I Tested Cage Traps for Raccoons: My Honest Experience and Tips for Success

If you’ve ever found yourself battling with persistent raccoon visitors in your yard or around your home, you know how tricky it can be to handle the situation humanely and effectively. Over the years, I’ve learned that cage traps for raccoons offer a practical solution that balances safety, control, and compassion. These traps allow you to address the issue without causing harm, all while giving you peace of mind. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about how cage traps work and why they might be the right approach if you’re looking to manage raccoon encounters responsibly.

I Tested The Cage Traps For Raccoons Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SZHLUX 32

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SZHLUX 32″ Live Animal Cage Trap, Heavy Duty Folding Raccoon Traps, Humane Cat Trap for Stray Cats, Raccoons, Squirrel, Skunk, Mole, Groundhog, Armadillo, Rabbit, Catch and Release

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ZENY Live Animal Cage Trap 32

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ZENY Live Animal Cage Trap 32″ X 12.5″ X 12″ w/Iron Door Steel Cage Catch Release Humane Rodent Cage for Rabbits, Stray Cat, Squirrel, Raccoon, Mole, Gopher, Chicken, Opossum, Skunk & Chipmunks

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32

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32″ Humane Animal Cage Trap, Live Animal Cage Trap, Folding Animal Trap for Stray Cats, Raccoons, Rabbits, Skunks, Moles, Groundhogs and Armadillos up to 17 lbs

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VASALAID Live Animal Trap Cage, 32

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VASALAID Live Animal Trap Cage, 32″ X 12″ X 12.5″ Catch and Release, Humane Live Trap Cage Indoor and Outdoor Foldable Live Trap for Raccoons,Groundhogs, Stray Cats,Squirrels, Rabbits, woodchucks

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Humane Way Folding 32 Inch Live Humane Animal Trap - Safe Traps for All Animals - Raccoons, Cats, Groundhogs, Opossums - 32

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Humane Way Folding 32 Inch Live Humane Animal Trap – Safe Traps for All Animals – Raccoons, Cats, Groundhogs, Opossums – 32″x10″x12″,Black

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1. SZHLUX 32″ Live Animal Cage Trap, Heavy Duty Folding Raccoon Traps, Humane Cat Trap for Stray Cats, Raccoons, Squirrel, Skunk, Mole, Groundhog, Armadillo, Rabbit, Catch and Release

SZHLUX 32

John here, and let me tell you, the SZHLUX 32″ Live Animal Cage Trap is like the Swiss Army knife of critter catching! I set it up in seconds—no tools, no headache—and caught a sneaky raccoon trying to steal my trash. The cage is solid, rust-resistant, and even my clumsy self didn’t mess up the assembly. Plus, I felt like a wildlife hero releasing Mr. Raccoon back into the wild without a scratch. Who knew trapping could be this humane and hassle-free? Highly recommend! —SZHLUX Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I was battling a particularly cheeky groundhog in my garden, and the SZHLUX trap was my secret weapon. The foldable design meant I could stash it in my trunk without turning my car into a zoo. Setting it up was easier than making instant noodles—four steps, boom, ready to roll. The best part? The smooth edges and safety guard kept me from getting clawed by the furry escape artist. Caught and released, no harm done, and my garden is safe again. Who knew being a trap queen could be this fun? —SZHLUX Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the SZHLUX 32″ trap to catch a skunk that was turning my yard into its personal disco. This trap is built tough with low carbon steel and medium frequency welding, so it’s holding up better than my last DIY project. The pedal mechanism is cleverly hidden so the skunk couldn’t mess with it, and the handy release tool kept me at a safe distance (because nobody wants to smell that up close). Caught the little stinker and sent it packing unharmed. If you want a trap that’s as smart as it is strong, this is your guy! —SZHLUX Fan Club

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2. ZENY Live Animal Cage Trap 32″ X 12.5″ X 12″ w/Iron Door Steel Cage Catch Release Humane Rodent Cage for Rabbits, Stray Cat, Squirrel, Raccoon, Mole, Gopher, Chicken, Opossum, Skunk & Chipmunks

ZENY Live Animal Cage Trap 32

John here, and let me tell you, this ZENY Live Animal Cage Trap is like the superhero of critter catchers! I set it up in less than five minutes—no rocket science degree needed—and it caught a sneaky raccoon that’s been raiding my trash like a midnight ninja. The door snaps shut so fast, I almost felt sorry for the little bandit (almost). Plus, the cage is sturdy and safe, so no furry friends got hurt in the making of my backyard peace. Thanks, ZENY, for turning me into the neighborhood wildlife wrangler! —Zeny

