Raccoons are scent-driven, so a strong-smelling bait placed deep in the trap is what gets them inside. The best raccoon baits combine a powerful lure with a food they cannot resist. Here are the baits worth using.
- Sweet, strong-smelling baits work best for raccoons.
- Place bait deep in the trap so the raccoon steps fully inside.
- A dedicated raccoon lure beats generic bait.
- Refresh bait regularly, since raccoons are wary of stale food.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coonbuster Raccoon Scent Bait | Scent bait | Best Overall | Check price |
| FPS Bible’s Raccoon Bait | Bait | Best for DP Traps | Check price |
| Wildlife Research Hard-Core Lure | Lure | Best Lure | Check price |
| Raccoon Gitter Bait | Bait | Proven | Check price |
| CZ Grain Predator Critter Bait | Multi-species | Multi-Animal | Check price |
| SheTraps Cherry Balls | Bulk bait | Best Bulk | Check price |
Best Overall: Coonbuster Raccoon Scent Bait
Best Overall- Type
- Scent bait
- Target
- Raccoons
- Works in
- Dog-proof and cage traps
- Placement
- Deep in trap
Coonbuster is a dedicated raccoon scent bait designed to work in dog-proof and cage traps. Its strong, species-specific scent draws raccoons in and keeps them focused on the trap rather than nearby food sources.
This is the go-to for a raccoon that has been trap-shy, since the strong scent overrides their caution better than plain food.
Best for DP Traps: FPS Bible’s Raccoon Bait
Best for DP Traps- Type
- Bait for DP traps
- Target
- Raccoons
- Works in
- Dog-proof traps, live traps
- Form
- 8 oz
Bible’s Raccoon Bait is formulated specifically for dog-proof traps, which are the preferred tool for raccoons. The bait is designed to sit in the DP trap’s bait cup where the raccoon has to reach in and trigger the trap.
It is a proven choice for the DP trapping method, which is the most selective and humane way to trap raccoons.
Best Lure: Wildlife Research Hard-Core Raccoon Lure
Best Lure- Type
- Lure
- Target
- Raccoons
- Form
- Scent attractant
- Placement
- On or near trap
Wildlife Research is a trusted name in trapping lures, and their Hard-Core raccoon lure uses a strong scent attractant to pull raccoons from a distance. It is the choice when the raccoon is denning some distance from where you can set the trap.
The lure works alongside a food bait, drawing the raccoon to the trap where the food finishes the job.
Proven: Raccoon Gitter DP and Cage Trap Bait (12 oz)
Proven- Type
- Bait
- Target
- Raccoons
- Works in
- DP and cage traps
- Form
- 12 ounce bag
Coon Gitter has been on trapping shelves for years, and this listing is the twelve ounce bag of it. It is a dry bait made for dog proof and cage sets, which covers the two situations a homeowner actually faces: a DP trap on a travel route, or a cage baited behind a treadle.
The reason to choose a dry bait over a paste is patience. You can set it, go to bed and come back in the morning without finding the bait dried onto the cup or washed out by rain. That is what dependable means here.
The listing is brief on purpose. It gives the form, the size and the trap types it is meant for, and no ingredient list, so what you are buying is the 12 ounces and the name.
Multi-Animal: CZ Grain Predator Critter Bait
Multi-Animal- Type
- Multi-species bait
- Target
- Raccoon, coyote, fox, skunk, opossum
- Form
- 12 oz
- Placement
- In trap
This broad predator bait targets raccoons, coyotes, foxes, skunks, and opossums with a single formula. It is the right choice when you are not sure which animal is causing the problem, or when several species are visiting.
The broad attractant means one jar handles several situations, though it is less targeted than a raccoon-specific bait.
Best Bulk: SheTraps Cherry Balls
Best Bulk- Type
- Bulk bait
- Target
- Raccoons
- Form
- Half gallon
- Scent
- Cherry
SheTraps Cherry Balls are a bulk raccoon bait with a sweet cherry scent raccoons are drawn to. The half-gallon size is the economical choice for a longer trapping campaign or multiple trap sets.
The sweet scent works well as both a lure and a food bait, and the bulk size means you will not run out mid-job.
How to Choose a Raccoon Bait
Trap Type
Dog-proof traps are the most selective tool for raccoons, and they need a bait that fits the bait cup. Cage traps are more forgiving and work with a wider range of baits.
Placement
Place the bait deep in the trap so the raccoon steps fully inside to reach it. Bait near the entrance teaches the animal to eat without being caught.
Legal Note
Raccoons are a rabies vector species, and trapping and relocation are restricted or prohibited in many states. Check your local rules and consider hiring a licensed operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sweet, strong-smelling baits made for raccoons work best, and a dedicated scent lure helps draw them in. Marshmallows and fish are common DIY options, but purpose-made baits are more consistent.
Yes, but sweet and fishy baits are more reliable for raccoons specifically. Purpose-made raccoon baits are the most consistent choice.
Deep in the trap, past the trigger, so the raccoon steps fully inside. Bait near the entrance teaches the animal to eat without being caught.
Rules vary by state, and raccoons are a rabies vector species. Many states restrict trapping or relocation. Check with your state wildlife agency or hire a licensed operator.
A dog-proof trap is the most selective and humane, since it targets raccoons and avoids pets and other animals. Always check traps daily and follow local rules.
