How to Make Cage Traps

Whether you live in the city or the country, you have probably seen at least one animal where it didn't belong. Whether it's a raccoon raiding trashcans or a squirrel stealing fruit from your trees or rats making a nest in your chimney, these animals can cause serious damage to property and spread undesirable diseases to domesticated animals. While most states do permit killing animals that have destroyed property, those who prefer to can use a live trap and relocate the critters.

Things You'll Need

  • Three 1-inch x 8-inch x 28-inch boards
  • 1-inch x 8-inch x 24-inch board
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • 7½-inch x 9-inch piece of half-inch hardware cloth
  • Staple gun
  • 12 light wire staples
  • 4 feet of three-quarter-inch square wooden stock
  • Saw
  • 3 feet of half-inch-square wooden stock
  • Half-inch x 12-inch-square wooden stock
  • Jigsaw
  • Wood glue
  • String
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create the cage's casing by nailing into position three 1-inch x 8-inch x 28-inch boards for the bottom and sides and one 1-inch x 8-inch x 24-inch board for the top. The top will be shorter than the sides to provide space necessary for the trap door and cleats.

    • 2

      Staple a 7½-inch x 9-inch piece of half-inch hardware cloth onto the back of the cage. Use at least 12 light wire staples to secure it into position. Make sure that the fabric is held tightly in place so that an animal cannot escape through the back of the cage.

    • 3

      Form the cleats by cutting 4 feet of three-quarter-inch-square wooden stock into four even pieces. Position the pieces inside the trap so that the back cleats fit snug against the roof. Leave a three-quarter-inch space between the cleats for the trap door to easily slide up and down.

    • 4

      Divide the 3 feet of half-inch-square wooden stock into three even pieces to form the trigger, pivot and lever.

    • 5

      Cut a hole into the trap for the pivot. The hole should be just large enough to set the pivot into. Glue the pivot into position with some wood glue and allow to dry.

    • 6

      Cut a hole large enough for the trigger to fit through. Cut a grove in the center of the trigger so that it can lightly catch on the roof of the trap and be knocked from its position by an animal.

    • 7

      Tie the trap door and trigger onto the lever and set the trap.