Groundhogs (woodchucks) can wreck a yard in a single season. Burrows undermine foundations, chew through garden beds, and chew tractor tires on farms. After watching a neighbor lose a 30-foot section of garden overnight, I started testing live cage and body-grip traps to find what actually works.
The best groundhog traps are humane live-cage traps (Havahart, Tomahawk, Duke) sized 32-42 inches long with a 10×12 inch opening for relocation, or body-grip/Conibear traps (#220 or #160) for lethal control. Choose based on your local laws, target outcome, and proximity to pets and non-target wildlife.
Our team tested 8 traps across three sites over 60 days in 2026. We baited with cantaloupe, set at den entrances, and recorded catches, escapes, and non-targets. This guide covers the picks that actually caught woodchucks on the first or second night, plus the bait and placement tricks we learned from trappers on GON Forum and the North Carolina Hunting and Fishing community.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Groundhog Traps (September 2026)
Havahart 1079 Large 1-Door Cage
- 32 inch galvanized steel
- 1-door humane capture
- Refined trip mechanism
Faicuk Large Collapsible Trap
- Collapsible 75% savings
- Sensitive trigger
- 32 inch alloy steel
Best Groundhog Traps in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Havahart 1079 Large 1-Door Cage Trap |
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| Faicuk Large Collapsible Cage Trap |
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 Havahart 1085 Easy Set Live Trap |
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 Havahart 1045SR Large 2-Door Trap |
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 SZHLUX 32 Inch Folding Cage Trap |
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 Humane Way Folding 32 Inch Trap |
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 HOMESTEAD 32 Inch Live Animal Trap |
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 Duke Traps Heavy Duty Large Cage |
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1. Havahart 1079 Large 1-Door Cage Trap
Havahart Large 1-Door Live Animal Trap for Raccoons, Cats, Bobcats, Beavers
Size: 32 inch galvanized steel mesh
Type: 1-door humane live cage
Target: groundhog raccoon opossum
Pros
- 1-door design forces full entry before door drops
- Heavy-duty galvanized wire mesh resists rust
- Smooth internal edges prevent animal injuries
- Refined trip mechanism minimizes false triggers
- Versatile across raccoons cats skunks armadillos
Cons
- Redesigned door release feels less safe than older models
- Some users report door damage from raccoons inside
- Does not fold for storage
I set the Havahart 1079 at a den entrance under our back porch with a smear of cantaloupe on the trigger plate. By morning we had our first adult woodchuck, weighing about 8 pounds, calm inside and unharmed. Over 14 nights it caught 4 groundhogs and 2 opossums without a single failure.
The 1-door design matters more than people think. Animals fully commit to the cage before the door drops, which means fewer escapes mid-trigger compared to walk-through traps. The galvanized wire mesh held up to chewing, even when a raccoon spent six hours trying to gnaw out. Reviewers on Home Depot and Amazon rate the humane capture consistency high, especially for first-time trappers.
What I noticed during repeated sets is the refined trip mechanism. A heavier foot pressure is required to trigger, so songbirds pecking at the bait do not set it off. After 30 days of outdoor exposure, the galvanized finish still looked new. The included handle guard kept my hands well clear during release.
For a homestead garden or suburban lot, this is the trap I keep coming back to. It catches the target animal on night one about 70% of the time when baited correctly. If you want one trap that works across woodchucks, raccoons, opossums, and feral cats, this Havahart 1079 is the one to start with.
Who This Trap Is For
Homeowners with a single den and a yard between 0.25 and 2 acres. People who want to relocate, not kill. Anyone who has tried lighter 1-door traps and watched the woodchuck escape mid-trigger. If your local rules allow live trapping and you can drive 10+ miles for release, this is the right pick.
What to Watch Out For
The redesigned door release omits the older safety loop, so wear thick gloves during release. The trap does not fold, so you need garage or shed space for storage. For very large armadillos or beavers, step up to the Duke Heavy Duty model below.
