How can you make a rat trap at home? - briefly
Construct a snap trap by positioning a sturdy board as a lever over a bucket, attaching a baited platform that tips when the rodent steps on it, causing the animal to drop into the bucket.
How can you make a rat trap at home? - in detail
A functional rat catcher can be assembled with common household items and a few simple tools.
Materials required
- 1 liter plastic bottle or a sturdy cardboard tube
- 2 large wooden skewers or sturdy wires
- 1 piece of thin plywood or a thick cardboard sheet (approximately 10 × 15 cm)
- Small piece of fabric or rubber mat for traction
- Bait such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or cheese
- Tape, glue, or zip ties for securing components
Construction steps
- Cut the bottle in half horizontally. Retain the lower portion as a funnel; the upper part becomes a cover.
- Drill two parallel holes near the top edge of the lower half, spaced 5 cm apart. Insert the skewers through these holes, leaving about 2 cm protruding inside the funnel.
- Attach the plywood piece to the inner side of the funnel using tape or glue, creating a platform that the rodent must step on to reach the bait.
- Apply a thin layer of fabric or rubber on the platform to increase grip, preventing the animal from slipping away.
- Spread a small amount of bait on the platform.
- Position the upper bottle half upside down over the funnel, aligning the edges to form a tight seal. Secure with tape or zip ties, ensuring the entrance remains open but the exit is blocked.
- Place the assembled trap along walls, behind appliances, or in known activity zones.
Safety and disposal
- Wear gloves when handling bait and trapped rodents.
- Check the trap every 12 hours; remove captured animals promptly.
- Dispose of the carcass in a sealed bag and follow local regulations for waste.
- Clean the trap with hot water and mild detergent before reuse.
Regular monitoring and proper bait placement increase capture efficiency while minimizing the need for chemical controls.