How do you correctly make a trap for rats?

How do you correctly make a trap for rats? - briefly

Build a snap trap using a 12 cm wooden board, a spring‑loaded metal bar, and a small bait holder coated with peanut butter. Position the trap along walls near gnaw marks, engage the trigger, and inspect daily, disposing of captured rodents per local guidelines.

How do you correctly make a trap for rats? - in detail

To build an effective rat-catching device, follow these precise stages.

Gather materials: a sturdy wooden board (10 × 15 cm), a strong spring‑loaded bar, a piece of thin wire, a small bait container, and a pair of pliers. Ensure all components are clean and free of rust.

  1. Cut a shallow notch (≈2 cm deep) near the board’s edge; this will hold the bait.
  2. Bend the wire into a U‑shape, leaving one leg long enough to act as a trigger lever.
  3. Attach the spring‑loaded bar to the board’s opposite side, positioning it so the bar rests against the trigger leg when released.
  4. Secure the bait container in the notch, placing a piece of peanut butter, dried fruit, or fish skin inside.
  5. Test the mechanism: press the trigger leg downward, then release. The bar should snap shut, sealing the board and trapping the rodent.

Place the assembled trap along walls, behind appliances, or near visible droppings. Position it perpendicular to the wall, with the bait facing outward. Check daily; if a capture occurs, wear gloves, dispose of the animal in a sealed bag, and reset the device with fresh bait.

For increased success, use multiple traps spaced 1–2 m apart and rotate their locations after each capture to prevent rats from learning avoidance patterns. Maintain the trap by inspecting the spring for fatigue and replacing bait regularly to preserve attraction.