How can you make a rat trap from a bottle yourself?

How can you make a rat trap from a bottle yourself? - briefly

Cut a plastic bottle in half, invert the top to form a funnel, place bait at the narrow end, and secure the base so the rodent slides down and cannot escape. The trap can then be lifted and the captured animal released or disposed of.

How can you make a rat trap from a bottle yourself? - in detail

A practical rat trap can be assembled from a standard 2‑liter plastic soda bottle and a few basic items. The device relies on the animal’s natural curiosity and the bottle’s shape to create a one‑way entry.

Materials

  • 2‑liter clear plastic bottle
  • Sharp knife or scissors
  • Strong adhesive tape (duct or packing tape)
  • Small piece of wood or thick cardboard (approx. 5 × 5 cm)
  • Bait (peanut butter, cheese, or dried fruit)
  • Optional: rubber band or elastic cord for added tension

Construction steps

  1. Remove the bottle’s label and wash the container thoroughly.
  2. Cut the bottle near the top, just below the neck, creating a circular opening about 10 cm in diameter.
  3. Invert the cut top portion so the neck points downward, forming a funnel that fits snugly into the bottle’s lower body.
  4. Secure the funnel inside the bottle with several strips of tape, ensuring no gaps remain around the rim.
  5. Attach the wooden or cardboard platform to the interior base of the bottle using tape. The platform should rest just above the bottle’s bottom, leaving a small gap (≈1 cm) for the rat to slip through when it steps onto it.
  6. Apply a thin layer of bait to the platform’s surface.
  7. If desired, stretch a rubber band around the bottle’s exterior and attach it to the funnel’s rim to increase the funnel’s tension, making entry easier for the rodent.

Operation

  • Place the trap in a location frequented by rats, such as along walls, behind appliances, or near garbage containers.
  • The scent of the bait draws the rat onto the platform. When the animal steps forward, its weight pushes the platform down, allowing it to fall through the gap into the bottle’s interior.
  • The inverted funnel prevents escape, as the rat cannot climb back up the narrow neck.

Maintenance

  • Check the trap at least once daily.
  • Dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations.
  • Clean the bottle with hot water and a mild detergent before rebuilding or recycling.

This method provides an inexpensive, reusable solution that eliminates the need for commercial traps while minimizing harm to non‑target species.