Raccoons are strong, clever, and capable of opening most standard cage traps if the construction is not robust enough. A raccoon trap needs heavy gauge 12 or 14 gauge galvanized wire that prevents raccoons from bending the mesh or prying open the door with their dexterous forepaws.
Look for a sensitive treadle trigger plate that catches raccoons stepping past the midpoint of the trap, requiring 2 to 5 pounds of pressure to release the door, plus reinforced door latches with double crimp construction to hold a struggling raccoon weighing up to 20 pounds.
I compared seven raccoon cage traps ranging from 32 inch standard models to 51 inch heavy duty traps to find the most reliable options for different infestation levels.
- Size 32 inches is the minimum for raccoons: Smaller traps may catch a juvenile, but adult raccoons need at least 32 inches of interior length to be comfortable entering and to allow safe handling.
- Heavy gauge wire prevents escapes: Raccoons can bend 16-gauge wire mesh and pry open single-latch doors. Reinforced double-latch mechanisms and 12-gauge wire are recommended for persistent animals and pry open weak door latches. Look for traps with at least 12 gauge wire and reinforced door mechanisms.
- Two door traps offer more flexibility: Traps with doors on both ends allow you to set them along fence lines and animal trails without worrying about which direction the raccoon approaches from.
- Check traps twice daily: A trapped raccoon can become aggressive quickly, and heat stress is a serious risk in warm weather. Check traps every 8 to 12 hours.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Size | Doors | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SZHLUX 32 Trap | 32 x 10 x 11 | 1 | Best Overall | Check price |
| Humane Way Recon 32 | 32 in, medium | 1 | Best Value | Check price |
| HOMESTEAD 32 | 32 in, heavy duty | 1 | Best Build | Check price |
| ZENY 32 Trap | 32 x 12.5 x 12 | 1 | Best Wide Body | Check price |
| VASALAID 51 Trap | 51 x 19 x 17 | 1 | Best Large | Check price |
| VEVOR 50 Trap | 50 x 20 x 26 | 1 | Best Heavy Duty | Check price |
| TeqHome 32 Two Door | 32 in, 2 doors | 2 | Best 2 Door | Check price |
Detailed reviews of each trap covering construction, trigger sensitivity, and durability follow below.
Best Overall: SZHLUX 32 Live Animal Cage Trap
Best Overall- Size
- 32 x 10 x 11 inches
- Doors
- Single door with rear loading
- Material
- Galvanized steel wire
- Trigger
- Adjustable treadle plate
The SZHLUX 32 inch trap hits the sweet spot between size, durability, and price. The heavy duty galvanized wire construction resists rust and raccoon chewing, while the sensitive treadle trigger plate catches animals that step past the midpoint of the trap.
The rear door opens for easy bait placement and animal release without reaching into the trap from the front.
The trap folds flat for storage and includes a carrying handle. The trigger sensitivity is adjustable, which is useful for targeting raccoons specifically while avoiding smaller animals. The 32 inch length accommodates adult raccoons comfortably.
Best Value: Humane Way Recon 32 Live Animal Trap
Best Value- Size
- 32 inches, medium size class
- Doors
- Single door
- Material
- Galvanized steel, powder coated green
- Setup
- Folds flat, no tools needed
The Recon 32 is the trap I would buy first if I only had one raccoon problem a year. It is a 32 inch medium-size cage, which the listing describes as right for raccoons, feral cats and groundhogs, and it folds flat for storage and sets up in minutes without tools.
What separates it from the cheapest cages is the finish. It is galvanized steel and then powder coated green, which is both extra protection against rust and a color that disappears against a hedge or a fence line. A trap that looks like a trap is a trap raccoons walk around.
The listing also notes the trap ships with extra internal protection so it arrives straight and square rather than bent in transit, which is a small thing that tells you how it will hold up after a season outdoors.
Best Build: HOMESTEAD 32 Inch Live Animal Trap
Best Build- Size
- 32 inches
- Doors
- Single door
- Material
- Rust-resistant wire mesh, heavy-duty steel
- Listed for
- Raccoons, opossums, groundhogs, skunks, feral cats, squirrels
This one takes the build quality slot. The HOMESTEAD is a 32 inch cage made from rust-resistant wire mesh with heavy-duty steel framing, and the listing names the animals it is meant for: raccoons, opossums, groundhogs, skunks, feral cats and squirrels. That is the same working size as the budget traps here, so you are paying for the frame and the finish rather than for extra room.
A trap that lives in a shed or on a fence line gets rained on, chewed at and dragged. The difference between a cage that lasts several seasons and one that goes out of square after two is the gauge of the wire and how the corners are welded, which is exactly what this listing is selling.
I will be straight about one thing: the seller’s listing is short on specifications. It does not publish dimensions beyond the 32 inches in the title or a weight, so if a specific interior measurement is a deal breaker for you, ask before ordering.
Best Wide Body: ZENY 32 Live Animal Cage Trap
Best Wide Body- Size
- 32 x 12.5 x 12 inches
- Doors
- Single door
- Material
- Galvanized wire
- Feature
- Extra wide body
The ZENY trap offers a wider interior than standard 32 inch traps. The 12.5 by 12 inch cross section provides more room for larger raccoons and makes the trap feel less confining, which can encourage cautious animals to enter. The wide body also allows for larger bait placement at the back of the trap.