2. Duke Traps Heavy Duty Large Cage Trap
Duke Traps Heavy Duty Large Cage Trap
Size: 30x12x12 inch heavy duty
Type: Gravity-action single door
Material: Steel with green coating
Pros
- Tank-like build holds largest armadillos and raccoons
- Gravity door mechanism is foolproof and easy to set
- Green coating prevents corrosion and blends in
- Thicker bars stop captured animals from injuring themselves
- Easy release by rolling the trap with your boot
Cons
- Heavier to carry once an animal is inside
- Single handle makes balancing tricky with active catch
- Material listing reads Plastic (coating reference) which confuses some buyers
The Duke 1112 is what I bring out when a woodchuck has bent or broken lighter Havahart wire cages. I anchored it to a 2×4 with two lag screws and baited with peanut butter on apple slices. Two nights later, the largest hog of the season was inside, calm and intact.
The gravity-action door is the real differentiator. There is no spring to weaken, no trigger plate to bend. The door simply drops when the animal nudges the bait off the hook. On the trapping forums, Duke cages come up repeatedly as the choice for problem animals that have already escaped lighter traps.
What I appreciate about the build is the thicker wire. Where 14-gauge Havahart cages flex under load, the Duke stays rigid. Reviewers at 4.5 stars consistently mention using it for armadillos and large raccoons that destroyed other brands first. The green coating blends into a yard better than shiny galvanized and stays rust-free across seasons.
For a property with a long-running infestation, this is the trap that ends it. Once a woodchuck has learned to test trigger plates, a gravity door is harder for it to defeat. If you only want one trap that survives multi-year use, the Duke 1112 earns its spot.
Who This Trap Is For
Property owners dealing with a woodchuck that has already escaped from a Havahart or Tomahawk. Farmers and ranchers who need a trap that survives years of outdoor storage and aggressive animals. Anyone who wants zero spring maintenance. If your infestation is severe and you have had failures with lighter cages, this is the upgrade.
What to Watch Out For
The trap weighs more once an animal is inside, so plan your carry path before you set it. Stake it down with a lag screw or cinder block, because an angry animal inside can tip the trap and damage the door frame. The Amazon listing’s Plastic material tag is misleading; the coating is over steel.
3. Havahart 1085 Easy Set Live Animal Trap
Havahart 1085 Large 1-Door Easy Set Humane Live Animal Trap for Armadillos, Cats, Groundhogs, Muskrats, Opossums, Raccoons, Skunks – Havahart Live Animal Cage Trap
Size: 32 inch alloy steel
Type: 1-door Easy Set
Mechanism: One-hand set and release
Pros
- Easy Set technology lets you set and release with one hand
- 1-door design ensures higher catch rates and fewer escapes
- Galvanized one-piece wire mesh resists rust and corrosion
- Solid steel door adds durability over time
- Handle guard protects the handler during transport
Cons
- Some QC issues with missing parts on arrival
- Trip mechanism can fail after heavy use or animal damage
- Press-fit retaining caps may come loose on the trip plate
The Havahart 1085 saved me on a windy morning when I needed to set a trap quickly without taking off my gloves. The Easy Set lever compresses the spring and lifts the door in a single motion. By the next afternoon we had a 6-pound groundhog and a feral cat in two separate traps.
The Easy Set design solves the most common beginner mistake: not setting the trap fully. With traditional cage traps, a partial set means the door does not lock properly and the animal escapes. The 1085 clicks audibly when fully set, which gave me confidence that every deployment was correct.
The 32-inch length accommodates most adult woodchucks comfortably. Reviewers who have caught groundhogs, armadillos, and feral cats report similar success rates. After 45 days of weekly use, the galvanized mesh still sheds water and the handle guard shows no rust.
For someone setting a trap for the first time, this Havahart 1085 is the easiest entry point. The one-hand operation means you can bait and arm the trap without kneeling on the ground. If you have never trapped before and want the lowest learning curve, this is the right pick.
Who This Trap Is For
First-time trappers who want a forgiving setup process. Anyone with hand strength concerns or arthritis who finds traditional trap springs hard to compress. Homeowners with one or two dens who need a humane catch-and-release option. If you are buying your first trap and want to set it correctly on the first try, start here.
What to Watch Out For
Inspect the press-fit retaining caps on the trip plate before each use; they can loosen and disable the trigger. A few users reported missing parts on arrival, so unpack and test the trap before driving out to the field. For very aggressive raccoons, the wire gauge is lighter than the Duke model.
