How does rat glue work? - briefly
Rat glue traps use a fast‑acting, non‑volatile adhesive that sticks to a rodent’s feet and fur on contact, immobilizing it and causing death by exhaustion, injury, or dehydration.
How does rat glue work? - in detail
Rat adhesive traps consist of a thin layer of polymer‑based glue applied to a cardboard or plastic board. The glue is typically a blend of natural latex or synthetic polymers that remain tacky under a wide temperature range. An attractant, often a grain or food scent, is added to draw rodents onto the surface.
When a rodent steps onto the board, its paws and fur become embedded in the adhesive. The glue’s high shear strength and viscoelastic nature cause the animal’s weight to spread across the surface, pulling hair and skin into the polymer matrix. This creates a mechanical lock that the animal cannot overcome without considerable force. The animal’s attempts to free itself increase the contact area, deepening the hold and preventing escape.
Key functional elements:
- Adhesive composition – polymer blend that stays sticky, resists dust, and does not dry quickly.
- Attractant – food‑based scent that encourages approach.
- Support substrate – cardboard or plastic board that provides a rigid backing for the glue.
- Placement strategy – along walls, near entry points, in dark corners where rodents travel.
The trap’s effectiveness depends on maintaining a clean surface. Dust, moisture, or handling can reduce tackiness. Once an animal is captured, the board is considered single‑use; the glue cannot be refreshed without compromising safety.
Safety considerations include keeping traps out of reach of children, pets, and non‑target wildlife. Non‑toxic formulations rely solely on mechanical immobilization; some products incorporate secondary poisons, which require additional handling precautions. Disposal involves sealing the used board in a plastic bag and following local waste regulations.
Overall, the mechanism relies on a durable, high‑adhesion polymer that physically restrains rodents through weight‑induced embedding, leading to immobilization and eventual death from exhaustion or secondary effects.