Tool of the Trade: Catch Pole
Day in and day out, our standard way of catching raccoons is with live cage traps. We set them in good spots and wait for the racoons to go in them. It is very effective but can result in a few trips over a few days. It is fair to say that we catch most of our raccoons this way.
But, there is a tool that is in the truck that can quickly accomplish a raccoon removal without setting traps and waiting: that is the catch pole.
When a raccoon is visible and accessible, a catch pole gives Ryan the ability to accomplish the job quickly. He is able to capture the animal without waiting for it to come out of its lair.
The use of a catch pole for raccoon removal is very situational. But when the opportunity provides itself, the catch pole makes the removal job safe and quick.
And honestly, the change of pace and hands-on method is a bit exciting too.
Today, we’ll explain what a catch pole is and share a couple of videos (one recent, a couple older) so you can see it in action.
Ketch-All Brand Catch Pole
There are some different brands of catch pole out there, but we use the Ketch-All brand of catch poles.
For prices, instructions, types, and all kinds of information on them we recommend a visit to their website that link can be found here.
Looking at their site or the picture below (taken from their website) you can see that a catch pole is a metal pole with a locking cable that goes around the animal.
This is from the Ketch-All website
There are different lengths of poles based on how far the handler wants to stay away from the animal. The one used by Ryan in the video below is the four footer.
Catch poles work by placing the cable over the animal and pulling tight. A mechanism in the pole locks the cable when its pulled. This is what secures the animal. The handler then moves the animal from a safe distance.
When raccoons are captured, they are then placed in cages. Then the release is pulled and the cable comes free instantly giving the handler the ability to pull the pole out of the trap.
We aren’t paid advertisers but, we will tell you they work great.
They are great tools for a nuisance wildlife operator to have when an opportunity presents itself. Dog wardens most likely use theirs every day.
It is sometimes the go-to technique when wayward raccoons are in people’s homes are need out now!
Video of Catch Pole Use
At a recent inspection, Ryan happened upon a raccoon in a soffit. He could have set a trap and gotten it that night, but since he could see the raccoon and access it, he used the catch pole. It worked out well.
Here are a couple of older videos which also demonstrate use of the catch pole.
Raccoon Removal | Akron, Canton, Kent
For all of your raccoon trapping needs in the greater Akron/Canton/Kent area, please give Frontline Animal Removal a call.
We have the tools and ability to take care of all kinds of raccoon problems.
