How to make a rat trap at home? - briefly
Cut a 12‑inch PVC pipe, a wooden dowel, a piece of string, and some bait; assemble the dowel as a lever across one end of the pipe, attach the string to the bait so it pulls the lever when disturbed, and position the device in areas of rodent activity. When a rat tugs the bait, the lever snaps the pipe shut, trapping the animal instantly.
How to make a rat trap at home? - in detail
Creating an effective rodent catcher in a domestic setting requires only basic tools and materials. The design described below captures mice or rats quickly and allows for humane disposal.
Materials
- A sturdy wooden or plastic board (approximately 30 × 20 cm)
- Two metal or wooden dowels, 10 cm long, for hinges
- One spring‑loaded latch or a heavy-duty rubber band
- A small piece of sturdy cloth or cardboard for the trigger platform
- Nails or screws, hammer or screwdriver
- Optional: a bait container (e.g., a shallow cup) and a piece of cheese, peanut butter, or dried fruit
Construction steps
- Secure the two dowels at one short edge of the board, spacing them 5 cm apart. These act as a pivot for the trap’s door.
- Attach a second board of equal size to the opposite side of the dowels, forming a hinged lid that can swing upward.
- Install the latch on the far side of the hinge so that the lid remains closed when tension is applied. The latch should release when the trigger platform is disturbed.
- Position the trigger platform on the board’s top surface, aligning it with the latch mechanism. Fix the platform with a nail that allows slight upward movement when pressure is applied.
- Place the bait container on the platform, securing it so the scent remains strong but the food does not fall off easily.
- Test the mechanism: press the platform down, engage the latch, and release. The lid should snap shut instantly when the platform lifts.
Operation
- Set the trap in an area where rodent activity is observed, such as along walls, near garbage bins, or behind appliances.
- Replace bait regularly to maintain attractiveness.
- After capture, wear gloves, transport the trap outdoors, and release the animal at a safe distance or dispose of it according to local regulations.
Safety considerations
- Keep the trap out of reach of children and pets.
- Ensure the latch does not jam; a smooth release prevents injury to the captured rodent and reduces the risk of accidental closure on a hand.
- Use a sturdy board to avoid breakage under the animal’s weight.
This straightforward device combines a simple hinge, a reliable trigger, and effective bait placement, delivering a practical solution for domestic rodent control.