How to Set Rat Traps at Home

It starts with gnawing inside the walls at night, then the scurrying of tiny feet across the floor. Not only do rats keep you up at night, they carry fleas, contaminate your food and spread disease. The best way to get rid of pesky rodents is with a snap rat trap. Rats are highly intelligent creatures and setting a trap can be a little tricky. The bait and positioning of the trap is key to a successful snare.

Things You'll Need

  • Cheese
  • Peanut butter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the snap traps in areas where the rats will go. Corners, behind furniture and along the walls are the best locations. Look for any rat droppings and concentrate on those areas.

    • 2

      Place the traps 15 to 20 feet apart. Set them in pairs with the triggers facing in opposite directions to intercept rats from both sides.

    • 3

      Load the bait trough with cheese or peanut butter. Make sure the peanut butter is smeared on both sides, making it less likely the rat will remove the food without triggering the mechanism.

    • 4

      Ease the spring mechanism back until the bar is touching the opposite end of the trap. Position the metal restraining arm against the bar and tuck the end beneath the notch on the bait trough.

    • 5

      Check traps each morning. Be prepared to wait 3 to 4 days for activity. If bait has been taken, release the spring mechanism by tapping the bait trough with a pencil or stick. Make sure the stick is long enough that you do not snag your fingers. Bait the trap again and set the spring bar. Do not move the position of the trap.