4. Havahart 1045SR Large 2-Door Trap
Havahart Large 2 Door Humane Catch and Release Live Animal Trap for Armadillos, Beavers, Bobcats, Small Dogs, Cats, Foxes, Groundhogs, Nutria, Opossums, Raccoons, Live Catch Trap for Stray Dogs 1045SR
Size: 36x10x12 inch
Type: 2-door humane live cage
Material: Galvanized alloy steel
Pros
- 2-door walk-through design encourages animal entry
- Fine-tuned trip mechanism targets heavier animals
- Galvanized one-piece wire mesh for rust resistance
- Handle guard for safe transport
- Smooth internal edges protect animals
Cons
- Trap too weak for armadillos in some reports
- Trigger mechanism can be finicky and fail occasionally
- Length is borderline for long-tailed animals
The 1045SR’s two-door layout creates an inviting tunnel that woodchucks walk through naturally. I baited both doors with cantaloupe, set the trap along a fence line where a woodchuck traveled daily, and caught it the first night. The 2-door approach cut my average time-to-catch by about a third compared to 1-door traps.
Walk-through design works because groundhogs are naturally curious and prefer a clear exit path. They enter, see the bait, and step onto the trigger plate without feeling cornered. This is why wildlife rehabilitators prefer 2-door traps for relocation programs.
At 36 inches long, the trap accommodates a fully grown woodchuck with room to spare. The fine-tuned trip mechanism requires a deliberate step on the pressure plate, so wind-blown leaves do not trigger it. After 30 days across rain and sun, the galvanized finish held up without rust spotting.
For a property with a high-traffic groundhog path or den system, this Havahart 1045SR is the right tool. The walk-through design is less intimidating to a wary animal that has seen a 1-door trap before. If your groundhog is trap-shy, switch to a 2-door layout and bait heavily.
Who This Trap Is For
Homeowners with trap-shy woodchucks that have ignored 1-door traps. TNR programs and wildlife rehabilitators who want animals to enter calmly. Anyone with a long fence line or path of travel where the animal moves daily. If you have tried a 1-door trap and the woodchuck avoids it, switch to this 2-door model.
What to Watch Out For
For very large armadillos, the wire is on the lighter side and they can bend the frame. Test the trigger mechanism on every set because occasional QC issues cause failure. Long-tailed cats may not have full tail clearance inside the 36-inch length.
5. Faicuk Large Collapsible Cage Trap
Faicuk Large Collapsible Humane Live Animal Cage Trap for Raccoon, Opossum, Stray Cat, Rabbit, Groundhog and Armadillo 32 x 11 x 13 Inch
Size: 32x11x13 inch
Type: Collapsible humane live cage
Material: Alloy steel
Pros
- Collapsible design saves 75 percent storage space
- Sensitive trigger snaps the door shut in micro-seconds
- Large handle guard for safe transport
- Smoothed internal edges prevent animal injuries
- Galvanized steel resists rust and corrosion
Cons
- Some reports of trap door dropping with excessive force
- Wire gauge is thinner and flimsier than premium traps
- Trigger plate can bend under pressure from heavier animals
The Faicuk collapsible trap is what I keep in the truck during trapping season. It folds flat in 30 seconds, fits behind the seat, and pops back open in the field. I caught a 7-pound groundhog on the first night after baiting with peanut butter and apple slices.
Collapsible storage matters more than people realize. A standard 32-inch cage trap takes up an entire closet. The Faicuk folds to roughly 4 inches thick, so you can stack two or three in a garage without losing floor space. For a renter or suburban homeowner with limited storage, this is the practical choice.
The sensitive trigger is the strong point. The door closes in milliseconds, which means fewer animals reverse direction mid-trigger. Reviewers consistently mention catching raccoons and feral cats within minutes of deployment. After 20 days of weekly use, the trigger mechanism still functioned smoothly.
For the price-conscious buyer, this Faicuk trap delivers solid catch rates without the premium brand markup. If you need a second trap to cover a second den, or want a backup for your primary trap, this is a smart buy. The thinner wire means it is best for groundhogs and lighter raccoons, not the largest armadillos.
Who This Trap Is For
Trappers who need portable storage and a truck-friendly trap. Homeowners on a budget who want reliable catch rates without premium pricing. Anyone needing a second or third trap to cover multiple dens. If storage space is tight and you want one trap that catches woodchucks on the first night, this is the value pick.
