How can I make a rat trap out of a barrel? - briefly
«Create a barrel trap by cutting the barrel in half, inserting a wooden plank as a lever, and positioning bait at the far end so that a rat entering the chamber tips the plank, causing the lid to close». Place the device near known activity and check regularly to remove captured rodents.
How can I make a rat trap out of a barrel? - in detail
A barrel can serve as an effective rodent snare when converted into a simple, gravity‑based trap. The design relies on a weighted lid that collapses when a mouse or rat pushes a trigger platform, causing the animal to fall into the container.
Materials required
- 55‑gallon steel or plastic barrel with a tight‑fitting lid
- Two sturdy wooden or metal planks (approximately 2 cm thick, 30 cm long)
- One length of 1‑inch steel rod or thick dowel (about 60 cm)
- Heavy metal weight (e.g., a concrete block or sandbag) to secure the lid
- Bait such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or meat scraps
- Drill with metal‑appropriate bits
- Screws, bolts, and washers
- Protective gloves and safety glasses
Construction steps 1. Cut a circular opening (≈15 cm diameter) near the top of the barrel wall, centered on the side opposite the hinge. The opening must be large enough for the rodent to enter but small enough to prevent escape. 2. Drill a matching hole in the lid directly above the opening; align both holes so the rod can pass through them. 3. Insert the steel rod through the lid hole, allowing it to protrude downward into the barrel interior. Secure the rod with a locknut, leaving a short free segment inside the barrel. 4. Attach one wooden plank to the inner end of the rod, forming a lever arm that rests on the barrel floor. The plank should be positioned so that its outer edge blocks the entry opening. 5. Mount the second plank on the exterior of the lid, hinged to the rod. This plank acts as the trigger; when pressure is applied, it pivots the rod, pulling the interior plank away from the opening. 6. Affix the heavy weight to the lid to keep it closed until the trigger is activated. Ensure the lid remains sealed during handling. 7. Place bait on the trigger plank, positioning it to entice the rodent onto the lever. When the animal steps onto the bait, its weight forces the trigger plank downward, rotating the rod and releasing the interior plank. The lid then opens, and the rodent falls into the barrel.
Operational tips
- Position the trap along known rodent pathways, near walls or along baseboards.
- Set the bait at the far edge of the trigger plank to maximize leverage.
- Check the trap at least twice daily; remove captured rodents promptly and seal the barrel before disposal.
- Wear gloves when handling the trap to avoid scent transfer that could deter future captures.
Safety considerations
- Verify that the barrel lid is securely fastened to prevent accidental opening.
- Ensure the trap is placed out of reach of children and non‑target pets.
- Use protective equipment while drilling and assembling metal components.
By following these instructions, a readily available barrel transforms into a reliable, low‑cost device for controlling rodent populations.