How can you catch a rat using a bottle? - briefly
Place attractive bait at the bottom of a clear bottle, set the bottle on its side, and attach a narrow funnel or inverted funnel made from cardboard so the rat can enter but cannot climb out; once inside, seal the opening. This simple trap relies on the rat’s curiosity and the bottle’s smooth interior to prevent escape.
How can you catch a rat using a bottle? - in detail
To trap a rodent with a bottle, follow these precise steps.
Materials
- Transparent plastic or glass bottle, 1‑2 L capacity, with a wide mouth.
- Small piece of fruit, peanut butter, or meat as bait.
- Sticky tape or a rubber band.
- Thin wire or string for a trigger mechanism.
- Gloves for handling.
Preparation
- Remove the bottle’s cap and clean interior to eliminate odors.
- Cut a small opening in the bottle’s side, just below the neck, large enough for the rat to enter but not exit easily.
- Secure the opening with tape to prevent tearing.
Bait placement
- Apply a thin layer of bait to the interior wall opposite the entrance.
- Position bait so the rat must move past the opening to reach it.
Trigger mechanism
- Attach a length of wire to the bottle’s neck, loop it through the cap opening, and anchor the other end to a stable surface.
- Tension the wire so that when the rat pulls the bait, the bottle tilts forward, closing the side opening and trapping the animal inside.
Deployment
- Place the assembled trap near walls, along known runways, or close to droppings.
- Ensure the bottle rests on a flat surface; a slight incline helps the rat slide into the entrance.
Monitoring and removal
- Check the trap at 30‑minute intervals.
- When capture occurs, wear gloves, slide a board under the bottle, and carefully lift it away from the area.
- Release the rodent at a safe distance from the property, or dispose of it according to local regulations.
Safety considerations
- Wear gloves to avoid disease transmission.
- Keep the trap out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not use toxic baits; the method relies on physical confinement only.
By adhering to this procedure, a simple bottle becomes an effective, low‑cost tool for rodent capture.