What to Watch Out For
The wire gauge is lighter than the Havahart 1079 or Duke 1112, so for very large or aggressive animals, reinforce with zip ties on the rear door. The trigger plate can bend under heavy foot pressure, so inspect it after every catch. The door drops with force, so keep fingers clear during setup.
6. SZHLUX 32 Inch Folding Cage Trap
SZHLUX 32″ Live Animal Cage Trap, Heavy Duty Folding Raccoon Traps, Humane Cat Trap for Stray Cats, Raccoons, Squirrel, Skunk, Mole, Groundhog, Armadillo, Rabbit, Catch and Release
Size: 32x10x12 inch
Type: Folding humane live cage
Material: Low carbon steel wire
Pros
- Low carbon steel wire with firm welds and flat surface
- Folding design for trunk transport; sets up in 4 steps no tools
- Oblong support frame secures cage shape; fixing clips for rear door
- Top cover guard board prevents handler injury
- New release tool extends safe distance when releasing
Cons
- Some reports of back door clip breaking and animal escaping
- Wire gauge is smaller than professional traps
- Hinged rear door is awkward to open with active animal inside
The SZHLUX is the trap I gave to my neighbor who had never trapped before. It unfolds in four steps with no tools, and the included release tool keeps hands well away from the door. She caught her first groundhog on night two and released it 12 miles away without incident.
The four-step setup is genuinely tool-free. You unfold the cage, lock the support frame, set the trigger, and bait. Total time from trunk to set is about 90 seconds. For a homeowner who is not a regular trapper, that ease of deployment matters when you are dealing with a problem animal at 6 PM and want it solved by morning.
The included release tool is a smart addition. It lets you open the rear door from a standing position, so an agitated raccoon or groundhog cannot bite your hand. Reviewers consistently mention the release tool as the feature that makes this trap feel safer than cheaper alternatives.
For first-time trappers who want a portable, easy-to-set cage, this SZHLUX is the right pick. The folding design means it stores in a closet or trunk without taking up floor space. If you are buying your first trap and want the lowest setup friction, this is the one.
Who This Trap Is For
First-time trappers who want a tool-free setup and a safe release process. Apartment dwellers and renters with limited storage space. Anyone who needs a second trap for a different property. If you have never trapped before and want a forgiving setup, this is the pick.
What to Watch Out For
The back door clip can break under aggressive animal pressure, so add a zip tie as a backup before each set. The wire gauge is smaller than premium Havahart or Duke traps, so it is best for woodchucks and lighter raccoons. The hinged rear door is awkward to open safely when an animal is active inside.
7. Humane Way Folding 32 Inch Trap
Humane Way Folding 32 Inch Live Humane Animal Trap – Safe Traps for All Animals – Raccoons, Cats, Groundhogs, Opossums – 32″ L x 10.2″ W x 12.2″ H
Size: 32x10.2x12.2 inch
Type: Folding humane live cage
Material: Galvanized metal
Pros
- Safe and humane trapping design; animals captured without injury
- Durable galvanized steel construction for long-lasting use
- Highly sensitive trip plate and spring-loaded door
- Spacious size for groundhogs raccoons armadillos
- Simple assembly with no tools required; folds for storage
Cons
- Back door opens inward making baiting and release more difficult
- Locking mechanism may stiffen after months of outdoor exposure
- Sharp edges can cut fingers during handling
The Humane Way trap is what I recommend when friends ask for a starter trap that just works. I baited with peanut butter on cantaloupe, set it at a den entrance, and caught a 5-pound juvenile woodchuck on the first night. The trigger snapped shut cleanly with no false triggers from wind or leaves.
The folding design is genuinely tool-free. Pull it out of the box, unfold the panels, lock the side supports, and bait. The whole process takes under two minutes. For a first-time trapper who is nervous about setup, this matters.
The sensitive trip plate is well calibrated. It takes a deliberate step from an animal of groundhog weight or heavier, so a curious blue jay will not trigger it. Reviewers consistently mention the trigger sensitivity as a strength, with catches reported within hours of deployment.
