Need help on stolen bait

[MDCAT]

I am setting a cage trap in a barn, baiting it with sardines and marshmallows.  Sardines are in a can behind the trigger with a marshmallow.  On the trigger is a marshmallow and in the middle of the trap.  Sometimes I put a marshmallow outside in front of the trap.  Something is eating the marshmallow in the middle of the trap and on the trigger and in front of the trap.  I'm seeing coon scat.  This has been going on all week and I'm running out of marshmallows.  What can I do to catch this critter?  desperately seeking help!  All inputs welcome. 

[GeneRector]

  Howdy!  I have one of those cage traps and I placed a small board on the trigger so that the coon coming in would have to walk on the board to get to the bait at the back of the cage.  When the coon puts pressure on the board, it pushes down the trigger catching the coon.  I caught several this way.  All I used was dry dog or cat food in a small bowl for bait.  Good luck!  Bet you catch him!  Always, Gene

[MDCAT]

Gene, I never thought of that.  Like I said when I joined this forum, I've been out of it for 25 years and just now getting back in and have forgotten a lot.  Will try the board trick, will let you know in a few days if it worked for me.  Thanks a lot!
Mike

[Bogmaster]

 When I use cage traps, all my bait is behind the trigger in the back of the trap.
 By putting bait anywhere else--you are already feeding them,why should they go for the stuff behind the trigger,when they have a free snack--without committing.
 Tom

[MDCAT]

Tom, thanks for the advice, good point!  I will start doing that.

Thanks again for all your help,
Mike

[RdFx]

MICE   clean out a box trap quickly if intended  quarry ( coon?)  doesnt get there first...

[wormbobskey]

Use a flakey type of fish in the back of the cage. The bait will fall apart and be harder for little critters to get it all before the coon get there. If coon only seem to be interested in the marshmellows than use them in the back of the cage and no where else. Strawberry or grape jelly also works well on coon that have a sweet tooth.

[BUCKDUSTER]

catch him yet?

[MDCAT]

Not yet, got to keep the mice out of the marshmallows.  Now I've got to set mousetraps, lol! 

[RdFx]

If you REALLY have a bad mouse problem stealing your bait .... take whatever bait you are using  and wrap or fold around bait window screen  (metal) and wire in rear of boxtrap or body grip  box......The smell  will still be there and your critter will  come in... plus if you throw some grass or shavings back there mice will crap in it and make more of a draw   ... doing that ive caught numerous large buck mink in my coon 160 body grip boxes and i attribute that to the screen and mice home set up... give it a try... you can wrap up   bakery., fish, meat or whaterver and the mice will be pissed and stay in area smelling up grass or shavings... good luck

[panman]

Try puttin an egg in the very back ot the trap.A coon will have to use both front feet to get a hole of it to eat.The mice wont bother the egg.pan.

[MDCAT]

panman, should the egg be raw, boiled or fried??  LOL!  Kidding aside, thanks for the tip; I will give it a try, I am game for anything.

[fishdaddy]

mice make good fox bait

[watershedman25]

Skunk too!