In this Today’s Homeowner review, we’ll discuss the best rabbit traps, how to use them, where and how to bait them, and what to do with the rabbits once you’ve caught them.
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What Are Rabbit Traps?
Cage traps, also known as box traps or live traps, built in the shape of a rectangular box, are used to take animals alive. Most states, such as Massachusetts, have prohibited body-gripping traps, deadfalls, padded jaw traps, snares, and steel-jaw foothold traps.
Those traps, which often kill or seriously injure animals because of the way they function, have been replaced by cage traps. Cage traps don’t injure the animals caught in them and allow for the animal to be safely transported and released elsewhere.
How Do Rabbit Traps Work?
Rabbit traps are normally made from galvanized steel, stainless steel, or aluminum wire mesh. Some are made from wood, giving the rabbit the impression they are venturing into a comforting cave or hole in the ground.
One end is open, the door trap, while the other end contains the trigger or trigger plate which causes the door to shut quickly, trapping the rabbit inside. Some two-door models also exist but they’re not as effective as the single-door models.
Are Rabbit Traps Effective For Trapping Rabbits?
It depends on the population density, the time of year, and the availability of food. When the rabbit population is low, there isn’t much competition, thus leading to readily available food.
In situations like that, trapping isn’t very effective.
If the population is high or winter weather has reduced the food supply, then trapping will be very effective. The traps also have to be placed and presented correctly in order to catch rabbits.
How Do You Use Rabbit Traps?
Wire mesh cages catch plenty of rabbits, but covered cages catch more. Rabbits prefer tight, dark spaces where they can hide from predators.
Draping a blanket or heavy tarp over a cage will make it more appealing to them.
You also need to place the traps where you’ve been seeing the rabbits. Put the cage as close to their normal pathways as possible. Don’t put it directly on the trails they use as it might scare them. Put it beside their trails and they’ll be curious about it.
You’ll need to bait the trap to lure them into it. Place it all the way at the back of the trap so they’ll have to step on the trigger plate to reach it. You’ll improve your chances of success if you use seasonally appropriate bait.
Did You Know
In the winter, good cold-weather baits are cabbage, clover, dried alfalfa, dried apples, and ear corn. In the summer, good baits to use are apples, carrots, lettuce, and fresh flowers like pansies or tulips.
Finally, one trap alone, even with bait, won’t “Get R Done”. You’ll need at least two or three traps scattered around the area where the rabbits have been feeding. If the population is large enough, you may need more.
Are Rabbit Traps Safe Around My Pets and Children?
Unless you’ve got small pets such as cats or small dogs that will fit inside the trap, there shouldn’t be any problem. The main thing you’ll have to worry about is preventing your pets from playing with the trap and setting it off.
Small children might be scrapped or suffer minor cuts and bruises if they play with the trap and set it off by reaching inside it. Keep them away from the traps and warn older children by demonstrating what the traps do when they’re triggered.
How Do You Find The Best Rabbit Traps?
- Stay away from traps with two doors. In those traps, an animal or rabbit can often reach the bait without venturing all the way into the trap or they’re close enough to the door to get out before it can fully close on them.
- Trapped animals often panic and lash out at whoever is handling the case during transportation. Unless you’re a professional, stick to the traps that have protective plates between your hand and the cage.
- Live traps come in a variety of sizes. Make sure the one you get is large enough for the rabbits to enter. A great trap that’s too small is worthless. We’ve added the size of each trap in the pros and cons below so you can decide which one is best for your needs.
Top 3 Best Rabbit Traps
- HomGarden Live Animal Trap
- HOMESTEAD 32 Inch Live Animal Trap
- Smartxchoices 32-inch Live Animal Trap
HomGarden Live Animal Trap
The HomGarden Live Animal Trap is just the right size for rabbits. It’s made from sturdy galvanized steel that won’t corrode or rust. It’s strong enough to trap and transport animals safely.
The HomGarden Live Animal Trap is also suitable for trapping raccoons, cats, and large rodents. It comes preassembled and ready to use, and it’s simple to set up using the trigger arm and solid door.
HOMESTEAD 32 Inch Live Animal Trap
This live rabbit trap from HOMESTEAD features heavy-duty construction that uses rust-proof steel wire mesh. Also, it’s specially coated for increased corrosion resistance.
Reinforced metal doors keep animals from escaping, while the smooth edges keep them from harm. The safety guard handle also protects the user from animal bites.
The HOMESTEAD 32 Inch Live Animal Trap is suitable for catching the following wildlife:
- Rabbits
- Skunks
- Groundhogs
- Squirrels
- Raccoons
It’s easy to bait, set and release, and it comes fully assembled and ready to use.
Smartxchoices 32-inch Live Animal Trap
The Smartxchoices 32-inch Live Trap is made from galvanized steel that won’t rust or corrode. It’s strong enough to last several trapping seasons, and it’s a humane alternative to killing animals.
It’s easy to arm the trap. First, just place the door in the upright position and set the trigger hook. Next, be sure to bait with Rabbit Magic Trap Bait for best results.
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