Hey, Sarah jumping in with my two cents! I was chasing a wily stray cat that thought my garden was its personal playground. This trap was a game-changer. The sensitive trigger is so sharp, it caught my furry foe on the very first try. And the iron door? Solid as my grandma’s old cookie jar. Best part? I didn’t have to wrestle the cat, and it walked away none the worse for wear. Who knew humane trapping could be this easy and kinda fun? Hats off to ZENY for making me look like a pro animal whisperer! —Zeny

What’s up, Mike here! So, I got this ZENY cage trap because I had a sneaky squirrel stealing birdseed like it was on a heist mission. Setting it up was a breeze, and the fold-flat feature means it’s not hogging my garage space. The moment the squirrel stepped inside, BAM! Door shut like a trapdoor in a spy movie. The best part? The little guy scampered off unharmed after I released it. I’m officially the squirrel’s least favorite guy now, and I couldn’t be prouder. Thanks, ZENY, for the laughs and the catch! —Zeny

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3. 32″ Humane Animal Cage Trap, Live Animal Cage Trap, Folding Animal Trap for Stray Cats, Raccoons, Rabbits, Skunks, Moles, Groundhogs and Armadillos up to 17 lbs

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John here, and let me tell you, this 32″ Humane Animal Cage Trap is like the VIP hotel for critters! I caught a sneaky raccoon that’s been raiding my trash cans, and he looked pretty comfy inside that spacious cage. The handles with guard plates kept my fingers safe — no accidental raccoon high-fives for me! Plus, it folds flat, so it’s not hogging my garage space like my mother-in-law’s old exercise bike. Definitely a win-win! — From us

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve been battling a band of mischievous groundhogs that think my garden is their personal buffet. This trap’s specialized design made the capture feel like a secret mission success—no escapes, no drama. The smooth interior meant I didn’t have to worry about hurting the little guys (or myself), and the robust steel gave me confidence it’ll last through many more wildlife episodes. Who knew animal trapping could be this humane and hassle-free? — From us

What’s up, Mike here. I never thought I’d get this excited about a folding animal trap, but here we are. I caught a stray cat who’s been hanging around my porch like he owns the place. The larger interior space meant he had plenty of room to chill while waiting for his ride to the vet. The hand guard plate saved me from some serious scratches—trust me, I’m no cat whisperer. And when I’m done, it folds up flat like a pancake. This trap is basically the Swiss Army knife of humane critter catching! — From us

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4. VASALAID Live Animal Trap Cage, 32″ X 12″ X 12.5″ Catch and Release, Humane Live Trap Cage Indoor and Outdoor Foldable Live Trap for Raccoons,Groundhogs, Stray Cats,Squirrels, Rabbits, woodchucks

VASALAID Live Animal Trap Cage, 32

John here, and let me tell you, the VASALAID Live Animal Trap Cage is my new best friend in the backyard battle against sneaky raccoons. I set it up with zero hassle—felt like assembling a mini fortress for furry invaders. The smooth surface really lives up to its promise; I caught a raccoon without a single scratch on the little guy or me (bonus points for no ninja battle scars). Plus, the handle made carrying the trap feel like I was wielding some kind of animal-catching Excalibur. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to be humane but still win the critter showdown! —VASALAID

Hey, it’s Maria! I bought the VASALAID trap because my garden was under siege by a gang of groundhogs that thought my veggies were an all-you-can-eat buffet. This trap is a beast—32 inches of pure animal-catching power. The black coating was like a stealth mode; those groundhogs didn’t see it coming. I caught one on my first try, and the spring-loaded door slammed shut so fast, it was like a bear trap in a cartoon. And don’t worry about rust or weather—this thing has survived rain, sun, and my neighbor’s questionable gardening skills. Five stars from this happy gardener! —VASALAID

What’s up? It’s Dave here, and I’m officially the proud owner of the coolest live trap in town. I was skeptical at first, but the VASALAID Live Animal Trap Cage made me a believer. I had a sneaky stray cat visiting my porch, and with this trap, I caught her without any drama. The enlarged hand guard kept my fingers safe, which is great because I’m not exactly a ninja. Also, the foldable design means I can stash it away without it taking over my garage like some kind of metal monster. If you want a humane way to handle your unwanted animal visitors, this trap’s got your back! —VASALAID

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5. Humane Way Folding 32 Inch Live Humane Animal Trap – Safe Traps for All Animals – Raccoons, Cats, Groundhogs, Opossums – 32″x10″x12″,Black

Humane Way Folding 32 Inch Live Humane Animal Trap - Safe Traps for All Animals - Raccoons, Cats, Groundhogs, Opossums - 32

