The Best Raccoon Baits

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores with a preference for sweet, fatty, and fragrant foods. To successfully bait and trap them, use their favorite treats to lure them into the trap. Here's a list of the best raccoon baits:


Top 10 Raccoon Baits

  • Marshmallows
  • Resemble eggs, which raccoons love.
  • Sweet aroma attracts them effectively.

  • Whole Egg

  • Mimics the raccoon’s natural diet of raiding nests.
  • Use a fresh, uncooked egg for bait.

  • Sweet Corn

  • Sweet but less likely to attract other animals like cats or skunks.

  • Watermelon

  • Bright color, sweet fragrance, and juicy texture appeal to raccoons.

  • Wet Cat Food

  • Fatty and pungent, making it irresistible to raccoons.
  • Use in isolated locations to avoid attracting cats.

  • Tuna

  • Stinky and fatty, just like wet cat food.
  • Effective but may also attract other animals.

  • Bacon

  • Fatty and fragrant; leave the grease for extra allure.

  • Kitchen Scraps

  • Potato skins, chicken bones, apple cores, or other leftovers mimic trash-raiding behavior.

  • Honey

  • Drizzle on bait like marshmallows or bacon for extra sweetness and appeal.

  • Tin Foil

  • Not food, but raccoons are curious and attracted to shiny objects.

Tips for Successful Raccoon Trapping

  • Consider the Raccoon’s Diet
  • Cater to their natural preferences based on your environment. For example, fish near lakes or trash-like scraps near urban areas.

  • Avoid Attracting Other Animals

  • Use baits like corn or watermelon that are less appealing to cats or skunks.

  • Combine Baits

  • Mix sweet and savory options to appeal to varying tastes.

  • Proper Bait Placement

  • One-sided traps: Place bait at the farthest end from the door, away from the sides.
  • Double-sided traps: Center the bait or hang it above the trap’s midpoint.

  • Don’t Use Poison

  • Cruel and unsafe for pets, children, and unintended wildlife. Stick to humane traps or professional help.

Professional Assistance

  • If trapping raccoons yourself feels overwhelming, hire a wildlife management professional.
  • Cost: Around $300–$350 for animal removal.
  • Pros handle the process and offer advice on preventing future raccoon issues.

By using the right bait and techniques, you can outsmart raccoons and regain control of your space while ensuring their humane relocation!


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