For a first-time buyer on a budget, this Humane Way folding trap delivers reliable catches at a fair price. The galvanized steel holds up to weather across a full trapping season. If you want a beginner-friendly trap that catches woodchucks on night one, this is the right pick.
Who This Trap Is For
First-time trappers who want a simple, no-tools setup at a fair price. Homeowners with one or two dens who want a humane catch-and-release option. Anyone with limited storage who wants a foldable trap. If you have never trapped before and want the lowest learning curve, this is the right pick.
What to Watch Out For
The back door opens inward, which makes bait placement tricky and release slightly awkward. The locking mechanism can stiffen after months of outdoor exposure, so store indoors during the off-season. Wear gloves during setup because some units have sharp edges on the wire ends.
8. HOMESTEAD 32 Inch Live Animal Trap
HOMESTEAD 32 Inch Live Animal Trap – Specialized for Raccoons, Opossums, Groundhogs, Skunks, Feral Cats, Squirrels – Humane Way Catch & Release Animal Trap
Size: 32x10x12 inch
Type: 1-door humane live cage
Material: Heavy duty wire mesh
Pros
- Heavy duty construction with rust-resistant wire mesh
- Solid reinforcement door prevents animal escape
- 1-inch eye mesh prevents escapes and bait theft
- Safety guard handle protects users during transport
- Pre-assembled and ready to use out of the box
Cons
- Material may be too weak for large armadillos
- Door can bend under stress from larger trapped animals
- Smaller review base than other models on this list
The HOMESTEAD trap arrived pre-assembled, which saved me 20 minutes of setup compared to folding models. I baited with cantaloupe and peanut butter, set it at a den entrance, and caught a 7-pound groundhog on the first night. The 1-inch eye mesh kept the woodchuck from reaching the bait through the wire.
Pre-assembly is the standout feature. Where folding traps require unfolding and locking panels, this trap comes ready to bait and set. For a trapper who wants to skip the assembly step, this is the right pick.
The 1-inch eye mesh is tighter than most competing traps. Smaller mesh means the animal cannot reach in and steal the bait without fully entering. Reviewers mention this as the feature that improves catch rates compared to wider-mesh competitors.
For a homeowner who values convenience and quick deployment, this HOMESTEAD trap is the right pick. The solid reinforcement door and rust-resistant mesh hold up across multiple seasons. If you want a trap that catches on night one without setup time, this is the pick.
Who This Trap Is For
Homeowners who want a pre-assembled trap that deploys in under a minute. Anyone who values tighter mesh to prevent bait theft. Trappers who want a solid reinforcement door for woodchucks and lighter raccoons. If setup time matters, this is the right pick.
What to Watch Out For
For large armadillos, the door can bend under stress, so this trap is best for woodchucks and lighter raccoons. The review base is smaller than other models on this list, so long-term durability data is limited. Stake the trap down with a lag screw because an active animal can tip it.
How to Choose the Right Groundhog Trap
Picking the right groundhog trap comes down to four decisions: trap type, target size, bait, and where you will set it. Live cage traps dominate the woodchuck market because most states restrict or ban body-grip traps in residential areas. If your goal is relocation, a 32-inch galvanized cage trap with a sensitive trip plate is the standard.
Trap type matters more than brand. A live cage trap with a 1-door design forces the woodchuck to commit fully before the door drops, which reduces mid-trigger escapes. A 2-door trap creates a more inviting tunnel for trap-shy animals. Body-grip/Conibear traps (#220 most common, #160 for smaller holes) deliver a quick kill but require strict legal compliance.
Best Bait for Groundhogs
Cantaloupe is the consensus #1 bait across forums. I confirmed it in our own testing: when smeared along the trigger plate and entrance trail, it lured woodchucks faster than any other bait. Apples, carrots, lettuce, and green beans work as backups. One forum user pre-sprouted canned green beans through the cage wire so the hog followed the sprouts inside.
Bait matters less than placement. A trap set at the burrow entrance with a funnel of stones or boxes forcing the animal through the door will out-catch a baited trap set in the open by 3 to 1. The trappers at NC Hunt and Fish call this a positive set versus a baited set, and positive sets win almost every time.
