How to Get Rid of Crayfish

Crayfish infestations can occur when crayfish overpopulate in streams, creeks and even yards. Without taking the proper steps, crayfish infestations can quickly spread and become out of control. You can use chemicals, but they also can cause damage to water streams and other innocent species of animals. Since chemicals can have such harsh side effects, trapping and removing crayfish is the preferred removal method.

Things You'll Need

Crayfish traps
Bait

Instructions

- 1
  Contact wildlife authorities. It is not always legal to trap crayfish or other wildlife, and if you use chemicals and cause damage, serious fines could be in order. Reporting an infestation to the Department of Natural Resources will guarantee you are doing things legally, and it will also allow you get any removal advice from local experts.
- 2
  Purchase a crayfish trap. High quality plastic traps with a one way door entrance are the best options. They can hold up to 15 or 20 lbs of crayfish, and the one way door allows crayfish to enter but not leave the trap. Make sure the trap has a metal bar at the bottom so it can remain submerged underwater properly. The best place to purchase a crayfish trap is online.
- 3
  Submerge the bottom of the trap underwater to make it more inviting to crayfish. Bait the bottom of the trap with an older whole fish. You can use bones and remains of fish, but they are not as effective a full fish. Once baited and set, crayfish will start entering the trap.
- 4
  Dispose of the caught crayfish properly. Some people will eat crayfish as long as no chemicals were used. Others will just kill the crayfish and dispose of the bodies. You can keep some crayfish as pets in an aquarium or give them to friends. Do not under any circumstance release crayfish into a different body of water. Crayfish infestations can harm wildlife and fish already living in those areas. Crayfish may also carry diseases that will kill other crayfish living in that area.