and the door would close on the squirrel, who could then wiggle out; or (2) the trip mechanism was too sensitive, and would trip when the squirrel bumped the side of the trap.
So I bought a medium trap. This worked great - I caught two squirrels in a short time. But then, the bait (peanuts) would disappear and the trap did not trip. So I put the trap on the deck where I could see it while sitting at my kitchen table. A Blue Jay came and stole a peanut in its beak. Other long-beaked birds, like woodpeckers, could do the same. The Blue Jay even tried to steal the peanuts at the back end of the trap, by sticking its beak through the wire mesh sides of the trap.
Then I saw a squirrel standing on the trip plate, munching the peanuts at the back end. Huh? Looking closely, I realized that this was a small juvenile squirrel, and he/she was too light to trip the trip plate. I went back to the small trap, and quickly caught two juvenile delinquents.
Now my yard is relatively squirrel-free. Relatively, because there are several billion of them on the planet.
Lessons learned: * Squirrels come in different sizes - one size trap may not work for all. * Put your trap in a place where you can observe it - if at all possible. You may be surprised at what goes on. * Blue Jays and other birds can steal peanuts without a trace. Other animals may also. * Don't underestimate squirrels - they're smart little buggers. You have to be smarter. * Don't get disappointed. If it's not working, there's a reason. You just gotta figure out why, and then correct the problem.
This trap has been effective ...
Sep 3, 2023
This trap has been effective in catching a few rodents soon after setting it. Also, I appreciate the gloves that come with the trap.
But a few days after setting it, a raccoon broke the plate off from the cage. a critical part. I had to buy another trap because the first trap was useless without a plate attached to the structural bar below it. I would recommend a stronger and more durable hinge for the plate, instead of bending the plate extensions around the bar beneath it.
Great little Trap that works
May 22, 2023
In the first three days, I trapped 11 squirrels (so far). Twice, I got two squirrels at the same time. Very simple to use and effective. I got the longer (24 inches) trap to ensure the entire squirrel would be trapped inside. Very satisfied! Only problem are all the trips and the gas I'm buying to relocate the little buggers from my area. LOL!
I’ve had this trap setup ...
Apr 28, 2023
I’ve had this trap setup for a week to catch a rabbit and no matter where I place the bait the rabbit doesn’t trip it. Very disappointing.
Response from Admin
May 4, 2023
We are sorry to hear that! There is nothing more frustrating than finding an animal has escaped a set trap. If you find the trap door open and bait has vanished, it could mean this specific rabbit is too light to trigger it. It is also possible a smaller animal you are not intending to trap could be stealing the bait. Using a different type of bait or relocating the trap might help.
You may want to try and increase the sensitivity by adding something small onto the trigger plate like a metal washer or pebble. Please feel free to give us a call directly at 855-542-8242 for more helpful tips!
Excellent live trap
Apr 18, 2023
I've had this trap for about 3 weeks and have caught the two problem squirrels in my yard. I baited the trigger with a peanut pushed down in some peanut butter. I put the food right on the trigger mechanism to make the squirrels work a little harder and hopefully spring the trap.
After several unsuccessful attempts where the bait was gone but the trap hadn't sprung, I placed a lid from a container in the back of the trap and placed the bait in the lid instead which forced the squirrels to cross over the trigger to get the food. That was the secret for these squirrels.
Worked great, but watch the latch
Apr 11, 2023
Trap worked great to catch a raccoon, but be very careful of the door latch.
The latch will release the door if the trap tips on its side.
You'd need a 50 lb.
Mar 9, 2023
You'd need a 50 lb. Squirrel to trip the mechanism! I've bought 2 of them and they do Not work
Response from Admin
Mar 10, 2023
We're sorry to hear you didn't see the success that's typical of these traps! The mechanism should be easy to trigger as the animals the trap is designed for are on the smaller side. Please contact us at 855-542-8242 for assistance with our 1-year manufacturer replacement policy.