How to make a rat trap? - briefly
A basic rodent catcher consists of a wooden base, a spring‑loaded lever, and a baited trigger; the lever is secured so that when the bait is disturbed, the spring snaps the board shut. Assemble the base, attach the lever with the spring tension, position the bait at the trigger point, and test the mechanism before deployment.
How to make a rat trap? - in detail
Creating an effective rodent capture device requires sturdy materials, precise dimensions, and a reliable trigger mechanism.
Select a wooden board measuring approximately 30 cm by 20 cm; the board serves as the base and provides sufficient surface for bait placement. Acquire a spring‑loaded bar, such as a 15 cm steel spring, which will act as the closing force. Install a metal latch at the rear edge of the board, securing it with a small bolt to allow rapid release when pressure is applied.
Prepare the bait compartment by carving a shallow recess in the center of the board, about 5 cm deep. Fill the recess with food attractant—peanut butter, dried fruit, or grain—ensuring the scent is strong enough to draw the target.
Assemble the trigger: attach a thin wooden dowel to the front edge of the board, positioning it so that the rodent must step on the dowel to reach the bait. Connect the dowel to the spring‑loaded bar using a small hinge; when the dowel is depressed, the latch releases and the bar snaps shut, trapping the animal against the board.
Secure the entire apparatus to a stable surface, such as a concrete floor or a heavy tray, using screws or clamps to prevent displacement during activation.
Test the mechanism with a weight equivalent to a rat (approximately 250 g) to confirm that the latch releases cleanly and the bar closes fully. Adjust the tension of the spring if the closure is insufficient or overly forceful.
Dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations, wearing protective gloves and using a sealed container to avoid contamination.
Key components:
- Wooden base (30 cm × 20 cm)
- Spring‑loaded steel bar (≈ 15 cm)
- Metal latch with bolt
- Bait recess (5 cm depth)
- Thin wooden dowel trigger
- Hinged connection between dowel and bar
- Secure fastening to stable surface
Following these specifications yields a reliable, humane, and reusable trap suitable for indoor or outdoor pest control.