If you do a lot of trapping, you'll like this remote trap monitor that calls you as soon as an animal is caught.

The WCS Tele-Trap Notifier uses a cell phone to notify you right away when a trap has been triggered. It can be installed on virtually any trap equipped with a door.

"It's geared to professional pest control firms, but anyone can use it. It comes in handy for hard-to-reach or remote locations," says Dan Bouchard, Wildlife Control Supplies, East Granby, Conn.

The unit measures 8 in. long by 6 in. wide by 3 in. high and clips onto the top of the trap. It comes with an internal cell phone and a plastic tab that's attached to one end of a wire; the other end of the wire attaches to the trap's door. When the trap's door closes, the tab is dislodged from an electrical contact. The unit then "wakes up" and dials whatever number you've programmed it to call. It takes less than 1 1/2 min. from the time the animal is trapped for the call to be made. As a backup, 5 min. later a second call is made, as a reminder if the first call isn't acknowledged.

"It really comes in handy for anyone who doesn't want an animal inside a trap for too long, such as when trapping in public areas," says Bouchard. "A prepaid TracFone cell phone is used so there's no monthly service fee. You only pay for the minutes that are actually used."