Managing wildlife that has taken to your property and is now taking over should be done with humane trapping techniques to make certain the welfare and wellbeing of the animals. These methods enable you to deal with a possible infestation without harm. If you want your property to remain safe, here’s a guide to effective humane trapping techniques.
Understanding the Need for Humane Trapping
Encroachment of wildlife onto a property can cause multiple problems leading to damage to property and dangers to health. But you have to do it ethically. Humane trapping involves catching an animal humanely, without harming the animal or causing it distress, so it can be relocated safely. This is a method that not only protects animals but also encourages responsible attitude to wildlife management.
Choosing the Right Trap
Successful humane trapping requires selecting the right trap. Live traps are available in many types, and they catch animals without hurting them. Check for traps that are set for the species you are dealing with, raccoons, squirrels or rabbits. Make sure the trap is large enough to let the animal relax in its entirety, and out of strong enough materials to last the outdoors.
Baiting Your Trap
The key to baiting effectively to attract wildlife to your trap. For the specific species you want to capture, use food items that they find appealing. Peanut butter or sunflower seeds are good for squirrels, while marshmallows or cat food is good for raccoons. Put the bait in the back of the trap so the animal walks in all the way. Don’t use harmful substances or chemicals when baiting.
Setting Up Your Trap
When handling a humane trap, location is the key. Where have you noticed signs of wildlife activity; droppings, tracks, nests…? Place the trap along these pathways, having it set up level and secured. The trap can be made less conspicuous and more inviting for animals by covering with leaves or grass. For safety, moreover, make sure that the trap is put in a safe place, away from pets and children to prevent accidental captures.
Monitoring Your Trap
Make sure to regularly check your trap to be sure that any animals caught are not left inside too long. You should check traps at least twice a day. If you corner an animal, approach it calmly and make little or no sudden movements — sudden movements can stress the animal. If you can cover the trap with a cloth while you work on setting up for relocation, it will help soothe the captured animal.
Relocating Captured Animals
Once you have humanely captured an animal, you then need to ensure you’re relocating it responsibly. It is a good idea to check with local authorities to see what the local regulations are on wildlife relocation, as some areas are very specific about where and how animals can be released. But if you can, transport to a suitable habitat far enough away from residential areas that they will not return. Make sure to let them go during good weather and at a nice time of day.
Preventing Future Encroachments
After trapping and transferring wildlife gets successful then be undertook preventive measures such as deterrents to prevent encroachments ahead. Close up any gaps in your fences or holes in your walls. Reduce the availability of food sources by bringing garbage inside to tightly sealed containers, and put pet food inside to discourage pests. Regular maintenance of your yard can help reduce attractants for wildlife, as well.
To conclude, techniques of humane trapping are a very efficient method to deal with wildlife encroachment with the advantage to animal welfare. Selecting the right traps, using the correct bait, close monitoring of captures, and responsible animal relocations will allow you to keep your property safe while adhering to an ethical standard. Preventive measures will also help increase your efforts to live harmoniously with local wildlife while keeping your home and garden safe from damage.