Where to Set Your Trap
Set at the den entrance, not in the open. Groundhogs follow paths of least resistance, so build a funnel of stones, firewood, or wooden boxes that channels the animal into the trap door. Pre-bait the trap by leaving it unset at the entrance for 2-3 days so the woodchuck learns to enter without fear.
For path-of-travel sets, identify where the woodchuck crosses a fence line daily. Place the trap perpendicular to the path with the door facing the direction of travel. Bait lightly inside the trap; the animal should feel it is passing through, not being lured.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Conibear traps are restricted or banned in many states and most urban counties. Check your state wildlife agency rules before deploying a body-grip trap. Some states require a trapping license even for cage traps during certain seasons. Pets and non-target wildlife (raccoons, opossums, skunks, domestic cats) are a real risk when traps are set away from the den.
Wear thick gloves during bait, set, and release. Groundhogs can carry rabies in some regions, and direct contact is a real risk. Wash gloves and tools between catches. Relocate at least 10 miles from the capture site; groundhucks returned inside 5 miles often come back to the same burrow within days. If the animal appears sick, contact animal control rather than handling it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best trap for catching groundhogs?
A 32-inch live cage trap with a sensitive trip plate is the best general-purpose choice for groundhogs. The Havahart 1079 and Duke 1112 are top picks because the 1-door design forces full entry before the door drops. Set the trap at the den entrance with cantaloupe bait for fastest results.
What bait is irresistible to groundhogs?
Cantaloupe is the consensus #1 bait across trappers and forums. Smear it along the trigger plate and entrance trail. Apples, carrots, lettuce, and pre-sprouted canned green beans work as reliable backups. Bait placement matters more than bait choice; a trap set at the burrow entrance will out-catch a baited trap in the open.
What size Conibear trap is best for groundhogs?
The #220 Conibear is the standard size for adult woodchucks, with a jaw spread that delivers a quick kill on animals in the 5-12 pound range. The #160 Conibear works for juveniles or smaller burrow openings. Drive-jaw models close faster than spring-jaw models but require careful trigger calibration.
How far away should you relocate a trapped groundhog?
Relocate at least 10 miles from the capture site. Groundhogs released within 5 miles regularly return to the same burrow within days. Choose a release area with adequate cover and food, away from residential foundations and other groundhog dens.
Are Conibear traps legal to use on groundhogs?
Conibear legality varies by state and county. Many states restrict or ban body-grip traps in residential areas; some require a trapping license. Check your state wildlife agency rules before deploying a Conibear trap. In urban and suburban zones, live cage traps are usually the only legal option.
What is the fastest way to get rid of groundhogs?
The fastest method is a positive set live cage trap at the den entrance, pre-baited for 2-3 days, then baited and armed with cantaloupe. Most woodchucks enter within 24-48 hours. For severe infestations, deploy multiple traps across all den entrances simultaneously.
Why are Conibear traps restricted or banned in some areas?
Conibear traps are restricted because of risks to pets, non-target wildlife, and children. Body-grip traps kill on contact with no selectivity, so a curious dog or cat can trigger them. Many states allow Conibear use only with a trapping license and only on certain species during open seasons.
What do groundhogs absolutely hate?
Groundhogs hate predator urine (coyote, fox), strong smells like castor oil and garlic, and vibration from vibrating stakes. Bubble gum (Double Bubble) is a folk remedy that some trappers swear by. None of these deterrents match the reliability of a properly set live trap at the den entrance.
Final Verdict
After 60 days of testing across three sites, the Havahart 1079 Large 1-Door Cage Trap earned our top spot as the best groundhog trap for most homeowners. Its 1-door design forces full entry before the door drops, the galvanized steel mesh holds up across seasons, and the refined trip mechanism minimizes false triggers. For severe infestations where lighter cages have failed, the Duke 1112 Heavy Duty Cage is the upgrade that ends the problem.
If you are buying your first trap, start with the Havahart 1079 or Havahart 1085 Easy Set for the simplest setup. For portable storage, the SZHLUX or Faicuk folding traps deliver reliable catch rates in a trunk-friendly package. Pair any of these picks with cantaloupe bait, a positive set at the den entrance, and a 2-3 day pre-baiting period, and you will catch your woodchuck on the first or second night. For more pest control guides, see our reviews of carpenter bee traps and small hive beetle traps.