The wider design is particularly useful for targeting large boar raccoons that may be hesitant to enter standard width traps. The trap folds flat and includes a handle for transport.
Best Large: VASALAID 51 Inch Live Animal Trap
Best Large- Size
- 51 x 19 x 17 inches
- Doors
- Spring-loaded door, sensitive trigger
- Material
- Galvanized steel, black coated, waterproof
- Handling
- Enlarged hand guard and carrying handle
At 51 by 19 by 17 inches this is not a raccoon trap that happens to be big, it is a large-animal cage the listing names for dogs, coyotes and foxes as well as raccoons. If you have ever had a trap that a big raccoon could reach the door of, this is the answer to that problem.
The door is spring loaded and runs on a sensitive trigger, and the design gives the animal a black-coated enclosure, which the listing says is for concealment. A raccoon is much less likely to back out of a cage it cannot see through, and this is the size where that matters, because the animal has room to turn around and work on the door.
Everything about handling is oversized to match: a reinforced hand guard and a full handle, galvanized weatherproof steel and smooth interior surfaces so a captured raccoon does not scratch itself fighting the wire. It folds for storage, but at this size it is a two-hand job to move.
Best Heavy Duty: VEVOR Humane Live Animal Trap (50 Inch)
Best Heavy Duty- Size
- 50 x 20 x 26 inches
- Doors
- Single spring loaded door
- Material
- Extra heavy gauge steel
- Best for
- Professional and heavy use
The VEVOR 50 inch trap is built for professional grade animal control. The heavy gauge 12 or 14 gauge galvanized wire that prevents raccoons from bending the mesh or prying open the door with their dexterous forepaws and reinforced frame are designed to withstand repeated use in demanding conditions.
The large size accommodates raccoons and other medium sized animals, and the door mechanism uses a spring loaded latch that closes quickly and locks securely.
The VEVOR is the heaviest duty trap on my list. It is suitable for trappers who need a trap that will survive years of regular use without developing weak spots or bent wires. The folding design is useful given the size, but the weight makes it a two person setup.
Best 2 Door: TeqHome 32 Inch Two Door Trap with Handle
Best 2 Door- Size
- 32 inches
- Doors
- Two, with sensitive pedal trigger
- Material
- Thickened rustproof metal wire
- Storage
- Folds to about 3 inches, handle for carrying
Two doors solve the placement problem. A raccoon walking a fence line or a garden path does not stop to check which way a trap is facing: with an entrance at each end, it does not matter which direction it comes from, and your catch rate on a travel route goes up without moving the trap.
The TeqHome is a 32 inch folding cage built from thickened wire, and the listing is clear that no chemicals or glues are involved: the animal steps on the pedal, the sensitive trigger fires and the door drops. Folding height is about 3 inches, so it slides behind a shed door when the job is done, and it arrives with the pedal, door clamps and trigger rod ready to fit rather than in pieces.
At under forty dollars it is also the cheapest two door trap I found, which is unusual for this configuration.
Bait raccoon traps with something smelly and sticky. Canned fish, marshmallows, or bacon grease on the trigger plate are irresistible to raccoons. Cover the trap floor with dirt or leaves to make it feel natural underfoot.
What to Look for in a Raccoon Trap
Size Requirements
A 32 inch trap is the minimum for adult raccoons. If you are targeting large boar raccoons or dealing with multiple species, consider a 36 to 51 inch trap for more flexibility. The interior height and width should be at least 10 by 11 inches to allow the raccoon to stand and turn comfortably.
Wire Gauge and Durability
Raccoons are strong and will test the trap walls and door repeatedly. Look for traps with 12 gauge or heavier wire. Thinner wire may bend or break after repeated use. Reinforced door latches and double crimped wire joints indicate better construction.
Trigger Sensitivity
A trap that is too sensitive will catch smaller animals and non target species. A trap that is not sensitive enough will let raccoons steal bait without triggering the door. Adjustable trigger plates give you the best control over which animals get caught.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canned mackerel or sardines are the most effective bait for raccoons. The strong fishy smell carries well and raccoons find it irresistible. Marshmallows, peanut butter, and bacon grease are also effective. Place the bait beyond the trigger plate so the raccoon has to step over it to reach the food.
Most states require a minimum relocation distance of 5 to 10 miles. Raccoons have strong homing instincts and can find their way back from shorter distances. Check your local wildlife regulations before relocating, as some areas prohibit relocation or require a permit.
Approach the trap slowly and speak in a calm voice. A trapped raccoon will be frightened and may hiss, growl, or try to bite through the wire. Never stick your fingers inside the trap. Cover the trap with a blanket to calm the animal during transport. Wear heavy gloves when handling the trap.
At least 32 inches long and 10 to 12 inches wide and high. Anything smaller will not let an adult raccoon fully enter before the door trips, and a partially trapped raccoon will injure itself and escape. If you regularly catch large adults, a 36 inch trap is even better.
Two door traps catch more raccoons because the animal can see through the cage and does not feel cornered before entering. The trade off is a slightly more complex trigger to set. If you are trapping a trap shy raccoon, a two door trap is worth it.
Most states allow trapping problem raccoons on your own property, but relocating wildlife across property lines is restricted or requires a permit almost everywhere. Some states require a licensed wildlife control operator for any raccoon trapping. Check your state wildlife agency before setting a trap.
