How to Build a DIY Live Animal Trap

Arm yourself with knowledge and training for every type of disaster. Increase your physical security tactics. Boost your privacy practice.

EMERGENCY PREP

9/5/20244 min read

How to Make a Homemade Animal Trap Out of Mesh Wire

In a survival situation or even in rural living, knowing how to make a homemade animal trap can provide a reliable source of food. One of the most effective traps for small game, like rabbits, squirrels, or similar animals, is a simple wire mesh trap. Mesh wire traps are humane, easy to construct, and reusable, making them ideal for off-grid living or SHTF scenarios.

Before we begin, if you are interested in Off-Grid living check out my ebook that teaches you how to live off-grid with unlimited power and a good quality of life:

https://readyresourcesupply.com/off-grid-forever1

This guide will walk you through the process of building a basic homemade animal trap using mesh wire.

Materials You Will Need:

Wire Mesh (Hardware Cloth or Chicken Wire): 1/2 inch or 1-inch mesh works best for trapping small animals. Ensure it’s sturdy and corrosion-resistant for outdoor use.
Wire Cutters: To cut the mesh to the desired size.
Pliers: For bending and securing the wire.
Cable Ties or Metal Wire: To secure the mesh joints.
Bait: Depending on the type of animal you are targeting, you can use bait like fruits, nuts, peanut butter, or meat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Homemade Mesh Wire Animal Trap:

1. Design the Trap

First, decide on the size of your trap. For small game like rabbits or squirrels, a trap that is about 12 inches high, 12 inches wide, and 24 inches long should suffice. This size is large enough to capture an animal while still being portable.

2. Cut the Wire Mesh

Using your wire cutters, cut five panels of wire mesh for the trap:

Two identical panels for the sides (12 x 24 inches)
One panel for the top (12 x 24 inches)
One panel for the back (12 x 12 inches)
One panel for the bottom (12 x 24 inches)

Cut a sixth panel that will serve as the door, measuring slightly larger than the opening at the front of the trap. Ensure it is big enough to cover the entire front but can still move easily.

3. Assemble the Box Frame

Using your pliers and cable ties (or metal wire), assemble the five main panels (two sides, top, bottom, and back) into a rectangular box frame. The mesh should be secured tightly at all edges to prevent any gaps where the animal could escape. Make sure the joints are strong, especially if the trap will be used frequently.

Secure the bottom panel to the sides.
Attach the back panel, securing it firmly to the side and bottom pieces.
Finally, attach the top panel.

Once assembled, the front of the trap will be open, as this is where you will install the door.

4. Create the Trap Door Mechanism

For the trap to work, the animal needs to enter but not be able to exit. Here’s how to create a basic one-way trap door mechanism:

Attach the door panel: Using wire or cable ties, attach the top of the front door panel to the top of the trap so that it swings freely. This will allow the door to open inward when the animal enters but close once it’s inside.
Install a simple trigger: Use a thin piece of wire or stick to prop the door open at a slight angle. Attach a piece of bait to the end of the trigger mechanism so that when the animal enters and touches the bait, the prop will fall, closing the door behind them.

5. Add the Bait

Place the bait at the very back of the trap to ensure that the animal fully enters. Choose bait based on the type of animal you are trying to catch:

Rabbits: Fresh vegetables like carrots or leafy greens.
Squirrels: Nuts, seeds, or peanut butter.
Mice or Rats: Grains or small pieces of bread

Make sure the bait is secure and positioned in such a way that the animal must trigger the door to access it.

6. Secure the Trap Door Shut

Once the animal is inside, you’ll need to ensure the trap door stays shut. To make the door mechanism more effective, you can bend the bottom of the door slightly inward. This allows the door to open only in one direction, making it difficult for the animal to push it open from the inside.

For added security, you can add a spring-loaded system with rubber bands or a piece of elastic that automatically pulls the door shut when the trigger is activated.

7. Set the Trap

Place the trap in an area where you’ve seen animal activity, such as near a burrow, food source, or water supply. Make sure the trap is camouflaged by covering it lightly with leaves or branches, ensuring it blends into the environment but does not hinder its function.

Additional Tips:

Check the Trap Frequently: You don’t want to leave the animal trapped for too long, as this can cause unnecessary suffering or make the meat spoil.
Relocate the Trap if Necessary: If your trap doesn’t catch anything after a few days, try relocating it to a different area.
Dispose of or Release the Animal Responsibly: If you’re trapping for food, dispatch the animal humanely. If you’re using live traps for relocation, be sure to release the animal far from your home to prevent it from returning.