How can I catch a large rat at home? - briefly
Use sturdy snap‑type or electronic traps baited with peanut butter, cheese, or raw meat, positioning them along walls, near burrows, and in dark corners; check and replace traps daily. Seal all gaps, store food in sealed containers, and maintain a clean environment to prevent further incursions.
How can I catch a large rat at home? - in detail
A large rodent in a residence requires a systematic approach that combines exclusion, monitoring and capture.
First, eliminate entry points. Inspect walls, floors, ceilings and utility openings; seal gaps larger than 6 mm with steel wool, caulk or metal flashing. Reduce attractants by storing food in airtight containers, removing pet food after meals and disposing of garbage in sealed bins.
Second, select an appropriate trapping method. Options include:
- Snap traps: heavy‑duty, steel‑spring devices rated for 500 g+ rodents; position perpendicular to walls, trigger side facing the rodent’s travel route.
- Live‑catch cages: multi‑door models with a 3‑inch entrance; bait with high‑fat items such as peanut butter, bacon or canned fish.
- Electronic traps: battery‑ or plug‑in units delivering a rapid, humane shock; place on flat surfaces near activity signs.
Third, prepare bait. Use a small amount (approximately 0.5 cm³) of oily protein; avoid excessive quantities that may allow the animal to feed without triggering the mechanism. Apply bait to the trap’s trigger plate or cage entrance, ensuring it contacts the sensor or spring.
Fourth, deploy traps strategically. Identify runways by droppings, gnaw marks or grease trails; place traps perpendicular to these paths, 1–2 cm from the wall. Set multiple devices (3–5) to increase capture probability. Check traps daily, wearing gloves and a mask to prevent disease transmission.
Fifth, handle captured rodents. For snap traps, dispose of the carcass in a sealed plastic bag, place in an outdoor trash container and clean the area with a disinfectant solution (e.g., 10 % bleach). For live‑catch cages, release the animal at least 1 km from the residence, preferably in a wooded or agricultural area, following local wildlife regulations.
Finally, monitor for recurrence. Continue weekly inspections for new signs of activity for at least four weeks. If infestations persist, consider professional pest‑control services that can apply rodenticides or advanced exclusion techniques while complying with safety standards.