Best Bait for Rat Traps

Rats are one of the most common pests that infest homes and businesses. They can be a nuisance, damaging property and spreading diseases. Rat trapping is an effective way to control a rat infestation, but some rats can be hard to catch. 

In this blog, we will discuss rat trapping techniques for hard-to-trap rats.

Identifying Hard-to-Trap Rats

It's important to identify the type of rat you're dealing with when trying to trap them. There are two main types of rats that commonly infest homes and businesses: the Norway rat and the roof rat. Norway rats are larger and more aggressive, while roof rats are smaller and more elusive. 

Hard-to-trap rats may exhibit the following characteristics:

- Trap Shy

Trap-shy rats have learned to avoid traps, making them difficult to catch. This can be due to previous exposure to traps, or they may be naturally cautious.

- Bait Shy

Bait-shy rats have learned to avoid certain types of baits, making it harder to attract them to traps.

- Smart

Some rats have learned to recognize and avoid danger, including traps.

- Elusive

Roof rats are known for being agile and quick, making them difficult to catch.

Common signs of rat activity include:

- Gnawed wires, cables, and other materials

- Small droppings that resemble grains of rice

- Chewed-up food packages and containers

- Grease marks or rub marks along walls and floors

- Scratching and squeaking sounds at night

Rat Trapping Equipment

Choosing the right rat trap is essential for successful trapping. There are several types of rat traps available, each with its pros and cons.

1. Snap Traps

Snap traps are the most common type of rat trap. They consist of a wooden base, a metal bar, and a trigger mechanism. When the rat takes the bait, the trigger is activated, and the metal bar snaps down, killing the rat. Snap traps are effective and affordable, but they can be difficult to set up properly.

2. Glue Traps

Glue traps consist of a sticky surface that traps the rat. Once the rat steps on the glue, it becomes stuck and cannot escape. Glue traps are easy to use, but they are considered inhumane and may cause the rat to suffer before it dies.

3. Live Traps

Live traps are designed to capture rats alive. They consist of a cage with a trap door that closes once the rat enters. Live traps are humane, but they require the user to release the rat into the wild or euthanize it themselves.

Choosing the right bait is also essential for successful trapping. 

Some common baits include:

- Peanut butter

- Cheese

- Bacon

- Dried fruit

- Seeds

- Nuts

Additional equipment needed for successful trapping includes:

- Gloves to protect your hands from disease

- A flashlight to help you see in dark areas

- Sealable plastic bags for disposal of dead rats

- Disinfectant for cleaning up after trapping

Rat Trapping Techniques for Hard-to-Trap Rats

Here are some techniques to help you catch hard-to-trap rats:

1. Tips for Placing Traps in the Right Locations

Placing traps in the right locations is crucial for successful trapping. Rats tend to follow the same paths repeatedly, so placing traps along these paths increases the chances of catching them. 

Some common locations to place traps include:

- Along walls and corners

- In dark areas, such as under furniture and in cabinets

- Near entry points, such as doors and windows

- In areas where you've noticed rat activity

2. Pre-Baiting Techniques to Increase Trap Success

Pre-baiting is a technique that involves placing bait without setting the trap. This allows the rats to get used to the bait and become more comfortable with the trap. Once they start to take the bait regularly, you can set the trap. This technique is especially useful for trap-shy and bait-shy rats.

3. Techniques for Avoiding Trap-Shy Rats

Trap-shy rats are difficult to catch because they have learned to avoid traps. 

To catch these rats, try the following techniques:

- Move the trap to a new location 

Rats may avoid traps that have been in the same location for too long.

- Use a different type of trap

Rats may become trap-shy after encountering the same type of trap multiple times.

- Cover the trap with a piece of fabric or paper

This can make the trap seem less threatening to the rat.

4. Using Multiple Traps to Increase Success Rates

Using multiple traps can increase your chances of catching hard-to-trap rats. Place traps in several locations, and use different types of traps and baits. This increases the chances of the rats encountering the traps and being caught.

5. Alternative Trapping Techniques

If traditional trapping methods aren't working, you may need to try alternative techniques. 

These include:

- Using a rat zapper

Rat zappers use an electric shock to kill rats quickly and humanely.

- Using a bucket trap 

Bucket traps involve placing a ramp leading to a bucket filled with water. The rat falls into the water and drowns.

- Using a homemade trap

Homemade traps can be made from items such as plastic bottles, cardboard tubes, and buckets.

Prevention Methods

Preventing future rat infestations is crucial for keeping your home or business rat-free. 

Some prevention methods include:

- Sealing entry points 

Rats can enter through small cracks and holes, so sealing these entry points can prevent them from getting in.

- Keeping the area clean

Rats are attracted to food and garbage, so keeping the area clean can reduce their attraction to your property.

- Removing outdoor food sources

Outdoor food sources, such as bird feeders and pet food, can attract rats. Removing these sources can reduce the likelihood of a rat infestation.

Dealing with Dead Rats

After catching rats, it's important to dispose of them properly. Dead rats can spread disease and attract other pests. 

Here are some tips for dealing with dead rats:

- Wear gloves and a mask when handling dead rats.

- Use sealable plastic bags to dispose of dead rats.

- Disinfect the area where the rat was caught.

Conclusion

Rat trapping is an effective way to control a rat infestation, but hard-to-trap rats can be a challenge. By identifying the type of rat you're dealing with, choosing the right equipment, and using the right techniques, you can increase your chances of catching hard-to-trap rats. 

Preventing future rat infestations is crucial for keeping your home or business rat-free, and disposing of dead rats properly is important for preventing the spread of disease.