How to Kill a Rat

Rats are dangerous creatures for several reasons. They get into your food, eat electrical wires and start fires, and carry diseases. It is important to get rid of any rats you find in your home as soon as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Rat traps
  • Bait
  • Newspaper
  • Plastic gloves
  • Freezer bag
  • Bleach
  • Trash can with secure lid
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy a snap trap, a large wooden trap that has a metal mechanism that will spring on the rat when it grabs the food placed on it.

    • 2

      Place some bait on the trap. Peanut butter works well, but you also can use a piece of apple or bacon.

    • 3

      Set the trap by moving the metal bar all the way back and attaching it to the metal hook.

    • 4

      Place the trap where you have seen evidence of the rat. Make sure this placement is out of the reach of children.

    • 5

      Dispose of the rat carefully and properly after your rat has been caught. Wear plastic gloves to protect yourself against any diseases and pick the rat out of the trap with some newspaper. Roll the rat up in the newspaper and seal it in a large freezer bag with a zipper. Throw the rat away in a trash can with a secure lid. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap.