There are a number ofstyles of traps with which to trap groundhogs; all of which can be effective.
That said, here is a picture of the style of trap we believe is the best. It was manufactured by Comstock Custom Cages. It is a groundhog/woodchuck workhorse!
This is a two door, spring loaded, hanging-wire-triggered trap.
We believe it is the right trap because:
1) It has two doors.
This is important so that when it is placed in the groundhog’s travel pathit allows the groundhog to look through it and allows entry no matter the direction of travel.
2) The doors are spring loaded.
Most traps on traps on the market use only gravity to close the doors. When the trigger goes off, these doors close quickly and powerfully. A good, fast mechanism helps ensure a catch and keeps the animal in.
3) Hanging wire trigger.
Bendable wire hangs in the trap and when it is moved by the animal trying to brush past, the trap fires. Animals don’t have to step directly on a floor pan as some traps require.
We believe most animals are more conscious about what they put their feet on versus what their sides brush up against. Most groundhogs brush past grass and sticks all the time as they travel.
They even work upside down.
Finding the Best Groundhog Trap
The biggest problem with this type of trap is that they are hard to find! You have to know what you are looking for.
The big box and hardware stores don’t carry them. You have to order them.
Here is the key search term if you want to find one:
“Comstock Custom Cage Trap”
If you enter that search, you’ll find a number of online retailers including Comstock Custom Cages itself. Why not order from the inventor’s themselves?
You’l pay in the neighborhho0d of $120 to $130 for one of these traps. They are worth it!
IfThe trap pictured above is a Comstock Custom Trap. In that style, they come in 18 inch, 24 inch, and 36 inch lengths. Groundhogs and skunks fit well in the 18 inchers. The bigger ones can accommodate larger animals like raccoons.
If you just mke a generic search like “Groundhog Cage Trap” you won’t find this type of trap show up in any of the first page results.
Comstocks (as we call them) are not available on Amazon. And, generic cage trap searches are dominated by Havahart; an old and well-known trap company that owns a huge share of the market.
We don’t have any financial interest or sponsorship in Comstock, we only recommend them because they work so well.
How to Set a Groundhog Trap
The best place to set this best groundhog trap is directly in its path of travel.
Therefore, one of the best places to trap a groundhog is right where it goes in or out of a hole.
Hole entrances (like the one shown to the left) are often obvious and well defined paths of travel.
And, if a groundhog is really using that hole, it will be captured quickly.
In the following video, Ryan shows one way this trap can be set. You’ll be able to see it’s very straightforward.
Setting the trap in place and using some extra wire to block things off gives the woodchuck only one way in or out: right through the trap. The cages can be ordered with metal or wire covers for the end of the trap called nosecones. In the video, Ryan used the cardboard to show the simplicity.
Comstock Traps also has a lot of videos on YouTube showing how to set their traps.
Canton, Akron, Kent Area Groundhog Removal
Successful groundhog trapping is all about putting the right trap in the right spot.
If you get these two pieces of the puzzle right and the groundhog is actively using the area, groundhog removal is quickly accomplished.
If you are serious about getting groundhogs, get a Comstock Custom double door trap.
Other traps will work. And, you can lure them with bait. But, this is much better.
We encourage you to give it a try yourself or call a professional nuisance wild animal control operator in your area if you need help. Most all of us use these traps.
In the greater Akron, Canton, Kent, OH area, we offer experienced and efficient removal of groundhogs/woodchucks for homeowners and business owners alike.
If you’d like to know more about our groundhog removal / trapping services, please contact us today.
