How does a mousetrap catch rats? - briefly
A spring‑loaded bar is held under tension until a rat disturbs the trigger, releasing the energy and snapping the bar shut to immobilize the animal. The rapid closure grips the rat’s foot or body, preventing escape.
How does a mousetrap catch rats? - in detail
Mousetraps capture rats by converting stored mechanical energy into a rapid motion that restrains the animal. The device consists of a spring‑loaded bar, a trigger mechanism, and a bait holder. When a rat contacts the trigger, the spring releases, driving the bar forward and closing a cage or striking a kill plate.
The operation proceeds in several stages:
- Bait placement – food or scent is positioned on a small platform that activates the trigger when disturbed.
- Trigger sensitivity – a delicate lever or pressure plate is calibrated to respond to the weight of a rat, typically 200–300 g, while ignoring lighter debris.
- Energy storage – a coiled steel spring or torsion bar is tensioned during setting, storing potential energy.
- Release – the rat’s touch lifts the trigger, disengaging a catch and allowing the spring to unwind.
- Impact or confinement – the moving bar either snaps a kill plate against the animal’s neck or shuts a hinged door, enclosing the rat inside a cage.
Design variations affect performance:
- Snap traps – employ a high‑tension spring that delivers a strike within milliseconds; the lethal force is sufficient to break the spine.
- Live‑capture traps – use a spring to close a door, creating a sealed compartment without harming the rodent.
- Electronic traps – deliver a high‑voltage pulse through a conductive grid when the trigger is activated; the pulse induces rapid cardiac arrest.
Effective deployment requires attention to rat behavior. Rats follow scent trails, explore confined spaces, and test objects with their whiskers. Position traps along walls, near burrow entrances, and in areas where droppings or gnaw marks are evident. Ensure the trigger is not obstructed and that the bait is fresh to maintain attraction.
Maintenance involves resetting the spring after each capture, inspecting for wear, and replacing worn components to preserve consistent force. Proper handling, such as wearing gloves, prevents accidental discharge and limits human scent transfer, which could reduce trap efficacy.