Are you dealing with a rat infestation at your home or place of business?
Rat problems can be difficult to resolve, especially when left unchecked for too long. And, pest specialists such as exterminators can be ridiculously expensive. So, it is best to control these critters yourself, and as early as possible.
Rat traps are still the best way to get rid of them without getting your hands dirty. However, it is not as simple as buying the next rat trap in the supermarket.
In this article, we will take a look at the types of rat traps available and what they do. As well as review the top choices and pick the best rat trap.
Quick Overview: Best Rat Traps Available
The most effective rat trap is the Kat Sense Large Rat Trap.
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However, if you prefer a humane way to catch pests, Trapro Humane Rat Trap Cage is the way to go.
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5 Best Rat Traps Reviewed
Balancing price, safety, and overall effectivity, we examined and compared the most popular brands available and picked only the very best five.
Make sure to read the product descriptions and check out the pros and cons of each of these traps. This will help you to determine which one is ideal for the rodent infestation currently plaguing your house.
With that said, let’s have a look at the best rat traps below:
1. Kat Sense Large Rat Trap Mice Traps (Best Overall)
Kat Sense Large Rat Trap Mice Traps is a modern approach to the traditional snap traps. The improved design is more efficient and reliable in catching rats. It provides a better capturing mechanism with no false triggers. The device features a more precise and responsive trigger, which makes it more effective than the old style.
Furthermore, it is easier and safer to set. The rat trap is made from precision stainless steel spring. This gives 35 percent more force to ensure that rats will not escape. The body is composed of non-absorbent polystyrene that kills rats without the mess or odors.
Pros
- Kat Sense Large Rat Trap Mice Traps offers value for money as you can use it multiple times.
- A better design that is quick and reliable.
- The plastic body does not retain odors.
- Easy and safe to set compared to traditional wooden snaps.
Cons
- Extremely messy to clean.
- Complicated to dispose of dead rodents sometimes.
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2. Tillain Rat Glue Traps
Tillain Rat Glue Traps is a great option if you have a limited budget and time. It is perfect for catching rats indoors as it is easy to install with the foldable design. It also works in many locations inside the house. The super sticky glue smells like peanut butter, which means you do not need to worry about bait. It is relatively safe as it is made with eco-friendly components.
Aside from rodents, it also works with crickets, cockroaches, flies, spiders, and other pests. You can increase its effectiveness by adding bait in the middle of the pad, such as cheese or bread crumbs. During winter, the manufacturer recommends that you set-up the trap on a heating pipe to keep the glue sticky. You can use vegetable oil for a painless and humane release.
Pros
- Tillain Rat Glue Traps are one of the most affordable options on the market.
- It is made from a strong and eco-friend adhesive.
- It is easy to set-up on practically any place in your house.
- It traps pests other than rodents.
Cons
- You will need to check on the trap every day to ensure the humane release of rats.
- It is not an ideal solution if you have pets.
- It is not reusable.
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3. Trapper T-Rex Rat Traps
Trapper T-Rex Rat Traps is a modern trapping solution that provides the best value for money. The trap is made of durable and tough plastic that is easy to set-up. Its compact form can be placed along the wall or anywhere you suspect an infestation is present. Also, it is safe to use as the spring loads enough force to trap rats, but will not cause injury to you, your children, or pets.
You can easily release any trapped rats by simply pinching the two ends together. Then, it is ready to be used again. Placing it is safe, as well as the device triggers with internal pressure on the plate, so there’s no danger in snapping your fingers. The little cup is perfect for small baits. It is strategically placed to ensure effective catch each time.
Pro
- Trapper T-Rex Rat Traps are easy and safe to use around the house.
- It is reusable without you having to worry about the mess.
- It features an effective mechanism that will trap rats each time.
- The usual package already includes 12 traps.
Cons
- You will have to check the traps every day to prevent dead rodents from rotting.
- Some customers report that the upper molded plastic cracks after a few snaps.
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4. Trapro Humane Rat Trap Cage (Top Pick)
Trapro Humane Rat Trap Cage is an ideal trapping mechanism if you prefer the most humane way to get rid of pests. It is made of galvanized steel that is strong enough to prevent any escapes. The cage also works well with other critters such as weasels, mice, and other small animals.
It also includes a trigger with adjustable sensitivity. The rat trap cage minimizes maintenance with the inclusion of mesh floors and sides. You can also purchase a larger version or the dual-door type.
Pros
- Trapro Humane Rat Trap Cage ensures a humane way of trapping rodents without the mess.
- It is perfect for indoor and outdoor uses.
- Its strong galvanized steel build ensures that no rats will escape,
- It can also be used to trap other animals such as squirrels, weasels, and more.
Cons
- May be harmful to local animals besides rats
- Somewhat difficult to clean the interior
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5. The Ratinor Multiple Catch Live Rat Trap
The Ratinor Multiple Catch Live Rat Trap is perfect if you want to catch multiple rats without the expensive pest control fee. It can catch up to 21 rats at a time without hurting any of them. You can save time and effort as you do not have to clean any mess.
