How do you build a trap for rats? - briefly
Cut a 6‑inch hardwood piece, fasten a spring steel bar as the snap arm, and attach a trigger plate with a nail that releases the bar when pressed; secure the assembly to a stable surface. Place peanut butter or dried fruit on the trigger, position the device along walls or near gnaw marks, and inspect it daily for captures.
How do you build a trap for rats? - in detail
Construct a functional rodent catcher using readily available components and precise assembly techniques.
Materials required
- 1 × 12‑inch wooden or PVC board, thickness ¾ inch
- 2 × 4 inch steel spring or tension wire
- 1 × 2 inch wooden dowel for the trigger arm
- 1 × 3 inch metal plate for the holding bar
- 1 × 2 inch piece of thick cardboard or plastic for the bait platform
- Screws, nails, and a small screwdriver or drill
- Drill bits (3 mm and 6 mm)
- Protective gloves and eye shield
Construction steps
- Cut the board to a 12 × 6 inch rectangle; this forms the base and back wall of the trap.
- Drill two parallel holes 2 inches from the top edge, spaced 4 inches apart. Insert the spring through the holes, leaving both ends protruding.
- Attach the dowel to the left spring end with a screw, creating a lever that pivots upward when released.
- Secure the metal plate to the right spring end; this serves as the striking surface that snaps the lever down.
- Position the bait platform on the base, 1 inch from the front edge, and fasten it with two short screws. Ensure the platform rests on the lever so that the weight of the bait holds the lever in the cocked position.
- Test the mechanism: press the lever down, release it, and verify that the spring drives the striking plate to close the trap swiftly. Adjust spring tension if the motion is sluggish.
Placement guidelines
- Locate the device along walls, behind appliances, or near known rodent pathways; rats prefer concealed routes.
- Position the trap with the bait platform at ground level, aligning the lever’s motion with the animal’s natural approach angle.
- Use high‑protein or oily foods (peanut butter, dried fruit) as bait; apply a small amount to the platform to ensure the rodent engages the lever.
Maintenance and disposal
- Inspect the trap daily; remove captured rodents using gloves, place them in a sealed container, and dispose of according to local regulations.
- Clean the base and bait platform with a mild detergent to eliminate scent trails that could deter further activity.
- Replace the spring after several uses if its tension diminishes, ensuring consistent performance.
Following these precise steps yields a reliable, reusable trap capable of reducing rodent presence efficiently.