Rats can be a major nuisance and health hazard if they invade your home or property. Getting rid of them quickly and effectively is important. Traps are one of the most common and effective ways to catch rats, but knowing where to place them strategically can mean the difference between success and failure. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about using traps to catch rats, from trap types and bait, to smart placement tips.

Choosing the Best Type of Rat Trap

There are a variety of trap styles and designs to catch rats. Some key factors to consider when selecting traps include:

Snap Traps

Snap traps use a spring-loaded bar to deliver a fatal blow when the rat steps on the trigger plate. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and very effective if properly placed:

Pros: Inexpensive, easy to set and bait, delivers a quick kill
Cons: Can be dangerous for pets or children if placed improperly, some practice/technique required for good placement

Popular brands like Victor and Tomcat make reliable snap traps that are readily available. Use traps designed for rats (larger than mouse traps) for the best results.

Live Cage Traps

These traps use food bait to lure the rat inside through a one-way entrance. The rodent becomes contained once inside, allowing for live capture and release:

Pros: Allows for humane release and relocation if desired, safe for use around children/pets
Cons: Requires releasing the live rat elsewhere, not a lethal solution, bulkier and more expensive than snap traps

Live traps like the Havahart rat trap are ideal if you wish to release rats outdoors away from the home, instead of killing them. Check local regulations first before releasing trapped rats.

Electronic Traps

Instead of a spring or gravity mechanism, these traps deliver a high-voltage shock to instantly kill the rat on contact:

Pros: No blood/gore, safe for use around family, gives audible alert when a kill is made
Cons: More expensive, requires batteries, some maintenance required

Popular electronic brands like Ratzapper and Victor Electronic Rat Traps offer a hands-off, mess-free way to dispatch rats if you prefer not to use snap traps.

Glue Traps

Glue boards or glue traps use an extremely sticky adhesive to trap rats as they cross over the boards. Death is caused by a combination of stress, dehydration, and exhaustion over several hours or days:

Pros: Inexpensive, easy to place anywhere, catches insects also
Cons: Considered inhumane by many, trapped rats may escape but with injuries, avoid around children/pets

Due to the controversial nature of glue traps, snap traps or live capture methods are usually recommended over their use.

Baiting Your Rat Trap

Bait is used to lure the rat into the trap. Using the right bait is vital to increase your chances of making a catch. Recommended baits include:

Peanut butter: A classic bait, the scent attracts rats and sticks well to the trigger plate. Mix with oats, nuts or seeds for added appeal.
Bacon: The strong smell and taste is irresistible to rats. Can be used alone or added to peanut butter.
Nut butter: Like peanut butter, nut butters like almond butter also attract rats. Avoid crunchy types that could prevent the trap from springing properly.
Mints/gum: Strong minty scents lure rats based on curiosity. Place a piece directly on the trap’s trigger plate.
Pet food: Rats are attracted to proteins and fats. Wet cat/dog food works well as a bait for traps.
Fruits/veggies: Fresh produce like melon, berries, broccoli, and peas can attract rats looking for juicy or sweet foods.

Always handle baits carefully with gloves and wash hands before and after baiting traps. Rotate baits frequently to find what works best to catch the rats in your area.

Where to Place Rat Traps for Best Results

Trap placement is extremely important for success in catching rats. Take advantage of rat behavior and patterns to maximize your catches:

Along Runs, Corners, and Walls

Rats like to travel with their bodies against walls and corners for protection. Place traps along any runs they may use or right in corners.

Near Droppings and Signs of Activity

Focus on areas where you find the most rat droppings, grease marks, burrows, and chew damage. These spots see the most rat traffic.

At Entry Points

Place traps right at rat entry points like holes in walls, around pipes, under doors, and near damaged vents or screens.

Along Edges and Perimeters

Traps near walls, appliances, hideouts, and the outer perimeters of rooms see more rat travel than open floor spaces.

Near Food and Water Sources

Excellent spots for traps are around pet food areas, trash cans, kitchens, bars, food pantries, gardens, and standing water sources.

On Travel Routes Between Sources

Identify where rats travel between food, water, nesting, and entry points and set traps along these “commuter” runs.

Near Previous Trap Activity

If a certain area produces catches, saturate that zone thoroughly to maximize trapping success.

In High-Traffic Areas

The more rats an area sees, the more catches you will make by trapping there. Focus on the busiest zones.

Out of Major Walkways

While placing traps in busy rat zones, keep them outside main human walkways and living spaces to allow rats easier access.

