Best practices
for nuisance wildlife control operators in New York State

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Ch 5: Step three: Do it - Lethal techniques

Lethal traps

General tips for the use of lethal traps

The trap's size and design should be matched to the species and to the situation.
Use the smallest trap appropriate for the targeted species.
Leave a phone number so your customer can reach you in an emergency.
Set traps so that children and domestic animals can't reach them and get hurt.
Be discreet. Keep traps out of view of the general public. If you can't switch to a less visible place, then hide the trap with a cardboard cover. There are commercial models that are enclosed within a tunnel, which partially conceal the trapped animal (designed for squirrels).
Label all traps with your name and address (required by law).
Secure traps so predators can't remove them.
At least one of the trap's jaws must be able to rotate fully.
Take steps to avoid orphaning wildlife.
Always choose trap designs and methods that minimize the risk of catching unintended wildlife or pets. This might include using baits to selectively attract the target; placing the trap in a vertical "cubby" set, deep-notch box, or in a bucket with a restricted opening, so other animals can't reach the trap; covering the burrow entrance and trap or using a one-way trigger, so the nuisance animal encounters the trap when it tries to exit through its hole, but other animals can't reach the trap; and adjusting the trigger position to match the size and habits of the target species.
The proper use of baits and lures may increase your capture rate and help you avoid capturing animals you didn't want to trap. Baits and lures are more often used with snap-back traps.

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