How can you catch a rat using a homemade method? - briefly
Use a baited bucket trap: place a piece of wood as a ramp leading to a shallow bucket, smear peanut butter on the wood, and position the bucket so the rat falls in when it reaches the bait. After capture, release the animal outdoors away from the property.
How can you catch a rat using a homemade method? - in detail
To capture a rodent with a do‑it‑yourself trap, prepare materials, construct the device, and position it correctly.
Materials needed
- A sturdy cardboard box or large plastic container with a lid
- A piece of wood or thick cardboard for a trigger plate
- String or thin wire
- Bait (peanut butter, dried fruit, or meat scraps)
- Tape or glue
Construction steps
- Cut a small opening in the side of the container, just large enough for the rat to enter.
- Attach the trigger plate to the interior wall opposite the opening, allowing it to pivot upward when weight is applied.
- Secure a length of string to the trigger plate and run it to the lid of the container.
- Position the lid so that when the plate is lifted, the string pulls the lid shut, trapping the animal inside.
- Apply a generous amount of bait to the far side of the interior, ensuring the rat must step on the trigger plate to reach it.
- Seal all seams with tape to prevent escape.
Placement and monitoring
- Locate the trap along walls, behind appliances, or near known droppings, as rats travel close to surfaces.
- Set the trap in the evening; rodents are most active at night.
- Check the trap every few hours. If caught, wear gloves, cover the container, and release the animal far from the property or dispose of it according to local regulations.
Maintenance
By following these precise steps, a functional homemade trap can effectively capture a rat without commercial equipment.