How do you correctly catch rats? - briefly
Place snap traps or live‑catch cages along walls and near food sources, baited with peanut butter or dried fruit, and inspect them daily; seal entry points afterward to prevent re‑infestation. Use protective gloves and dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations.
How do you correctly catch rats? - in detail
Effective rat capture requires systematic preparation, appropriate equipment, and ongoing monitoring. Begin by assessing the infestation: identify entry points, nesting sites, and pathways by looking for droppings, gnaw marks, and grease trails. Seal openings larger than ¼ inch with steel wool, metal flashing, or concrete to prevent re‑entry.
Select traps suited to the environment and target species. Common options include:
- Snap traps: stainless‑steel, spring‑loaded, positioned perpendicular to walls with the trigger end facing the wall.
- Electronic traps: battery‑powered, delivering a lethal shock, useful in indoor settings.
- Live‑catch cages: multi‑door designs that allow capture without killing, appropriate where humane removal is required.
- Glue boards: adhesive surfaces, best for secondary control in hard‑to‑reach areas but less humane.
Bait each device with high‑attractant foods such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or small pieces of meat. Apply a pea‑sized amount to the trigger mechanism; excessive bait can cause rats to feed without activating the trap.
Place traps along established runways, typically 1–2 feet from walls, with the trigger end against the wall. In sewers or crawl spaces, set traps on the floor near drainage pipes. Use multiple devices in a line, spaced 12–18 inches apart, to increase capture probability.
Maintain safety by wearing thick gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask when handling traps and cleaning contaminated areas. After each capture, dispose of carcasses in sealed plastic bags, then place them in a municipal animal waste container. Clean traps with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to eliminate pathogens.
Monitor trap performance daily. Replace non‑triggered devices after 48 hours, relocate ineffective traps, and adjust bait type if captures decline. Continue the trapping program for at least three weeks after the last sighting to ensure the population is fully eradicated.
Finally, implement sanitation measures: store food in sealed containers, remove clutter, and manage waste to eliminate future attractants. Regular inspections and prompt repair of structural gaps will sustain a rat‑free environment.