Remote Trap Monitoring: The Essential Tool in Your Arsenal
Remote Trap Monitoring: The Essential Tool in Your Arsenal
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By James Nase, Moyer Technical Service Manager
Over the past decade, remote trap monitoring has transformed how wildlife and pest control professionals operate. After working hands-on with these systems—from early testing to real-world application—I’ve seen how the right technology can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and eliminate guesswork.
Here’s what you need to know.
The Benefits of Remote Trap Monitoring
Early in my experience testing remote trap monitors, I noticed that animals like gray squirrels and groundhogs were often captured shortly after traps were set. In residential environments in particular, timing is critical—the sooner a capture is addressed, the better the outcome.
Modern remote monitoring systems eliminate guesswork. Unlike older systems that sent a single alert when a trap was triggered, today’s devices provide repeated notifications, confirming ongoing activity. This allows operators to know not just if a trap was triggered, but when.
For example, if I receive an alert at 2:00 AM, I can reasonably assume the capture is a nocturnal animal—such as a skunk, opossum, or raccoon—rather than a squirrel. That insight helps me arrive prepared for the situation.
Technology That Improves Efficiency
Advancements in technology have significantly improved the effectiveness of remote monitoring systems. The system I currently use with great success is the Skyhawk Kiwi Trapmate, paired with the Skyhawk CE mobile app.
This level of connectivity reduces manual checks and keeps technicians focused on confirmed activity.
Skyhawk Trapmate’s CE App is easy to use
Trapmate delivers real-time alerts and data, allowing users to monitor traps remotely and respond quickly when activity occurs. This reduces the need for manual checks, saving both time and labor costs.
In addition, built-in analytics provide insight into trapping patterns and effectiveness, helping professionals refine their strategies. With reliable performance and user-friendly features, Trapmate raises the bar for remote monitoring in the industry.
Easily mark trap locations
One-button sensitivity adjustment
Enter Texts and Emails
Choosing the Right Setup
Skyhawk offers two remote monitoring solutions: the Kiwi Trapmate and the Hub with Vibration/Magnet Sensors.
Single-Trap Monitoring
The Kiwi Trapmate is a standalone device that works with nearly any trap. I rely on it for single-trap setups to confirm captures and determine next steps. It’s especially effective on one-way doors, sending repeated alerts when an animal enters.
In one early test, I received a single alert with no follow-up. When I checked the site, I found a fallen branch had triggered the trap—not an animal. That experience reinforced the value of understanding alert patterns before reacting.
Multi-Trap Monitoring
For larger jobs, systems like the Hub with Vibration/Magnet Sensors allow you to monitor multiple traps at once.
I once worked on a complex warehouse project involving three levels and 40 mouse traps. With the Hub system, alerts directed technicians to the exact trap and floor where activity occurred. This eliminated the need to check every trap and significantly improved efficiency and job satisfaction.
I’ve also used this system for vole control, placing sensors on top of traps with magnets attached. Again, it allowed precise identification of triggered traps.
Magnet vs. Motion Detection
One of the most valuable features of the Kiwi Trapmate is its magnet-based alert system. When the magnet is pulled—indicating a trap has been triggered—you receive a specific “magnet removed” notification.
If the trap is bumped but the magnet remains in place, you’ll still get an alert, but it won’t indicate a confirmed capture. This distinction helps avoid unnecessary site visits, saving time, fuel, and labor.
The magnet system works across a variety of traps, including cage traps, Quell traps, and Conibear traps. And because the device doesn’t need to be mounted on the trap door, it can be placed almost anywhere on the trap.
Smarter Alerts = Fewer Wasted Trips
One of the biggest advantages of modern systems is how they distinguish between real captures and false triggers.
With magnet-based alerts:
- Magnet pulled = likely capture (requires action)
- Vibration only = disturbance (no immediate response needed)
This simple distinction can significantly cut down on unnecessary site visits—saving time, fuel, and labor.
The Real ROI of Remote Monitoring
Cost is always a key consideration. Beyond the upfront investment and any usage fees, it’s important to factor in operational savings.
How much are you spending on fuel to check empty traps?
How much time are technicians losing on unnecessary site visits?
How does inefficiency impact morale and job completion time?
Remote monitoring reduces wasted trips, improves technician morale, and helps resolve jobs faster. For my business, the Skyhawk system checks all the boxes—it’s battery-powered, easy to install, weatherproof, and highly reliable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering remote monitoring, I recommend researching multiple systems to find the best fit for your operation. The right solution can make a significant impact on efficiency and profitability.
I’m always happy to connect with others in the field. If you have questions about traps, sensors, or implementation, feel free to reach out at [email protected].
Happy Trapping!
James Nase
Moyer Technical Service Manager