Booby traps are an effective first line of defense, so here are some of our favorite homemade traps guaranteed to kick the enemy’s ass when SHTF!
RELATED: 4 Tips To Become A Better Trapper | Learning Trapping Basics
Kickass Booby Traps for You and Your Homestead’s Defense
1. Tripwire
Use this method to keep intruders from entering a certain area. A tripwire is a wire or cord stretched close to the ground and attached to an explosive or an alarm.
Remember when Little Kevin, in the film Home Alone, had to come up with some creative and innovative homemade traps in the house to fight off burglars?
The tripwire was one of the common booby traps our little hero used, and it proves to be one of the most basic yet effective forms of security system you can make.
Have you heard about Mosul, Iraq? Iraqi forces are currently clearing hundreds or even thousands of booby traps placed by Islamic State Militants.
It just shows how effective it is, even after the insurgent’s defeat.
I’ve learned the hard way that using standard paracord for a tripwire is a rookie mistake because it sticks out like a sore thumb. I switched to this ultra-thin, moss-green braided line because it’s virtually invisible in the leaves but strong enough to trigger an alarm every single time:
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2. Feather Spear Trap
Ideal for keeping wild hogs out, this lethal trap is very easy to make and is one of the earliest forms of traps. The feather spear trap is effective against wild hogs — easy to make but very lethal, indeed.
What Is Feather Spear Trap? It is a complex but primitive type of trap characterized by wooden spears attached to a piece of fixed wood and a wire, which serves as the tripping device.
These are easy traps to make in the woods, as well. In fact, our ancestors used these for hunting wild animals and to protect their land from invaders ideally placed on trails.
If you watched the movie Apocalypto, you’ll see one of these. On that note, these flicks serve as a great reminder that you can use just about any home and personal security if you put your mind to it.
3. Paracord Snare Trap
One of the simplest forms of traps, this is an effective tool often used for catching and harvesting small games or furbearers. In fact, the snare trap catches an animal around its neck or the body simply with a cord.
Though it may be illegal in some states, it is reliable in a desperate survival situation. Thus, having the skill to make one of these is good leverage for every survivalist.
A snare trap is only as good as the cordage you use, and I’ve found that cheap imitation paracord just isn’t worth the risk. I always carry a few hundred feet of the real stuff because it works for traps, shelters, and everything in between. This is my go-to brand:
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4. Corn Flour Explosive
This DIY explosive sets up by spraying corn flour on the flames of a candle kept inside a tin can. This will result in an explosion because of the rapid combustion.
The reaction of this explosive device shows the change of the chemical energy stored in the cornflour into heat. It is simple science, but it can be handy in a survival situation, too.
RELATED: Sneaky Hunting Traps For The Stealthy Hunter
5. Slow Burning Fuse
This slow-burning fuse, made with common household items buys you time to hide the device before it explodes. You can also create an explosive time delay with some items you can find inside the house.
With a slow burning fuse, you can hide first, then fire the trap from a safe distance. Of course, it seems like straight out of a Roadrunner cartoon show but hey, they are based on real-life scenes, too.
6. Punji Traps/Stake Pit
Punji stakes are traditionally made with bamboo, but wooden baseboards can also be used. They are sharpened, fire-hardened pieces of bamboo, sharp enough to easily penetrate a soldier’s thick boot.
Additionally, enzymes or poison lace the end of the stakes to cause infection. Punji traps can absolutely result in serious injuries or even fatalities, especially a side closing punji trap.
7. Talking Booby Trap
Deter intruders with this sneaky talking booby trap. It is made with a simple recording module and common household items such as a clothespin.
If you’re looking for a way to catch those culprits or “sneaky snoops,” then this talking booty trap project is definitely a must-try. This firing device will then prevent them from stealing your stuff!
8. Explosion Simulator
Drive thieves away with this explosion simulator created with a modified sprinkler valve. Intruders won’t know what hit them if they try to break into your home or your bug-out location.
This project may be just a simulator, but it can be a very reliable and kick-ass booby trap if it’s done right. In fact, the explosion can cause serious damage to intruders.
Consider it like anti-personnel mines. The fire that will come out of this simulator will drive those sneaky thieves away.
In this age or time where our society is quickly heading into lawlessness, you can never be too sure, indeed. These homemade traps then can be a delaying tactic, harassment, or even pin down the enemy if set up perfectly.
So don’t let your guard down, and protect your home and your family with these booby traps!
What do you think of these kickass booby traps? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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DISCLAIMER: The booby traps shown below are DANGEROUS and ILLEGAL in most countries. This article is for informational purposes only. Survival Life is not responsible for what you do with this information.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on April 10, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
QUICK POLL: Are homemade booby traps a genius SHTF defense strategy, or a felony charge waiting to happen?
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