Why You Should Avoid DIY Animal Trapping in Your Home

When wildlife like raccoons, squirrels, or bats invade your home, you may be tempted to handle the problem yourself. DIY animal trapping can seem like a cost-effective solution, but it often brings unexpected challenges, legal risks, and even increased problems. Moreover, certain species’ behaviors, like hibernation or migration, can complicate the process further. Here’s why DIY trapping isn’t the best solution—and what you should consider instead.

1. Legal Restrictions and Animal Welfare Concerns

Wildlife laws protect many species, and in some cases, trapping certain animals may be illegal or require special permits. In California, even a homeowner needs to get a permanent trap number from the department of fish and wildlife, and then affix a trap tag to all of their traps. ThereLicensed wildlife control experts are trained to adhere to these regulations, ensuring humane and lawful handling.

2. Risks to Your Safety

Trapping animals on your own can also pose safety risks, especially if you’re unsure about the species you’re dealing with. Animals that feel threatened can become aggressive and injure you. Raccoons for example have very different temperaments.  While some are calm and almost seem “playful” some are meaner and far more aggressive, almost “barking”.  Larger cheaper traps often do not have the mesh size to prevent a raccoon from reaching through?

Health concerns are always prevalent.  Sacramento area raccoons have high rates of round worm eggs in their feces.  In Nevada, Placer, and El Dorado Counties skunks have multiple reports of rabies and distemperment

3. Ineffective Removal and Recurring Infestations

Trapping an animal without addressing entry points often leads to repeat invasions. Wildlife control professionals don’t just remove animals; they conduct thorough inspections to identify and seal all potential access points, preventing future re-entry. DIY trappers frequently end up facing the same problem repeatedly, especially if they don’t seal up all possible entrances properly.

4. Non Target Catches

A homeowner trying to catch a squirrel or raccoon may not know what to do when faced with  a skunk or fox in their trap. Grass Valley and Nevada City are known for a thriving and active skunk population.  Accidentally catching a skunk is a common occurrence in the spring.

Choosing a Professional Wildlife Control Service

The safest, most effective way to handle wildlife in your home is to hire a licensed professional like Gold Country Wildlife Control. With expertise in humane removal, exclusion techniques, and thorough home inspections, professional services can address your wildlife problem at its source, reducing the chances of future infestations. For hibernating or migratory species, timing is essential to avoid causing more harm, both to your home and to protected species.

In the end, professional wildlife control not only keeps you and your family safe but also ensures that the job is done humanely, legally, and in harmony with the animals’ natural behaviors.