Best Raccoon Bait

9 min read| Updated for March, 2019

DID YOU KNOW?

If raccoons have found a home in your attic, it will take them very little time to destroy your insulation and filling in your attic with harmful and odorous urine and feces.
When it comes to raccoons, prevention is always the best first step you can take.

The Best Raccoon Bait

Almost all cases of rabies occur in wildlife, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Therefore, it makes sense to take action quickly if you discover a resident raccoon in your yard since they make up about one-third of all rabid animals. Using a raccoon bait that cats won’t eat provides a safer solution if you have pets.

Continue reading to learn how to use the best raccoon bait for the job.

How We Found the Best Raccoon Bait

 

5 Reviewers

26 Products Considered

3 Products Reviewed

3 Top Picks

Raccoon Problem?

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Expert Near You

 

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BEST

Runner Up

wildliferemoval.com

Coon Gitter Bait

Pros

  • Moisture-resistant
  • Affordable
  • Manufacturer guarantees that it will work
  • Don’t need to use a lot
  • Ships directly from the company which specializes in pest control

Cons

  • Other non-targeted animals may take the bait
  • Must wear gloves to use because of its foul smell

OUR VERDICT

Coon Gitter Bait provides an ideal solution for setting traps without luring dogs or cats to them that the manufacturer backs up with a guarantee.

Our Review

Coon Gitter Bait is a pungent blend of ripe fruits and other ingredients that will attract pests but not your pets. It’s an affordable product for 12 ounces. And fortunately, a small portion goes a long way to ensuring success. It holds up well in damp conditions and won’t fall apart even if it rains. The package is thin, so you should store it in another tamper-resistant container.

The manufacturer specializes in a variety of pest solutions. Their expertise is evident with the excellent results that the bait delivers. Raccoons love the taste even though you’ll have to wear gloves to put it in your trap. Some people may find it too stinky to use close to their home. Nevertheless, it will work and help you get the results you need.

BEST

Dog Proof

wildliferemoval.com

Ausable Brand Dog Proof Trap Coon Bait

Pros

  • Targets raccoons with little bait theft from other animals
  • Excellent value for the price
  • Effective
  • Non-toxic to pets and other wildlife
  • Long shelf life

Cons

  • Unpleasant smell for humans
  • Must replace if it gets wet

OUR VERDICT

Ausable Brand Dog Proof Trap Coon Bait is a stinky bait that will attract raccoon and other fish-eating wildlife that is highly effective even in small quantities.

Our Review

Ausable Brand Dog Proof Trap Coon Bait has a strong scent like the Coon Gitter Bait. Its ingredients include fish food and corn with a mixture of oils for an irresistible lure for nuisance wildlife but not your pets. The blend does a decent job of targeting only raccoons. The one-pound bag goes a long way with a decent shelf life.

A small portion works effectively, making it an excellent value too. On the downside, it has a strong odor that you’ll likely find unpleasant. You should store it in an airtight container, preferably in a garage or shed.

Raccoon Facts

You’ll find raccoons all across the United States. They are resourceful and opportunistic animals that adapt readily to the presence of humans. That makes them more of a threat as carriers of rabies, trichinosis and other health conditions. They can live in almost any habitat including urban areas. Raccoons don’t have many predators to keep their numbers in check.

They pose a challenge to homeowners because of the intelligence and manual dexterity. They have a decent memory and can learn from their environment. Raccoons roam around at night, looking for food wherever they can find it. They are omnivorous and eat a variety of foodstuffs including invertebrates, fruits, and rodents. That makes products like WCS Treeberry Multi-Animal Paste Bait a wise choice.

The females give birth to up to five kits a year, staying with them for about 12 months. They forage in loose groups of the same sex. If you see one on your property, there’s likely more around your yard. An adult can reach up to 38 inches long and weigh 25 pounds. Raccoons don’t hibernate but are often less active during the winter months. They aren’t long-lived with a lifespan of under three years.

Getting Rid of a Raccoon Problem

It’s easy to spot a potential issue with these pests. They are often destructive, damaging outbuildings and toppling garbage cans. You may even see them during the day occasionally. Your best recourse is prevention. Once they’ve taken up residence on your property, it’s hard to get rid of them. They can climb over barriers. And they can swim and run fast to evade a dog.

That leaves you with two choices.; you can either trap them or call in a professional. The former isn’t as easy as it sounds because of the legal issues that may exist in your area. Some states classify raccoons as game species with a defined hunting season. Which typically involves getting a permit and a license. You can’t just release the animal anywhere if you use a live trap with a product like Coon Gitter Bait.

Some areas give property owners some latitude when it comes to nuisance wildlife like raccoons or possums. Other places may have restrictions. On the positive side, a professional can handle the problem quickly and safely in a legal way. It’s an excellent option if you have pets or small children and laws in place that limit your actions.

How to Trap a Raccoon

Correct placement of the trap or cage is imperative for success. Looking for the telltale signs of raccoon activity will put you on the right track. These animals are creatures of habit and will return to the same feeding areas frequently. You should handle the devices with gloves to avoid getting your scent on them. Raccoons have a keen sense of smell.

They are often leery of new things in their environment and may avoid a trap. If you’re using a cage, you can place a product like Ausable Brand Dog Proof Trap Coon Bait inside of it without setting the trigger for a few days. The raccoon will learn to associate the trap with food and enter it readily.

If you catch a raccoon, you should release it at least five miles away from your home to avoid a return visit. They prefer forested areas with access to water. Check with your local extension service or Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for appropriate locations.

Always wear gloves when handling a live trap with an animal in it. Raccoons, for example, also carry roundworms which can affect people. After you’ve released the animal, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly.

Summary

The best raccoon bait will protect your pets while allowing you to trap the pest successfully. Many products are cat and dog-proof so you needn’t worry about them getting caught or injured. These animals have a sweet tooth. Getting a bait that appeals to their tastes will ensure that your home and yard is pest-free fast.