Advanced Rat Trap Placement Tips and Tricks

Use these expert tips to place rat traps for the very best results:

Angle snap traps facing walls with the bait end closest to the wall. Rats travel near walls and will approach from this angle.
Place traps in natural travel funnels where rats are channeled into a narrow space between objects. Funnels keep them close to the trap.
Use a dab of glue or thread to secure bait onto the trigger plate so it doesn’t easily fall off when moved.
Place cotton balls or dental floss in the anchor holes on glue boards to make it easier to pick up and remove them.
If trapping outside, secure traps so they can’t be dragged off by rats or disturbed by curious pets. Use trap boxes or wire them down.
Try baiting a trap without setting it first to let rats become accustomed to feeding there before actually catching them.
Overflow the trigger plate with excess peanut butter, food, or bait to entice more rats to fully commit and set off the trap.
Place multiple traps in a grid or triangle formation 2-3 feet apart to cover all pathways and increase success.
Move traps every 2-3 days if not catching anything. Rats avoid areas where other rats were recently caught.
Use glow sticks or reflective tape to make traps easily visible during nighttime trapping when rats are most active.
Spray traps lightly with cheap perfumes, air fresheners, or essential oils to mask human scent and attract curious rats.

Following strategic placement principles and using savvy tricks of the trade will lead to much higher trapping success rates. Be patient and experiment to find what works for your specific rat scenario.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Rat Traps

Learning where not to place traps is just as key as ideal placement. Avoid these common rat trapping mistakes:

Placing traps too far apart from one another to adequately cover rat activity zones.
Leaving only one trap in an area that clearly shows signs of multiple rats being present.
Not using enough bait on traps or using low-quality bait that rats do not find attractive enough.
Positioning traps in wide open spaces with no funneling or travel motivators to direct rats onto the traps.
Disturbing traps frequently to check them rather than leaving them be and attracting rats.
Assuming where rats should be active rather than trailing their actual movements and activity patterns.
Trapping for only 1 or 2 nights and assuming it didn’t work after limited effort. Persistence is key.
Using poorly made, ineffective traps that are not sensitive enough to trigger easily.
Allowing bait to become rotten, dried out, or unappealing due to infrequent trap checks and maintenance.
Placing traps with hands/scents rather than tools to reduce unnatural human smells that repel rats.
Getting trapped into the same spots repeatedly without trying enough new locations.

Paying attention to where traps are NOT catching rats is just as vital as noting where they are successful. Avoiding these mistakes will drastically improve your rat trapping outcomes.

Using Multiple Trapping Techniques Together

While traps alone can effectively catch rats in many cases, combining different control methods nets the very best results:

Use snap traps and live traps together to capture the most rats through lethal and non-lethal means.
Supplement trapping efforts with sanitation methods like sealing food, removing clutter, and limiting outdoor pet food to reduce the rat’s motivations and resources.
Apply rodenticides/poison baits where allowed in tandem with trapping to attack the infestation from multiple angles.
Institute preventative measures like sealing entry points and repairing leaky pipes to further discourage rats from invading the property after removing current ones.
Consider adding natural predators like cats into trapping efforts. Their hunting instincts can help trap rats.
Employ electronic or ultrasonic rat repellents to move rats into the designated trapping areas and boost captures.

Smart trapping takes advantage of every available solution in a strategic, combined effort for the quickest and most effective control. Using multiple approaches creates a strong, layered defense.

Signs Your Traps and Trapping Methods Are Working

Seeing fewer signs of rats and increased trap catches confirms your efforts are paying off:

Reduced sightings of live rats, fewer droppings appearing, less noise/activity noticed from rats.
Traps being set off rapidly and then fewer catches made over time as fewer rats remain.
Caught rats appearing smaller and younger as the mature adults are removed first.
Food bait being eaten overnight without traps going off, signaling smarter rats remain who avoid traps.
Rats appearing lethargic, unkempt, or anxious due to the stress of diminished numbers.
A drop in secondary issues like smells, filth, and damage caused by rats around the home.

Stay observant of all changes to know if and when you declare success. Be prepared for a new infestation to arise in the future upon removal of current rats. Proper preventative exclusion work is key to lasting success after using traps. Consistent monitoring and strategic baiting and placement is what leads to a continuous state of control.

Humane Disposal of Trapped Rats

Proper and discreet disposal is important when trapping and killing rats:

Wear thick gloves when disposing of trapped rats to avoid contact with urine, feces or blood.
Use thick plastic bags, buckets with tight lids, or sealable trash containers designed for safe rodent disposal.
Keep separate from household waste bins and dispose of off-site or in designated exterior waste collection bins.
Double bag or wrap rats if disposal bins are not tightly sealing to contain odors.
Rats can be safely disposed of in normal waste collection systems if properly contained and allowed by local regulations.
Never dispose of dead, trapped rats in someone else’s exterior waste bin or collection area.
Contact your local waste management company with any questions on proper containment procedures or disposal restrictions in your area.

Humane and discreet disposal prevents the spread of disease while avoiding distressing others. It’s a vital final step when trapping rats.

