Rat Traps for Rodent Control

A rat trap is a mechanical device designed to catch and kill rats or other rodents too large for a mouse trap to reliably trap and kill. It works through a spring mechanism which holds a strike bar in tension until the trap is sprung. Rat traps are an effective, low-cost way to deal with a small number of household rodent pests. It is a quick, humane kill with relatively easy cleanup afterward. 

To use, bait the trap, pull the strike bar back to the catch and secure it in the set position, then place the trap in an area of high rodent activity. Take care when using rat traps in households with children or pets, the trap is only lethal to small animals but can cause injury if tripped accidentally.

Recommendation

We recommend the Solutions Easy Set Rat Trap. Its durable plastic and steel construction is designed to be reusable and is a great value. Unlike traditional wooden rat traps, the Solutions Easy Set trap is set at a 90-degree angle which decreases the distance the bar must travel to catch the rodent, significantly improving the success rate of the trap.

User Guide

Step 1: Bait and Set the Trap

Solutions Easy Set traps can be baited with peanut butter or other rodent attractant. For best results, wear gloves when handling the trap to prevent scent transfer as rodents may detect the scent of humans and be cautious around the trap.

To increase the likelihood of a successful kill, bait and place the trap but don’t set it. Leave it for 1 to 2 days to gain the rodent’s confidence. On the third day, bait the trap and set it by pulling the bar to the set position, the catch will automatically receive the bar and lock in place. Carefully place the baited and set trap and wait.

Step 2: Cleanup and Disposal

Check the trap regularly until you find it has been tripped. Be extremely careful when disposing of dead rodents as they may carry disease. The Solutions Easy Set trap's dual bar construction allows for easy no-touch disposal, simply pull back on the upright bar until the rodent is released. The Solutions Easy Set trap is reusable with a quick rinsing.

Inspection and Maintenance

Other than cleaning between uses, there is not much maintenance required for this type of equipment. To clean the Solutions Easy Set trap, rinse with warm water and soap after releasing the rodent. Be sure to wear gloves throughout the process to help prevent disease exposure. Store the trap in a cool and dry place when it is not in use.

Parts

The Solutions Easy Set Rat Trap consists of the base, the strike bar, the spring and catch, and the trip paddle.

The Base

The base is the body of the trap that the other components are attached to. Traditionally, the base is often made of wood, but the Solutions Easy Set trap has an ABS plastic base which is more durable and easier to clean for sanitary reuse.

The Strike Bar

The strike bar is the part of the trap that makes contact with and kills the rodent. The Solutions Easy Set trap has a steel strike bar set at a 90-degree angle as opposed to the more traditional full 180 degrees. This improves the success rate of the trap.

The Spring and Catch

The spring provides the tension necessary for the trap to snap shut with lethal force. The catch holds the strike bar in the set position until the trip paddle is activated which releases the catch.

The Trip Paddle

The trip paddle is where the bait is placed and where the rodent will activate the trap. On the Solutions Easy Set trap, the trip paddle is the same ABS plastic as the base.

Key Takeaways

• Rat traps are a lethal option. If you consider killing a rodent to be inhumane, rat traps may not be the best treatment option for you.
• Take care when baiting and placing the trap, make sure to keep the area clear of pets and/or children until the treatment is complete. Wear gloves to prevent scent transfer which could alert the rodent to danger.
• Wear gloves throughout the cleanup and disposal process to prevent the potential spread of disease.