What should I use to lure a rat into a mousetrap? - briefly
Use high‑protein, aromatic foods such as peanut butter, bacon bits, or canned fish as bait, placing a small amount directly on the trap’s trigger mechanism. Ensure the lure is fresh and securely attached to prevent the rat from removing it without activating the trap.
What should I use to lure a rat into a mousetrap? - in detail
Effective bait for a snap trap must be aromatic, high‑fat, and readily chewed. Fresh peanut butter, bacon strips, or cooked sausage provide strong scent and oil content that rats cannot resist. Small pieces of dried fruit, such as raisins or apricots, work well when combined with a dab of butter, creating a moist, sweet‑savory lure. For non‑food options, a few drops of mouse or rat pheromone gel, available from pest‑control suppliers, add a chemical attractant that complements edible baits.
When preparing the trap, apply a thin layer of the chosen bait to the trigger plate, ensuring it does not spill onto the surrounding surfaces. Place the trap along walls, behind furniture, or near known gnawing marks, as rats travel close to edges. Position the trap with the trigger facing the wall to align with the animal’s natural movement. If multiple rats are present, set several traps within a 10‑foot radius to increase capture probability.
Maintain hygiene by wearing disposable gloves while handling bait and resetting traps. Replace bait daily, or sooner if it becomes dry or contaminated. Store unused bait in sealed containers to preserve potency. After a catch, dispose of the rodent in a sealed bag and clean the trap with a mild disinfectant before reuse.
Key considerations:
- Choose high‑fat, strong‑smelling foods (peanut butter, bacon, sausage).
- Combine food bait with a pheromone attractant for added effectiveness.
- Place traps along walls and near activity signs, with the trigger oriented toward the wall.
- Refresh bait regularly and keep the trap clean to prevent odor loss.