Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations I have a major Musk Rat problem....

I am going to try to build the floating trap this weekend. Not sure how much floatation it will require but I was thinking of using of using some old thin walled PVC pipe filled with spray foam insulation.

Bruce, a six foot muskrat? Next thing we know you will be telling us you shot one in mid air! :p

Or one that had a 5 ft great blue heron in its' grasp!

Dan, thanks for the plans. Simple concept.

Dave

Dan, Thanks for sending the plans! We're already building one.

Bruce

Good Luck, guys. I've only got 1 working trap, the others need the wood replaced or other maintenance, but I got 4 Monday, 2 Wednesday and 1 last night. Prolific little rascals.

Meadowlark is building a larger version and is going to try it on Nutria. I'm sure he will report any success he has.

Another tip you might consider, (IF- your pond is away from the house or you don't mind) I made a bunch of open top baskets out of the same wire cage material that I hang from posts in 4 or 5 feet of water. I whack the dead critter with a large machette and dump the carcass in the basket. Nature and the flies do the rest and soon there are little white wiggly protien morsels dropping into the pond. I did add piece of plywood to keep the sun and birds off the rotting carcass. Woodchucks, road kill, anything that will rot works. Not sure about armadillo......

Dan

Dan:

Around here they call that contraption a "Maggot Box." I have considered using one if I ever have a second pond that I don't swim in. Please let us know if you find a downside to using it.

Hello All,

Dan and Bruce, thank you very much for the plans. I have finally got the thing built. I used a $12 pre-made colony trap that I purchased online for the top, then fabricated a box underneath and stapled hardware cloth for the bottom cage. I attached some foam for additional floatation at each end.

I was not sure on the length needed for the dive hole tube. I made this 1/2 the depth of the under cage (6 in). I am ready to try my luck this weekend. Everyone has said apples are the ticket. I also have some "muskrat wacker" lure that I plan on using.

Update you all in a couple weeks.

Thanks Again

Dan, is there any chance of emailing me a set of the plans, or is your eamil still down?

Duke,

I sent you a e-mail back on March 31st. and one yesterday. It's the scanner that is giving me problems, (probably operator error) but if you send me a mailing address I would be happy to send you a paper copy.

Dan