Why Choosing the Right Raccoon Bait Matters

Raccoons might look cute, but when they’re tipping over trash cans, nesting in your attic, or raiding your backyard chicken coop, they become a serious nuisance. If you’re wondering what the best bait for a raccoon trap is—or how to catch a raccoon in a live trap—you’re in the right place. At Covenant Pest Services, we’ve helped countless North Atlanta homeowners safely and humanely trap and remove raccoons with proven techniques and expert guidance.

Let’s walk through the essentials of raccoon trapping: the best raccoon bait for live traps, how to bait a raccoon trap correctly, and how to actually catch one without creating more problems than you solve.

What Is the Best Bait for a Raccoon Trap?

Raccoons are omnivores, which means they’ll eat almost anything—but that doesn’t mean just any food will work in a trap. The best bait for a raccoon trap is something that smells strong, is sweet or fatty, and won’t attract your pets or other non-target animals.

Here are some top-performing options we recommend when baiting raccoon traps:

• Marshmallows – Surprisingly effective and safe for outdoor use. Raccoons love them, but cats and dogs usually ignore them.
• Canned tuna or sardines – The strong scent carries well and draws raccoons in from a distance.
• Peanut butter – Thick, sticky, and rich in smell and flavor. Spread it on a piece of bread or cracker.
• Rotisserie chicken or leftover meat scraps – If you’re targeting a particularly stubborn raccoon, meat-based baits may be your best bet.
• Sweet corn – Especially effective in spring and summer.

Looking for the best raccoon bait for live traps in Acworth, Marietta, or Roswell? We often recommend marshmallows or peanut butter as go-to options, particularly in residential areas where you don’t want to risk attracting pets or neighborhood animals.

How to Bait a Raccoon Trap Effectively

Knowing the right bait is only half the battle. You also need to know how to bait a raccoon trap the right way to make it irresistible.

Start by placing a small amount of bait just outside the entrance of the trap—this acts as a lure and encourages the raccoon to investigate further. Then, place a generous portion inside the trap, directly on the trigger plate or just past it. This positioning forces the raccoon to fully enter and engage the trap.

To keep clever raccoons from stealing the bait without triggering the trap, you can:

• Smear peanut butter directly on the trigger mechanism.
• Tie down meat or fish with string or wire so they have to tug at it.
• Use a bait dish placed far enough in to require full entry.

Need more tips on wildlife control? Our blog on how to seal pest entry points can help prevent future issues, especially after a successful raccoon removal.

How to Catch a Raccoon in a Live Trap

Once the trap is properly baited, place it in a location where you’ve seen raccoon activity—near garbage cans, gardens, crawlspace openings, or along fences. Be sure to:

• Set the trap on a flat surface.
• Anchor it if possible so it doesn’t tip over.
• Check it early in the morning or late at night.

Raccoons are nocturnal, so overnight trapping is typically most effective. Make sure to check the trap frequently to avoid prolonged animal stress.

Live trapping in Georgia also comes with regulations, so always check local laws—or better yet, leave it to licensed wildlife professionals like Covenant Pest Services. We offer humane raccoon trapping and wildlife removal services across the North Atlanta Metro area, including Kennesaw, Alpharetta, and Woodstock.

What to Bait a Raccoon Trap With in Different Situations

Depending on your situation, you may want to tweak your baiting strategy:

• In urban neighborhoods: Marshmallows or peanut butter are safer and less likely to lure pets.
• In rural areas: Canned sardines, chicken, or corn may work better.
• In cold weather: Use warm, fatty bait like bacon or cat food that emits a strong smell.
• If raccoons are trap-shy: Switch baits periodically or camouflage the trap better.

We often get asked what is the best raccoon bait overall, but the truth is it depends on your environment, the season, and whether the raccoon has been trapped before. For recurring raccoon problems, our residential pest control service includes targeted wildlife strategies.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Bait for Raccoon Traps

If you’ve been searching phrases like “best bait for a raccoon,” “how to catch a raccoon in a live trap,” or “what to bait a raccoon trap with,” hopefully you now have the answers—and the confidence—to take action.

To recap:

• Use sweet, fatty, or fishy bait with strong scents.
• Place some bait outside and more inside to guide the raccoon in.
• Use trap placement and timing to your advantage.

Still having trouble? Let the pros at Covenant Pest Services help. We offer expert raccoon trapping and wildlife removal services throughout Acworth, Marietta, Kennesaw, and the entire North Atlanta area.

📞 Call (678) 437-1234 or request your free inspection online today.

For long-term protection, explore our seasonal pest control plans designed to prevent future raccoon and rodent intrusions.