What should be placed in a rat trap? - briefly
Use an attractive, non‑toxic bait such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or a commercial rodent attractant, positioned at the trigger area of the device. Ensure the bait is securely attached to prevent premature removal by the animal.
What should be placed in a rat trap? - in detail
Effective bait must attract rodents quickly, retain interest, and resist rapid spoilage. Selection focuses on strong odor, high protein or fat content, and minimal mess.
- Peanut butter – dense, aromatic, adheres to trigger mechanism; works for both wood and snap traps.
- Fresh meat pieces (e.g., chicken, bacon) – high protein, emits strong scent; wrap in gauze to prevent leakage.
- Fish fragments – oily, potent odor; suitable for nocturnal activity periods.
- Fruit with high sugar concentration (apple slices, grapes) – sweet scent draws foraging rats; replace daily to avoid fermentation.
- Commercial rodent attractants – formulated with pheromones and food extracts; apply according to manufacturer guidelines.
Placement considerations:
- Apply a pea‑sized amount of paste‑type bait directly on the trigger plate to ensure contact.
- For solid pieces, secure with a small amount of adhesive (e.g., petroleum jelly) to prevent removal.
- Position bait at the rear of the trap chamber, allowing the rat to reach it while activating the trigger.
- Rotate bait types every 2–3 days to maintain novelty and reduce habituation.
Safety and hygiene:
- Wear disposable gloves when handling animal‑derived bait to avoid contamination.
- Store unused bait in sealed containers at refrigeration temperatures to preserve potency.
- Dispose of spent bait promptly; clean trap surfaces with a mild disinfectant before reuse.
Using the described baits and placement techniques maximizes capture rates while minimizing non‑target interference.