Possum Trap

This Possum Trap offers effective solutions for humanely trapping troublesome possums. Our Possum Trap is safe for both humans and possums, and are quickly becoming the most trusted name in pest control solutions. All Possum Traps are built to tough, professional standards and offer the highest quality features including:

• Open Size: 24cm (W) x 66cm (L) x 26cm (H)
• Safely captures troublesome possums without injury
• Extremely simple baiting and operation
• Unfolds in minutes - no tools required
• Easy to bait, set and release
• Double-wire mesh surrounding bait area
• Super strong, spring action door
• Extra wide, shielded handle for safe moving of possum during transportation
• Made from durable galvanised wire for extra strength and corrosion resistance
  
  

INSTRUCTIONS TO ASSEMBLE THE POSSUM TRAP

The Possum Trap arrives ready for immediate use. Our focus is to provide you a way to catch, transport and release your possums, while keeping you and your unwanted possums safe. The most effective way to get rid of possums.

1. Remove the cable ties holding the possum trap closed.
2. Holding the handle on the top of the trap, slowly pull up the trap allowing it to fall into place to erect the basic shape of the possum trap.  The rear door should be pushed down and back at the rear of the trap.
3. Pull down the front set of 'U' shaped support arms and fix them into the fixing clips located on each side of the possum trap.  If you find the support arms do not stay firmly in the fixing clips, use your fingers or pliers to squeeze the fixing clips closed to secure the support arms.
4. The possum trap should now be ready to connect the trap-door to the foot plate using the long Trip Plate Rod on the inside of the trap.
5. The curled bottom end of the Trip Plate Rod should be connected to the Trip Plate.
6. The curled end of the Trip Plate Rod (if not already attached to the trip plate) should be inserted from underneath the trip plate in an upward direction and curled over in a clockwise direction.
7. Connect the U shaped end of the Trip Plate Rod to the door release mechanism at the front of the possum trap above the trap door.
8. Note: The end of the U shape should be facing downwards and should attach to the door release mechanism easily if the rod has been positioned correctly.
   
   

INSTRUCTIONS TO SET THE POSSUM TRAP

1. Place the trap on a flat even surface.  If possible place the Possum Trap against a wall or building or in a path commonly used by the animal.
2. The Possum Trap can be baited by opening the rear door and placing food about 2-3cm from the rear door.  Do not place bait on the trip plate.  Place the bait in a position that will force the animal to step on the Trip Plate.  Once the bait is set, the rear door can be closed and the wire lock (Small square 'U' shaped wire) can be inserted through the designated holes and door rings to ensure the door doesn't open.  The hook on the end of the lock should be hooked over the trap mesh to secure the lock.
3. Pull up the Possum Trap door by squeezing down the door lock frame with your thumb and at the same time pulling up the Possum Trap door using the door handle on the spring system.
4. Holding up the Possum Trap door with one hand, slide the trap door hook (J-hook mechanism) under the bar of the trap door to hold the trap door up in place.
5. The Possum Trap is now ready for use.
6. It is often beneficial to camouflage the Possum Trap with materials normally found in the trapping area such as vegetation, sack cloth, boxes etc.  If camouflaging / hiding the trap ensure materials do not interfere with the operation of the trap parts.
7. Check the Possum Trap regularly to ensure trapped animals are in good condition. TRAP SHOULD BE CHECKED REGULARLY FOR CAUGHT ANIMALS - AT LEAST ONCE A DAY

WARNING: PLEASE CONTACT THE RELEVANT AUTHORITY IN YOUR STATE FOR REGULATIONS REGARDING THE TRAPPING OF POSSUMS

A guide to the safe trapping of possums

Possums are a protected species in Australia and as such proper care should be taken when handling these animals. You should consult you local authority to familiarise yourself with the regulations for the trapping of possums in your state. You may be required to get a permit or licence before the trapping process can commence. Possums are highly territorial so you must be careful where you release the possum. Studies have shown that animals released into another possums territory can die due to stress, fighting and starvation.

Use of a humane, live catch possum trap will ensure you capture troublesome possums without hurting or killing them. Set up the possum trap in an area where the possum frequents such your house roof space. Make sure you use appropriate bait such as fruit, berries, vegetables, peanut butter which will attract the possum into the cage. An apple cut in half is a great lure for possums. Place the lure at the end of the trap so that the possum has to walk all the way in and step of the foot plate. This will release the spring activated front door and safely trap the possum inside.

Make sure you monitor the trap daily as once the possum is captured they will not be able to source food or water. Once you have captured the possum, move the trap to a quiet spot and cover until you are ready to release it. Make sure you use thick gloves or a long pole to prevent yourself from getting scratched. When releasing the possum point the cage in the direction you want the animal to run off into.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What material is the possum trap made from?
The Possum Trap is made from 3mm, galvanised, welded wire mesh. It is not powder coated and will not rust or corrode. It is built strong for regular outdoor use.

How heavy is the possum trap?
Our possum trap weighs only 3kg. So whilst it is strong and sturdy it is still lightweight and easy to handle.

What is the best bait to use to attract possums into the trap?
We have found the best bait to lure possums inside the trap is an apple cut in half. However there are many other suitable lures including pet food, other fruit and vegetables, etc. It is a good idea to fix the bait to the back of the cage so that the possum does not reach over and remove the bait without setting off the footplate.

Where should the trap be set up?
The possum trap should be set up on level surface. If the trap is being used in a roof space ensure the trap is stable and does not wobble. If there is too much movement in the trap the possum may be reluctant to walk in or the trap door may be released before the possum enters the trap.

How does the possum trap work?
Our possum traps have a footplate which the possum stands on to release the trap door. The footplate is located at the rear of the trap and is connected to the door release hook by a metal bar / rod. The possum enters the trap, walks to the back to get the bait / lure, and stands on the footplate which then releases the spring loaded door. The door then locks into the closed position so that the possum cannot get out. There is a reinforcing bar which wraps around the front of the trap near the door so that the possum cannot push the side of the trap out and squeeze around the door to get out.

How do I adjust the sensitivity of the door release mechanism / footplate?
The sensitivity of the door release / footplate is crucial to effective trapping. If it is too sensitive the door may be released before the possum has entered the trap by bumping into it. If it is too firm, then the possum may be able to remove the bait and leave the trap without releasing the trap door. To adjust the sensitivity of the door release you need to increase or decrease the slope on the L shaped hook which holds the door in the open position. This can be done with a pair of pliers. Increasing the slope will make it more sensitive. Decreasing the slope will make it firmer.

How do you release the possum from the trap?
The possum can be released via either end. We recommend releasing the possum through the front door as this is the easiest door to open. However, the back door also can be opened if desired.

Will the possum try and bite or scratch me?
Possums, when trapped or feeling threatened can become aggressive. As a result, these traps have a shield around the handle so that the user can lift and manoeuvre the trap without being at risk of injury from the trapped possum.

Where should I release the possum?
Possums are highly territorial so you must be careful where you release the possum. Studies have shown that animals released into another possum’s territory can die due to stress, fighting and starvation. Check with your local state authority for regulations regarding the trapping and releasing of possums.