When to Call a Professional Exterminator

While DIY trapping can be effective, certain rat infestations exceed the scope or skill level of the average homeowner. Seek professional pest control if:

Rat populations are very excessive or trapping progress seems slow.
You are uncomfortable with trap baiting, placement, or disposal procedures.
There are rats present in sensitive environments like schools, medical facilities, food handling operations, etc.
Rats appear sick, diseased, or infested with parasites beyond typical.
Rat entry points involve major demolition to seal up properly.
Trapping has proven ineffective and rats continue to populate your property.
State or local regulations require certified licensing to perform rat extermination.

Don’t be afraid to call in an expert if DIY efforts continually come up short. Licensed professionals have specialized skills, knowledge of regulations, and access to professional-use products that the average homeowner does not. They can assess your situation and customize a plan to rid your property of rats for good.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trapping Rats

What time of day or night are rats most active?

Rats are most active in the first few hours after sunset and the hours right before sunrise when it’s dark. Trapping efforts should focus on nighttime when setting traps.

How long does it take for a rat trap to work?

Traps can make catches as quickly as the first night when placed properly. However, completely removing an infestation takes persistence over 10-14 days or nights of trapping.

What happens if I don’t remove caught rats from traps?

Rats that die on traps will begin to decompose and create an extremely foul odor within 1-2 days in warm weather. Always check and empty traps daily.

Do dead rats attract more rats?

The scent and presence of dead rats is not known to attract or encourage additional rats. But proper, prompt disposal is still vital for sanitary reasons.

How do I prevent pets or children from getting into rat traps?

Strategic placement in discreet areas combined with trap boxes or anchoring traps down helps avoid accidental encounters. Store traps away when not in use.

How many traps should I use to remove a rat problem?

As a general rule, place 4-6 traps per rat you estimate to be present. Have at least a dozen traps available for adequate coverage.

How often should baits and traps be checked and refreshed?

Plan to check traps and rebait them with fresh, appealing bait at least every 2-3 days for best performance.

Conclusion

Controlling rats requires an understanding of their behaviors, preferences, and patterns of movement. Strategic trap placement guided by observant inspection of your property is key to success. While results take patience and persistence, using the right traps, baits, locations, and methods will allow you to effectively and humanely catch and remove rat infestations. Combining trapping with exclusion methods, sanitation, and professional support when needed provides the best protection for your home or business. Stay diligent in your efforts and outsmart rats by learning where to place traps for maximum results.

Where to Put Traps and Other Facts to Help You Catch Rats

Rats are sneaky, destructive pests that can be very difficult to control. But traps are one of the most effective tools for catching rats and removing infestations from homes and buildings. The key to success is knowing where rats are active and placing the right types of traps in strategic locations they are sure to encounter. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about trapping rats effectively.

High-Traffic Areas Rats Frequent

The very first step to success in trapping rats is identifying high-activity areas they repeatedly visit. Focus on setting multiple traps concentrated in the following areas:

Along baseboards, walls, corners, and tight hidden spaces rats use as runways
In attics, crawlspaces, and basements that provide shelter and safe travel routes
Near indoor locations of food spills, trash, clutter, and potential nest sites
Around appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves where crumbs accumulate
Inside cabinets and pantries where human or pet food is stored
Around the perimeter of rooms, especially kitchens and food prep areas
Behind and under large appliances, furniture, and storage racks
Near plumbing pipes, waste pipes, drains, or other water sources
Around electrical conduits, wiring, insulation, and panels where rats like to gnaw
In garages and sheds where pet food, garden crops, or garbage attracts rats
Under porches, elevated sheds, decks, and steps where rats seek cover
Along foundations, attic vents, crawlspace vents, and any other building access points or holes

Regularly observe where rats or their droppings congregate to identify prime locations to focus trapping efforts. Site traps where rats travel, hide, burrow, eat, and drink.

Bait Selection to Maximize Trapping Success

Using the proper bait is vital to ensure rats take the bait and enter traps. Rats have sensitive noses and bait should have a strong desirable scent. Recommended baits include:

Peanut butter – A classic bait that adheres well to traps
Bacon, meat, or fish – High protein attracts rats
Cheese – Strong odor appeals to rats
Oats, grains, cereals – Carbs and grains that rats enjoy
Nut butters like almond or hazelnut butter
Pet food, both wet and dry kibble styles
Sweets like gumdrops, chocolate, or fruit
Leftover table scraps like meat, cheese, bread, sweets

Change baits frequently if traps remain inactive for days. Variety and freshness keeps bait enticing. Handle with gloves and avoid touching edible baits directly.

Most Effective Trap Types and Styles

There are many trap designs, but the most effective varieties include:

Snap traps – inexpensive wood-based spring traps that deliver a killing blow
Electronic zapper traps – high voltage shock instantly kills rats on contact
Live cage traps – enclose rats unharmed to relocate outdoors
Glue boards – sticky surfaces trap and hold rats until expired