What bait should you use to catch a rat? - briefly
Use protein‑rich, sweet attractants such as peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit on the trap. Low‑fat, low‑sugar foods are ineffective.
What bait should you use to catch a rat? - in detail
Rats are omnivorous and attracted to high‑protein, high‑fat foods with strong odors. Effective lures combine scent intensity, texture that adheres to the trap, and freshness.
- «Peanut butter» – dense, aromatic, adheres well; a pea‑size amount is sufficient.
- «Bacon» or cooked pork – strong meaty scent; wrap a small piece in gauze to prevent slipping.
- «Hard cheese» such as cheddar – pungent, solid; crumble a thin fragment onto the trigger.
- «Sunflower seeds» or other nuts – natural rodent preference; use a handful to create a scent trail.
- «Pet food» (dry kibble) – protein‑rich, readily available; place a few pellets near the trigger.
- «Fruit mash» (banana, apple) – sweet, moist; apply sparingly to avoid excessive moisture that can weaken trap mechanisms.
Moisture content influences bait performance. Wet baits (e.g., fruit mash) should be applied to a small platform to keep the trap mechanism dry. Dry baits (nuts, seeds) benefit from a light coating of oil or butter to enhance adhesion.
Placement matters. Position bait directly on the trigger plate or on a small platform that forces the rat to contact the mechanism while feeding. Avoid overloading the trap; excess bait may allow the animal to feed without activating the trigger.
Safety considerations include wearing gloves to prevent transfer of human scent, storing bait in airtight containers to maintain potency, and disposing of unused bait promptly to reduce attraction of non‑target species.
By selecting a high‑odor, protein‑rich lure, applying it in a controlled quantity, and positioning it to ensure contact with the trap’s trigger, capture rates improve markedly.