I just dipped my traps in a sealed 5# block of wax. The wax is about 5 years old. It was stored in a garage with no insulation. So it’s been thru all the temperature changes etc. The wax is not leaving an actual “film” over the entire trap. It’s missing in spots. I don’t know what the temperature was of the wax but just shy of boiling. Is it due to the old wax? I’ve never had any issues like this. I left the traps in the wax for 5 minutes.

Thank you!

I should add I had about 10” of water in the pot as well.

I wouldn’t think wax would go bad, so I’m thinking there was something on your traps not letting the wax adhere to it properly. Just my two cents, I could be wrong……..

using water with wax is the problem. thousands of traps were done that way but its not the safest and most effective way to wax traps. you have to get the timing just right to get good coverage.

Use only wax in your pot and youll have better luck.

^^^This

Just the wax will give you a good coating.

X3 the water is the issue. I have used the same wax for 8 years, just add to it every year.

You guys were rite! Pure wax came out perfect. Thanks for the help guys!!

I heat my wax to 212 degrees, use a point and shoot thermometer. Add traps and allow for the wax to heat back to original temp. then pull them up give a little shake and hang them. If the traps are heated in this manner you get a perfect coat of wax. No water!

Western Wildlife Services

Scorch the wax and you will have diggers forever. Until you replace the wax anyway. A little water in bucket to first get the wax started melting will prevent scorching.

Or make a double boiler

My experience with double boiler: coating of wax ended up to thick. Only tried it once. Maybe I was missing something?

the water section needs to basiclally envelop your wax section

but if your using propane to heat your pot, you can control the temperature a lot better than over a fire so you reallly shouldnt scorch it

The trick is to start melting with a very small flame on the burner or you will scorch it. Once there is an inch or two of melted wax in the bottom you can turn the heat up some.

Last year I made the mistake of starting the burner with the lid on my wax pot and going inside for some issue with the dog. Stayed in the house too long and came out to a smoking mess. Had to dump the whole pot and buy all new wax. That was a costly mistake.