How did we catch a rat? - briefly
We placed a baited snap trap in the hallway and retrieved it after confirming the trigger had activated. The captured mouse was then released following local wildlife regulations.
How did we catch a rat? - in detail
We identified the infestation zone by tracing droppings, gnaw marks, and nocturnal activity. Inspection revealed a single entry point behind a pantry wall and a preferred foraging path along the baseboard.
Bait selection focused on high‑protein attractants. We prepared a mixture of peanut butter and dried fish, applied to a disposable lure disc. The disc was positioned on a snap‑type trap, aligning the trigger arm with the bait’s edge.
Trap placement followed these steps:
- Locate a high‑traffic corridor where the rodent traveled.
- Position the trap perpendicular to the wall, with the bait facing the expected direction of approach.
- Secure the trap to the floor using a non‑slip mat to prevent displacement.
- Set the trigger mechanism to the minimum sensitivity to ensure activation on light contact.
- Cover the area with a thin barrier to guide the animal onto the trap while preventing escape.
After deployment, we monitored the traps at two‑hour intervals for twelve hours, recording any captures. A single snap trap engaged at 0200 h, delivering an instantaneous kill. The carcass was removed with disposable gloves, placed in a sealed biohazard bag, and disposed of according to local wildlife regulations.
Post‑capture sanitation included:
- Disinfecting the capture site with a quaternary ammonium solution.
- Sealing the identified entry point using steel mesh and expanding foam.
- Installing a continuous‑release rodent repellent station along the perimeter to deter re‑infestation.
The entire operation lasted approximately 18 hours from initial assessment to final decontamination. Results confirmed the effectiveness of targeted baiting, precise trap orientation, and rigorous follow‑up cleaning.