It is constructed with a rugged metal mesh that is strong enough to keep multiple rodents inside. Furthermore, it is rust-resistant, which means you can use it for a long time. If you own a restaurant or any other establishment that regularly has rat or pest problems, this multiple catch cage will save you money.
Pros
- The Ratinor Multiple Catch Live Rat Trap is easy to set and bait.
- It can easily catch multiple rats without resetting the trap.
- It is a very humane method of catching pests.
- It can be used to catch other pests and small animals.
Cons
- You will need a plan when releasing the caught rats.
- Not as easy to use as other traps
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Which Is Best?
Taking care of your home and family means protecting them from harm and diseases brought by pests such as rats. Hiring a pest control experts can be expensive and time-consuming as well. That is why we think that Kat Sense Large Rat Trap are your best options. Its upgrade to the classic wooden snap design ensures safety and efficiency.
However, if you prefer a humane way to catch pests, Trapro Humane Rat Trap Cage is the way to go. Its strong build ensures that you can use it for a long time. Trapro also offers two other varieties of the trap cage for your specific needs.
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What is a Rat Trap?
A rat trap, as the name suggests, are contraptions that help you catch rodents that may be living in your house. Rats can cause various diseases, especially if you have kids at home. That is why it is critical that you control their populations the pest you can, or you will end up paying for a pest control expert to alleviate the situation.
It relies on a simple solution: bait the rat into some kind of mechanism that will trigger the trap to catch or kill the pests. The device is one of the best ways to get rid of dangerous critters in your home without using chemicals.
There are many types of rat traps in the market. And, its designs have significantly evolved each year. Some catch rats in more humane ways than others. Other options are even safe to use if you have kids or pets at home.
Knowing the type of rat trap to use is essential to make sure that they are effective in your home.
Types of Rat Traps
There are several designs of rat traps depending on your specific needs. You will need to consider how you want to catch the rats. Additionally, you need to think about how much time you have to prepare the bait and check on the trap once set.
It is also important to think about the safety of your children or pets. They are likely to be curious about the trap and may get hurt if you do not have the correct type at home.
Wooden Snap Traps
Wooden snap rat traps are the original style that combines a slab of wood with heavy wire closure. Its design has not changed since its inception years ago. It is usually outfitted with a trap wire. When the rat steps on the lure plate, it triggers the heavy gauge wire to injure or kill the rat.
The spring, along with gauge wire is strong enough to break a finger. While it is the cheapest option you can find, it is not safe for minors or pets. If you really need an inexpensive trap, make sure that you place it in a protected area like an attic or inside a closet.
Glue Boards
Glue board traps are another inexpensive and throwaway choice. They are easy to install, as well. The rodent becomes entangled onto the glue, which is usually strong enough to hold on to their fur or body parts. The animal would usually try its best to escape, which results in it being completely covered in glue.
While cheap and easy to find in most supermarkets, it is not the most humane way to catch a rat. Once stuck, the animal will likely die of starvation or suffocation. In some cases, rats have chewed off parts of their bodies in their attempt to escape.
The glue also does not last very long. It traps dirt and dust, which means you have to replace it very often. Much like the previous rat trap design, it is not safe for children or pets as the glue can also be toxic.
Plastic Snap Traps
Plastic snap rat traps are effective in capturing rats while being relatively safe for older kids or pets. It features a more compact form factor compared to the traditional snap. It also uses the same mechanism but with a much more modern structure.
It works by suffocating the rat. The trap squeezes the animal tighter, which usually takes about a few minutes to kill the rat. While not the quickest way, it can still be considered human to get rid of pests.
While relatively safe around children or pets, it is best to place them inside a box or a bait station. It can be more expensive than your usual options. However, they can be weather resistant and waterproof.
Live Catch
Live catch traps are considered the most humane way of catching a rat and other small animals in your house. It does not directly harm them in any way.
However, catching animals alive can be tricky. It also needs considerable preparation, including luring the animal using food. You also need to consider the location of the contraption that is easily found by pests. Furthermore, you need to check the trap daily. Note that you should never leave trapped animals in the cage for a long time.
You also need to find a place to release the rat. Additionally, you need to make sure that it is not near any other houses. That means you may need to take a bit of a trip during release.
It is the safest rat trap if you have children and pets at home.
Multiple Catch Traps
Multiple catch rat traps are another form of live catch varieties meant to capture multiple rats. It is ideal if you think that there is already a growing population of rats in your house. The trap is also perfect for warehouses, food establishments, and other structures that regularly attract rats.
It features a small side hole where the rat is lured. A small trip plate triggers the floor and sweeps the animal into a holding chamber. The revolving floor is similar to a paddle wheel and does not hurt the critters. Some brands can catch up to 15 rats.
Just like the live catch type, it takes preparation to lure and release the caught animals. However, it is safe to use around children and pets. It is also a humane way of keeping pests away from your home.