The Ultimate Guide to Big Rat Traps: Keep Rodents at Bay

Rats are the worst. They invade our homes, chew up our furniture, and make us sick to our stomach when we see them eating out of our food pantries. Fortunately, there are many different ways to get back at them. Big rat traps are gonna be your best friend in the war against rats, as they are the most effective way to exterminate rats on a large scale. This article will go into detail on the different types of rat trap, how to use them, and how to keep rats away for good.

So, are you ready to take out these cheese eating invaders? RECON Pest Services is here to help. Our rat control services support Omaha & Lincoln home and business owners to keep their property clean and rodent free year round. Call us today for a free consultation, and start living squeak free today!

Types of Rat Traps on the Market

The top three most common types of rat traps are snap traps, glue traps, and electronic traps. These are going to be your best bets for exterminating rats. They say the one to invent a better rat trap would be rich. Well, we actually have some pretty good choices to pick from! 

Snap traps are the traditional and widely used type of rat trap. They consist of a spring-loaded mechanism that snaps shut when triggered by the rat’s movement. Snap traps are known for their quick and humane killing method.

Glue traps can be very effective as well, but they offer an ethical and health problem. Firstly, this is a long and painful way to kill a rat, as they die slowly of starvation or poisoning in the bait compared to the snap traps. Secondly, the rats trapped with expel their waste. Rat pee and poo will probably be found on and around the trap, so you’ll need to be careful cleaning up after trapping. 

Electronic traps are the most advanced trap right now. They’re similar to snap traps, but instead of a heavy metal guillotine, it’s basically a rat sized stun gun that will cause a heart attack. Nasty, but really effective. Just be sure to make sure the trap is ready to go again afterwards, since the batteries can deplete. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Big Rat Traps

Size and Strength: Rats get pretty big, especially in heavily urbanized areas like downtown Omaha. The biggest of snap traps are well suited for slamming rats with a heavy chop with a high powered spring. However, if you’re dealing with smaller rats, they might not be heavy enough to trigger the trap. Bigger the better only works if you’re dealing with bigger rats.

Effectiveness: Got a brand you think might work well for you? Check Reddit or Amazon for reviews. You’ll find anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of the trap which you won’t find in the product’s marketing or the package. 

Safety: If you have pets or children in your home, it’s essential to consider the safety features of the trap. Look for traps that are designed to prevent accidental injury to non-target animals. Big rat traps can really seriously hurt cats if you aren’t careful, so be mindful of where you let your pets roam when fighting rat infestations. 

How to Set Up and Bait Big Rat Traps Effectively

Proper setup and baiting are crucial to the success of your rat trap. Follow these steps to ensure an effective trapping process.

Step 1: Identify the Rat’s Path: Rats tend to follow specific routes along walls and baseboards. Look for signs of rat activity, such as droppings, chewed wires, or gnaw marks, to identify the best location for your trap.

Step 2: Set the Trap: Once you’ve identified the ideal location, set the trap according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the trap is secure and won’t accidentally trigger.

Step 3: Bait the Trap: Choose a bait that is attractive to rats, such as peanut butter, cheese, or dried fruit. Place a small amount of bait on the trigger or in a bait cup, ensuring that it’s securely attached to the trap.

Step 4: Position the Trap: Carefully position the trap in the selected location, ensuring that it’s aligned with the rat’s path. Place the trap against a wall or in a corner for better results.

Step 5: Monitor and Reset: Check the trap regularly to see if it has caught any rats. If a rat is caught, follow the proper disposal guidelines provided by your local health department. If the trap hasn’t caught anything after a few days, consider repositioning or changing the bait.

Best Practices for Placing Rat Traps in Strategic Locations

To maximize the effectiveness of your rat traps, it’s essential to place them in strategic locations. Here are some best practices to follow:

Multiple Traps: Set up multiple traps in different areas to increase your chances of capturing rats. Rats are cautious creatures, and having more traps increases the likelihood of success.

Entry and Exit Points: Place traps near entry and exit points, such as doors, windows, or gaps in walls. Rats often use these areas to access your home, making them prime locations for trapping.

Food and Water Sources: Rats are attracted to food and water sources. Place traps near areas where they are likely to find these resources, such as kitchen pantries, garbage cans, or pet food storage areas.

Dark and Quiet Areas: Rats prefer dark and quiet areas where they feel safe. Set traps in corners, behind furniture, or in crawl spaces to target their preferred hiding spots.

Avoid Obstructions: Ensure that the traps are not obstructed by objects that could prevent the rats from triggering them. Clear away any clutter or debris that may interfere with the trapping process.

Tips for Maintaining and Cleaning Big Rat Traps

Regular maintenance and cleaning of rat traps are essential to ensure their effectiveness. Follow these tips to keep your traps in good condition:

Wear Protective Gloves: When handling rat traps, always wear protective gloves to avoid coming into contact with any potential contaminants.

Dispose of Captured Rats Properly: Follow the guidelines provided by your local health department for disposing of captured rats. Avoid direct contact and use sealed bags or gloves when handling them.

Clean and Sanitize Traps: After disposing of a captured rat, clean and sanitize the trap thoroughly. Use hot, soapy water and a scrub brush to remove any debris or residue.

DIY Solutions for Homemade Big Rat Traps

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, there are several DIY solutions for homemade rat traps. These can be effective alternatives to commercially available traps. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Bucket Trap: Create a bucket trap by placing a ramp leading to a bucket filled with water. Place bait on the ramp to lure rats towards the bucket. When the rats reach the bait, they will fall into the water and drown.

Tube Trap: Construct a tube trap using a cardboard tube or PVC pipe. Place bait at one end and set the trap near areas with rat activity. Rats will enter the tube to reach the bait, and the trap can be easily disposed of with the captured rat.

Bottle Trap: Cut the top off a plastic bottle and invert it to create a funnel. Place bait inside the bottle and set the trap near rat-infested areas. Rats will enter the bottle through the narrow opening but will struggle to find their way out.

Professional Rat Trapping Services

If you’re facing a severe rat infestation or prefer to leave the trapping to the professionals, consider hiring a professional rat trapping service. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment to effectively eliminate rats from your property. They can assess the extent of the infestation, identify entry points, and implement a comprehensive trapping and prevention plan.

Conclusion: Big Rat Traps? Yes Please

Rat traps are totally essential in fighting back against a rat infestation, and the bigger the better is the rule for larger rats. By using these traps strategically, you’ll be able to take advantage of the latest (and oldest) pest control technology. DIY approaches can be a great start, but if you’re dealing with a big infestation in your Omaha or Lincoln home, reach out to RECON today for help. 

If you have rat problems at home, RECON Pest Services can help. Contact us today for a free quote to get started!