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Wildlife Trapping

To trap or remove wild or nuisance animals, residents should contact a private animal control service. Both A&D Animal Control (248.693.7966) and Critter Control (734.397.4800) have worked successfully in the City of Birmingham and surrounding areas for a number of years.

TrapSuccessful live trapping depends on three factors:

  1. Bait
  2. Placement of Trap
  3. Timing

 


 

Bait:

Following is a list of effective baits:

  • CAT: canned cat food, fish, meat
  • CHIPMUNK: peanut butter, sunflower seeds, nuts
  • OPOSSUM: canned cat food, fish, meat, vegetables
  • RABBIT: cabbage, carrots, lettuce
  • RACCOON: canned cat or dog food, fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, peanut butter
  • SKUNK: cookies and honey, fish, chicken entrails
  • SQUIRREL: peanut butter, nuts, sunflower seeds
  • WOODCHUCK: melon, apples, cabbage, broccoli

For some animals, placement of the bait is important. For example, to trap rabbits, place several small slices of bait in front of the trap at three or four inch intervals, leading into the trap. Continue the trail of bait past the trip pan in the trap where you should place the remaining bait.


 

Placement:

Traps should be placed along normal travel routes which the animal follows. Often this is along a fence line, hedge row, or building.

Placing a trap too near an animal's den area may frighten the animal. Do not place a trap next to a woodchuck's burrow or in an attic where a raccoon is living.

The best way to catch a raccoon which is living in an attic is to first locate the tree or down spout the animal is using to climb to the roof. Place the trap near the base of that tree or down spout.

Do not place traps on roofs. It is very difficult to secure the trap properly and even more difficult to remove the trapped, agitated animal from the roof.

Traps should be placed along normal travel routes which the animal follows. Often this is along a fence line, hedge row, or building. Placing a trap too near an animal's den area may frighten the animal. Do not place a trap next to a woodchuck's burrow or in an attic where a raccoon is living. The best way to catch a raccoon which is living in an attic is to first locate the tree or down spout the animal is using to climb to the roof. Place the trap near the base of that tree or down spout. Do not place traps on roofs. It is very difficult to secure the trap properly and even more difficult to remove the trapped, agitated animal from the roof.


 

Timing:

The following animals are active at night:

  • OPOSSUM
  • RACCOON
  • SKUNK
  • CAT

The following are active during the day:

  • CHIPMUNK
  • SQUIRREL
  • RABBIT
  • WOODCHUCK
  • CAT

If you are trying to catch an animal that is active during the day, set the trap only during the day. REMEMBER THAT THE PURPOSE OF LIVE TRAPPING IS TO REMOVE NUISANCE WILDLIFE ANIMALS AND NOT DISTURB THOSE WHICH CAUSE NO DAMAGE!

To Set Trap:

Place trap in front of you with the trip rod on the side nearest you. Press the safety door back and raise the complete door unit up against the top of the trap. Press trigger forward so that the small roller on the door rests on the trigger.

Remember:

  1. Check live trap daily.
  2. Do not set the trap if you will not be home to check it.
  3. Call animal control Monday - Friday before 1:00 p.m. at 248.644.7296 or contact the police department at 248.644.3405 if you trap an animal.
  4. Animal pick up is not available on Saturday or Sunday. If you are not prepared to provide food, water, and shelter from sun and rain for the trapped animal, do not set the trap on Friday or Saturday.

 

Last updated: 5/21/2010 9:43:53 AM