Raccoons are opportunistic eaters, which makes them fairly easy to bait—but choosing the right bait can mean the difference between success and failure when trapping them. Whether you’re removing a nuisance raccoon, protecting livestock, or handling wildlife control, using the best bait ensures a quick and humane catch.
This guide covers the best raccoon baits, what works in different situations, and pro tips for setting up a successful trap.
What Makes the Best Raccoon Bait?
✔ Strong Smell – Raccoons rely heavily on their sense of smell, so pungent or sweet-smelling baits work best.
✔ High-Fat & High-Sugar Foods – Raccoons love peanut butter, marshmallows, fish, and fatty meats.
✔ Food That’s Hard for Other Animals to Steal – If trapping near cats or dogs, avoid using meat-based baits and go for sweet foods instead.
✔ Non-Toxic & Safe – Never use poisoned bait—it’s inhumane and illegal in many places.
Best Baits for Trapping Raccoons
1. Marshmallows (Best for Avoiding Cats & Dogs)
✔ Raccoons love the sweet smell of marshmallows, and they glow in the dark, making them easy for raccoons to spot at night.
✔ Safe for use around pets—unlike meat or fish, marshmallows don’t attract cats or dogs.
📌 Best for: Urban & suburban areas where pets might be present.
2. Canned Sardines or Tuna (Best for Maximum Attraction)
✔ The strong fishy odor makes it one of the most effective baits for raccoons.
✔ Works well for trapping in remote areas, where there are no pet concerns.
❌ May attract stray cats, opossums, and skunks.
📌 Best for: Rural settings & areas with no pet interference.
3. Peanut Butter (Best for Easy Setup & Longevity)
✔ Sticks to the trap, making it hard for raccoons to steal without getting caught.
✔ Long-lasting—doesn’t dry out or rot quickly.
📌 Best for: Long-term trapping setups or avoiding meat-based bait.
4. Honey Buns or Sweet Pastries (Best for Trapping Near Livestock)
✔ Raccoons love sugary foods, and honey buns or pastries are highly effective.
✔ Doesn’t attract predators like coyotes or bobcats.
📌 Best for: Trapping near chicken coops, barns, or other livestock areas.
5. Cat Food (Best for Convenience & Availability)
✔ Readily available & easy to use—dry cat food works well in traps.
✔ Strong-smelling and attracts raccoons quickly.
❌ Will attract stray cats, so avoid in areas where this is a concern.
📌 Best for: General use when cat presence isn’t an issue.
How to Bait a Raccoon Trap for Best Results
✔ Use a Live Trap: The best traps are Havahart-style live traps (medium to large size).
✔ Place Bait at the Back of the Trap: This forces the raccoon to step on the trigger plate to reach the food.
✔ Cover the Trap with a Towel or Leaves: Makes it feel safer & more natural to a raccoon.
✔ Set Traps at Night: Raccoons are nocturnal, so set traps in the evening and check them in the morning.
✔ Avoid Leaving Scent on the Trap: Wear gloves when handling traps to reduce human scent.
Final Verdict: Best Raccoon Baits for Different Situations
🏆 Best Overall Bait: Marshmallows – Sweet smell, doesn’t attract pets.
🏆 Best Smelling Bait for Rural Areas: Canned Sardines/Tuna – Maximum attraction.
🏆 Best Long-Lasting Bait: Peanut Butter – Sticky, doesn’t spoil quickly.
🏆 Best for Use Near Livestock: Honey Buns/Pastries – Sweet & effective.
🏆 Best for Convenience: Dry Cat Food – Easy to use & readily available.
By choosing the right bait and setup, you’ll increase your chances of successfully trapping raccoons while keeping other animals out.