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Trapping Wildlife: Best Bait for Possum Traps and Raccoon Traps

Possums and raccoons are the common concerns for homeowners in the US.

Possums, in particular, are known to transmit diseases, including toxoplasmosis (an infection caused by Toxoplasma, a single-celled parasite), leptospirosis, tuberculosis, coccidiosis (an intestinal tract infection), and tularemia (a rabbit fever).

On the other hand, raccoons can also carry leptospirosis common in Possums and other viral diseases, including rabies, infectious canine hepatitis, and canine distemper.

Raccoons and possums live in forested and brushy areas. But because of limited food in the wild, they go to houses with uncovered compost heaps and odorous trash cans.

Then, they adapted well to living in cities. Over time, they increase in number, causing health and safety concerns for people.

Say bye to this inconvenience. Here are some baits for possum and raccoon traps:

Possum Trap Bait 

A possum is a scavenging animal that eats any food available in trash cans.

But the best possum trap baits to use are dried fish, meat, and pet food. They also love fruits like apples. Aniseed oil on a cracker or loaf of bread can also work as a good bait.

Opossums are omnivores. Yes, they eat most animal and plant matter. They extremely enjoy any strong-smelling foods, including fish, oil, and meat.

Racoon Trap Bait 

It is very disappointing if you have tried everything you can to get rid of these cute mammals from your property.

It’s time to trap them. What’s the best raccoon trap bait you can consider?

If possums love pet food, raccoons are no exception. No raccoon could resist the strong smell and oil of cat or dog food. The stinkier, the better.

Aside from pet food, any canned fish like salmon and tuna can do the trick. Like possums, raccoons are attracted to the scent of canned or un-canned fish.

If you do run out of canned tuna, any fatty and oily meat is perfect. If you have some extra bacon in your fridge, raccoons would prefer to get trapped to eat some.

A whole egg is also a cost-effective alternative. Raccoons do not even care if the egg is raw or boiled. They will eat it.

Raccoons also crave honey or sugar-coated veggies. Yes, they cannot resist a plate of vegetables packed with some sweetened toppings, like honey and sugar.

Aside from veggies, raccoons are fruit lovers. You can trick them with strawberries, grubs, tree fruits, melons, and potatoes.

Some Expert Baiting Tips For Possums and Raccoons

Have you repeatedly baited and trapped possum and raccoons and always ended up failing?

That’s inconvenient. Below are a few expert baiting tips you can follow:

Invest in a Sturdy and Large Cage 

Possums are about the size of small dogs. They can grow up to 2.5 feet from their nose to tail. They can weigh from 8.8 to 13.2 pounds.

Adult raccoons, on the contrary, are 18 or 28 inches in length. And imagine if you invest in a smaller and less durable cage. That could be a headache. So, it is better to purchase a large and sturdy cage.

Although it may be costly, you can be confident it can trap the largest raccoon and possums around your property.

Place the Trap in Spots Where Raccoon and Possum Stay Often to Scavenge 

Where do possum and raccoon often stay in your yard? Observe their behavior and find out where their den exactly. Then, place the trap near it.

Alternatively, you can put the trap in the area where you see the possum and raccoon every day. It could be near the garbage can, in the attic, or your backyard.

Bait Your Trap For Possums Or Raccoons

An omnivore like possum and raccoon are intelligent. They know when they are tricked. But when they see foods they cannot resist, they can fall for your bait. Do not only put the fish, canned meat, or fruits inside the trap. Make sure to use a small amount of food to create a trail that will lead to your trap. Also, check the cage frequently. You do not want the raccoon, possum, and other scavenging animals to be stuck in the trap for a more extended period.

Set Up Your Trap At Night 

Bear in mind that your trap may lure other animals. You can set your bait at night to capture possums as they are nocturnal. If you catch the wrong animals, you should free them and set the trap once again.

Damage Caused By Possums and Raccoons

Possums and raccoons can cause significant damage to your property.

Possums will require nesting materials like other wild animals. That’s why they may get these materials in your attic or under your house.

Possums can also turn your attic into their toilet as they excrete a lot of waste materials. They are not only unsightly but can also cause diseases.

When trapped, possums are more likely to tear up your air duct, requiring an immediate replacement. They may also damage the electric wires and insulators in your attic. Damaged wire cables may cause fire, which you do not want to happen.

Raccoons may look cute and cuddly for some. But they can be destructive like possums. When they get thru your home, they can damage your electrical wires, insulation, roofing system, deck, siding, and crawlspace.

What’s worse, raccoons may turn your garden and lawn into a disaster as they love to dig holes. They may get attracted to your garden if it has fruits like apples, cherries, berries, peaches, plums, watermelons, corn, walnuts, beech nuts, and persimmons.

Synergy2 – The Sought-After Pest Control You Cannot Afford to Miss 

Setting traps is one of the most effective ways to keep raccoons and possums at bay. But if you find it uncomfortable, there is nothing to worry about, as Synergy2 is committed to delivering the best and the most individualized pest control services to every homeowner in the US.

If you’re looking for the right team to handle the issue for you, Synergy² is here to help. We provide trusted services throughout the area, so contact us for the best pest control services around.

Feel free to read more about us and decide if Synergy² is the right company for you.  We have over 270 Five-Star Google reviews for pest control service in the Jackson metro area (Jackson/Madison/Brandon/Ridgeland). Check out our newest location reviews for pest control service in Jackson, MS here at Synergy² Jackson Pest Control!

Barry Pitts, Synergy² Owner

Barry Pitts, Synergy² Owner

Pharmacist and Synergy² Pest owner, Barry Pitts, is a long-time Madison, MS resident with a passion for applying advanced scientific pest principles to pest control services in the Jackson metro area.  Combining exceptional customer service with cutting-edge pest control technology allows Synergy² to provide residents of the Jackson metro area with the highest levels of pest control available today.

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