How can you make a simple rat trap yourself? - briefly
Use a sturdy bucket, a wooden plank, a nail and some attractive bait; attach the plank as a lever across the bucket opening, secure one end with the nail, place bait on the free end, and when a rat steps on it the plank pivots, dropping the rod and sending the animal into the bucket. Release the trapped rat far from your home or dispose of it according to local regulations.
How can you make a simple rat trap yourself? - in detail
To construct an effective, low‑cost rat catcher, gather the following items:
- 1 × large plastic bottle (2 L or bigger) or a sturdy cardboard box
- 1 × metal coat hanger or sturdy wire
- 1 × strong string or thin rope
- 1 × small piece of wood or thick cardboard for a trigger platform
- 1 × bait (peanut butter, dried fruit, or small meat piece)
- 1 × protective gloves
- 1 × trash bag for disposal
Assembly steps
- Cut the bottle near its base, leaving a 2‑inch lip. Invert the top portion and insert it into the lower section, forming a funnel that leads into the container.
- Poke two holes opposite each other near the funnel’s opening. Thread the wire through both holes, bend it to create a latch that will hold the trigger platform in place.
- Secure the piece of wood on the wire so that it rests on the funnel’s edge but can be lifted when pressure is applied.
- Attach a length of string to the platform’s far end, allowing the trap to be positioned without direct contact.
- Apply the bait to the platform’s center. Ensure the bait does not obstruct the platform’s movement.
- Place the trap along walls, behind appliances, or in any area where rodent activity has been observed. Position the funnel entrance facing the wall, as rats travel close to surfaces.
- Check the device at least twice daily. When a rat enters, its weight lifts the platform, causing the funnel to collapse and imprison the animal inside the container.
- Wearing gloves, slide the container into a trash bag, seal, and dispose of it according to local regulations. Reset the trap by reassembling the platform and adding fresh bait.
Safety and maintenance notes
- Use gloves to avoid direct contact with rodents or their droppings.
- Keep the bait sealed when the trap is not in use to prevent accidental ingestion by pets or children.
- Replace the wire or platform if it shows signs of corrosion or fatigue.
- Position multiple traps to increase capture probability in heavily infested zones.
Following this procedure yields a reliable, reusable device that eliminates rats without chemicals or professional equipment.