How can you catch a rat using a bottle trap? - briefly
Place attractive bait at the base of a sturdy bottle, cut the neck, invert it to form a funnel, and secure the assembly where rats run. The animal enters through the narrow opening, cannot exit, and can then be removed or humanely dispatched.
How can you catch a rat using a bottle trap? - in detail
A bottle trap can capture a rat efficiently when constructed and positioned correctly.
First, gather materials: a sturdy glass or PET bottle (1‑2 L), a length of sturdy wire or zip‑tie, a sharp knife or scissors, a piece of cardboard or thick paper, and attractive bait such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or meat scraps.
Create the entry funnel. Cut the bottle near its neck, leaving a 2‑inch rim attached to the base. Invert the cut section and insert it into the bottle opening, forming a funnel that narrows toward the interior. Secure the junction with wire or a zip‑tie to prevent escape.
Prepare the bait station. Place a small amount of bait on the cardboard, then position the cardboard on the bottle’s interior floor, directly beneath the funnel’s narrow end. The bait should be sufficient to motivate the rat to enter but not so abundant that the animal can retrieve it without fully entering the bottle.
Select a placement site. Identify active runways, near food storage, or along walls where rats travel. Position the trap with the funnel facing the wall, allowing the animal to approach from the side. Ensure the trap is stable and cannot be knocked over.
Monitor the trap regularly. Check for captures at least twice daily to prevent prolonged suffering and to reduce the risk of disease. When a rat is trapped, cover the bottle with a lid or cloth, transport it to a disposal location, and release it far from residential areas or euthanize according to local regulations.
Maintain trap hygiene. Clean the bottle with hot, soapy water after each capture, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to dry before resetting. Replace bait each time to retain effectiveness.
Safety precautions include wearing gloves when handling bait and captured rodents, and keeping the trap out of reach of children and pets. Proper disposal of dead rats follows municipal guidelines to avoid contamination.