Can wax ( parrafin) purchased at the local store for canning be used for traps?

yes as far as I know. Just make sure the trap comes up to the same temp as the wax before taking it out.

Another cheaper source is the craft stores. Candle making wax comes in big slabs. I scored about 40 pounds for 5 bucks at a g-sale, so I'm set for quite a while. No smell issues with the yotes etc.

TLC...ya sure about that?

I aint doubting your word by any means, I just have a load of it if it will work ok. My niece was makin camdles for awhile and when she moved she had about 100lbs left. It is mine if I want it. Been scared to try it myself. But if ya say it is ok...I will try it Tuesday since I am waxin traps anyway.

If she had melted it once I would just try a couple and check for diggers. If it is virgin I would not hesitate to use it. Make sure you bring it to a good boil before adding traps. I believe bringing it to a boil will eliminate any odors it may have picked up. I also add a little wax ring to it to soften it some. When it is right it will feel slightly greasy when the trap is done, but it is actually dry.

Thanks Paul,


It is virgin, still in the 50lb. boxes and un-opened. I don't wax alot of my traps cause of smells, but do like to have a few for certain sets. If this stuff is safe, scent wise, I will do more. When ya say wax rings, ya mean Johnny rings?

Yes, it's safe to use. But, make sure it hasn't picked up any foreign odors. If it was stored with things that have strong odors, pass it up. If not, use it. I'd try a few first just to make sure, but see no reason it won't work. I store my extra wax in the wood pile. Only smells it can pick up is nature.

Candle wax is all I use and I have not had a trap dug up ever. I add some shaved/chopped up hardened pine sap to the pot. About a grape sized chunk to a 3 gallon pot of wax. Stir it while the rosin is melting.

I bring the wax up to just smoking and then back it down just a touch. Put the clean, dry, dyed trap in with a wire attached to the chain and let it cook until it stops bubbling. Lift it out, let it hang for a second or two over the pot and then jerk and jiggle it...away from the flame...so any excess splatters off. Hang them to cool. I store them in rubbermaid tubs that I line with fir boughs or whatever natural vegetation will be in my trapping area.
Works for me!!