Trap Preparation 101: Simple Steps for Beginner Trappers
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Step 1: Degreasing New Traps
Step 2: Removing Rust from Used Traps
Step 3: Painting or Dyeing Traps
Step 4: Waxing Traps
For new trappers, trap preparation can feel overwhelming due to the wide variety of methods and products available. Some trappers even skip this critical step entirely—not realizing how important it is. This guide breaks down the process I personally use, step by step, to simplify it for beginners. While there are many ways to do it, don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your trapping style and conditions.
Step 1: Degreasing New Traps
When you purchase new traps, they come coated with oil from the manufacturing process. This oil prevents rust but has a noticeable scent that can spook predators and interfere with trap dye or paint adhesion. Removing this grease is your first step.
Degreasing Methods:
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Boiling in Soapy Water:
Fill a large pot with water, add a good squirt of Dawn dish soap, and boil the traps until the grease floats to the surface. -
Spray & Pressure Wash:
Spray traps with a degreaser and blast them clean using a pressure washer. -
Dishwasher (Use Caution!):
Place traps in your dishwasher and run a normal cycle. Make sure nobody important comes home while you're doing this—it can save your life.
Once degreased, hang your traps to dry. A light coat of surface rust is actually desirable, as it helps dye and paint stick better in the next steps.
STEP 2: Removing Rust From Used Traps
Used traps often come rusty and need a different treatment. To remove excessive rust:
Vinegar Soak Method:
- Mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water in a bucket.
- Submerge traps and let them soak for a couple of days.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward.
This process strips oil and rust, prepping your traps for the next stage.
Step 3: Painting or Dyeing Traps
If your traps are for raccoon or water sets, scent control isn’t as critical. Your main concern here is preventing rust .
PAINT METHOD (Water Traps)
Spray Painting:
- Use flat black or brown spray paint (Rustoleum brand is recommended).
- After each season, touch up any shiny or worn areas and you’re good to go.
This is a simple and effective method of trap preparation that will help maintain your gear year after year.
DYE METHOD (Predators)
When targeting canines like coyotes and foxes, scent control is vital . The classic dye-and-wax method is still one of the best.
What You’ll Need:
- Logwood dye (1 bag per 5 gallons of water)
- Large metal pot
- Turkey fryer burner or other heat source
- Clean water
Dyeing Instructions:
Fill your pot with enough water to submerge traps.
Bring to a boil, then add logwood dye.
For closed-jaw traps, insert a nail between jaws so dye can reach all areas.
Simmer traps in the solution for about an hour.
Remove and hang traps to dry.
STEP 4: Waxing Traps
Waxing protects traps from rust and makes them scent-free, crucial for predator trapping. DO NOT WAX BODYGRIP TRAPS.
Supplies Needed:
- Odorless trap wax (10 lbs is a good starter amount)
- Clean, scent-free metal pot
- Low heat source
- Wire for lowering traps into wax
Waxing Instructions:
Melt wax slowly over low heat (wax is flammable—don’t rush it).
Use wire to lower traps into the pot.
The traps will get a film of wax when submerged—leave them in until the film melts off and the trap matches the wax temperature.
Remove traps and let excess wax drip off.
Once dry, handle traps only with clean gloves to prevent scent contamination.
Tip:
Scrape wax off the tip of the dog and where the dog meets the pan. This prevents accidental firing while you’re bedding the trap—saving your face from a shower of dirt and your morale from taking a hit hit.
Prepared Trap hanging to Dry