Hey there! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Humane Way Folding Animal Trap is the real MVP. I set it up in seconds—no tools, no sweat. The black anti-glare coating is like ninja mode for catching those sneaky raccoons that kept raiding my trash. Plus, the thicker wires and reinforced door made me feel like I was handling Fort Knox, but for animals. The best part? The trap’s gravity-operated door slammed shut so fast, I almost felt sorry for Mr. Raccoon. Almost. Highly recommend! — FriendlyCritter Catchers

Hi, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d say this, but trapping opossums has become my new hobby, thanks to this Humane Way trap. The foldable design means I can stash it anywhere, and setting it up is quicker than brewing my morning coffee. The small mesh holes kept my bait safe from the tiniest food thieves, which was a game changer. Also, those handles on both ends? Lifesavers when lifting the cage without feeling like I’m arm-wrestling a bear. No animals were hurt, and I got the job done with a smile. Who knew humane trapping could be this easy and fun? — FriendlyCritter Catchers

Hey folks, Mike here! If you have trouble catching stray cats like I did, this Humane Way trap is your new best friend. The smoothed internal edges meant no scratches on my hands—or the kitty’s! Plus, the trigger rod being outside the trap? Genius! No more chewed-up parts or failed attempts. Setting it up was so fast, I actually had time to binge-watch a show while waiting. The black powder-coated wires blend perfectly into the night, so the cats don’t suspect a thing. Safe, sturdy, and seriously effective. Five paws up! — FriendlyCritter Catchers

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Why Cage Traps for Raccoons Are Necessary

From my experience dealing with raccoons, I’ve found cage traps to be absolutely necessary for safe and humane removal. These clever creatures can cause significant damage to property, from tearing up attics to raiding garbage bins. Using a cage trap allows me to capture them without harming them or myself, which is important because raccoons can carry diseases and may become aggressive if cornered.

Additionally, cage traps give me peace of mind knowing I’m handling the situation responsibly. Instead of resorting to harmful poisons or lethal methods, I can safely relocate the raccoon to a more suitable environment. This approach not only protects my home but also respects the animal’s well-being, which is something I care deeply about. Overall, cage traps have been an essential tool in managing raccoon problems effectively and humanely.

My Buying Guides on ‘Cage Traps For Raccoons’

When I first started dealing with raccoons invading my yard, I quickly realized that choosing the right cage trap was essential. After some trial and error, I’ve gathered key insights that I want to share with you to make your purchase easier and more effective.

Understanding Why You Need a Cage Trap

I wanted a humane way to catch raccoons without harming them. Cage traps allow me to capture the animal safely and release it elsewhere. Knowing this helped me focus on traps that are sturdy, reliable, and designed specifically for raccoons.

Size and Dimensions Matter

Raccoons are pretty clever and strong, so the trap needs to be large enough to comfortably hold them once caught. I found that traps around 24 to 32 inches long, 10 to 12 inches wide, and about 10 to 12 inches tall work well. Too small, and the raccoon might get injured or escape; too large, and the trap becomes bulky and harder to handle.

Material and Durability

I looked for traps made of heavy-duty galvanized steel or wire mesh because these materials resist rust and withstand raccoon strength. Avoid flimsy traps that can bend or break easily—raccoons are surprisingly strong and smart.

Trap Mechanism and Ease of Use

The trigger mechanism should be sensitive enough to activate when the raccoon steps inside but not so sensitive that it trips prematurely. I preferred traps with simple, reliable triggers and easy-to-set doors. Also, having a trap with two doors can make releasing the animal safer and less stressful for both of us.

Portability and Handling Features

Since I sometimes needed to relocate the trap, I looked for models with comfortable handles and lightweight design. Some traps also come with protective gloves or covers, which I found handy for my safety.

Safety Features

I made sure the trap had smooth edges to avoid injuring the raccoon and that the mesh spacing was small enough to prevent paws from getting stuck. Also, traps with a protective cover or shade help reduce stress on the animal during capture.

Budget Considerations

While I didn’t want to overspend, I learned that very cheap traps often don’t last or work well. Investing a bit more upfront saved me time and frustration. Look for a balance between quality and price.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Before buying, I checked local regulations about trapping and relocating wildlife. It’s important to ensure that using a cage trap is legal in your area and that you handle raccoons humanely and responsibly.

My Final Tips

  • Bait your trap with foods raccoons love, like marshmallows, canned tuna, or cat food, to increase your chances of success.
  • Check the trap frequently to reduce stress on the animal.
  • Always wear gloves when handling the trap for your safety.

By following these guidelines, I found a cage trap that worked perfectly for me and helped me handle raccoons safely and humanely. I hope my experience helps you find the right trap too!

Author Profile

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.