Five Tips for Using Coyote Traps

Coyotes can be a nuisance to farm animals, domesticated pets, as well as humans. If you're having a problem with one or more, you may be considering setting a trap. There are a few things you should keep in mind while doing so. This article will give you a few tips for using coyote traps.

Cleaning

It's important that you clean coyote traps occasionally. Odors may stick around over time and may deter the animal from visiting the trap. Dirt and rust may also accumulate and need to be cleaned off. If you let it build up, it will probably slow down the trap's mechanism and lower your success rate.

Staking

Coyotes are much like dogs, so they can be quite powerful. Therefore, it's vital that you stake coyote traps firmly in the ground. This will prevent the animal from pulling hard enough to drag the trap away and get free.

Smell

Again being much like dogs, coyotes have a keen sense of smell. You should do everything possible to minimize your odor while setting the trap. Sprinkling coyote urine on and around the trap is very effective. You should also wear a pair of gloves especially when setting the trap and covering it up.

Routes

Coyotes are animals of habit. They usually establish a route that they like and stick to it. You should look for the target's tracks to establish this route and set your trap accordingly.

Soil

Speaking of covering it up, it's important that you cover coyote traps properly with soil. It needs to appear that everything is natural and in order. If the ground appears disturbed or unstable, then the animal will likely avoid it.

You should place the teeth of the coyote trap just a few inches below the soil. If you place it too far down in the soil, it may not be fast enough to catch the target.

These are a few tips for using coyote traps. Make sure to minimize your scent in the area because these animals have a keen sense of smell. Also, anchor the trap firmly in the ground to prevent them from pulling it out.