Using traps to control rodents can be extremely effective and do not pose the same level of risks as using rodenticides. They are simple to use, can be baited with regular household items and placed in almost any area where rats and mice are located.
The rat and mouse trap market has also come a long way over the years, however most people still only ever think of the classic cartoon mouse trap when they consider this control method (queue flash back to your favourite tom and jerry episode!) The variety now available means that regardless of your requirements, there will be a rat catcher for you.
In this post, we will have a look at some of the options that we supply in our online store. From the classic snap trap to the modern electrified rat traps. We’ll also discuss when traps can be the most effective option and some tips on how to improve their effectiveness.
Types
Snap Traps
Mouse and rat snap traps are the most common and you will probably have encountered one at some point. They have a base that sits on the floor and on top of the base is a powerful spring with a U-shaped bar attached at one end, and a triggering plate on the other end. The triggering plate is baited with food and, when a rat or mouse applies pressure to it, the spring propels the U-bar down which should kill the rodent instantly. You can see our full range of traps here.
The base can be made of wood, plastic or metal which each have their own advantages. Wooden snap traps are good if you’re on a budget, or do not incur frequent infestation as they can be disposed of after a single use. For a more heavy-duty rat or mouse trap, plastic and metal options are available which are a preferred option if you intend to use them multiple times or if they will be located outside and are exposed to adverse weather conditions.
The difference between rat and mouse snap traps is the size. Rat snap traps are bigger (as rats are bigger) whereas mouse traps are smaller. They also have different sensitivity levels on the triggering plate, with mouse traps having lighter sensitivity to help ensure they don’t take the bait without triggering the spring release.
Electric Trap
Electronic rat traps are one of the newer entrants to the market and work by enticing the rat or mouse into an enclosed area. Once inside, the visitor is electrocuted, killing them instantly. We supply the Racan Instant Electronic Rat Killer which stores the dead rodents in a compartment, meaning you can dispose of them without ever having to touch the them.
This rat catcher may be more effective if they have become suspicious of traditional snap traps. They also provide a ‘sheltered’ area for the rats to feed (they rarely eat out in the open) which can entice them in. However, rats are naturally suspicious so the size and uniqueness of this new contraption in their environment may put them off compared to traditional traps. Ensuring you leave it long enough for the rats to become comfortable enough to enter is crucial.
Electronic rat traps can also be seen as a more humane method to traditional traps. This is because they ensure the rat is killed instantly via electrocution. Snap traps on the other hand (especially poor-quality ones) may only trap a limb of a rodent, meaning the death is not instant.
Catch & Release Traps
If you are looking for a humane mouse trap, live capture traps could be the option for you. Our live capture mouse trap can be viewed here.
Bait is placed at the end of the trap and when the mouse enters, the trap tips up and closes the door behind it. Once caught, you can relocate the mouse to an area where it will not become a nuisance to you, or anyone else.
It is important that you relocate the mouse at least a couple of miles away from your property otherwise they will simply find their way back. Try and find a place where they have food, shelter and water so they’ll be happy in their new home and have no reason to leave!
These traps are safe to use around pets and children so can be a great option if the infected areas are exposed. However, although these can be seen as a humane rodent trap, you must ensure you check these regularly as captured mice can experience high levels of distress. By ensuring they are in the trap for the minimum amount of time possible, it can significantly reduce this stress.
Tips For Effectiveness
Smaller Infestations
Traps are more effective when you are only dealing with one two rodents. If there are larger numbers, a course of rodenticides may be more appropriate.
Size
As noted above, rat traps and mouse traps are different sizes. Always ensure you use the correct size of trap depending on what you are targeting. The size of the U-Bar, power of the spring and sensitivity on the trigger plates will make the wrong choice ineffective and inhumane.
Placement
Where you place the traps is one of the most important factors in a successful campaign. They should be placed on the travel routes between where the rodents nest and where they feed. Look for signs of activity such as gnawing marks, droppings or grease along walls. These paths will normally be along walls or fences as rodents avoid open spaces where possible. The RSPCA recommends placing them inside a tunnel or funnel to guide the rodent onto the trap.
Areas of shelter should also be targeted, such as in corners, behind appliances, in a cabinet or where there is natural foliage such as hedges. Dark areas near cracks and crevices can also be a good spot.
Combine with Other Methods
Other methods of controlling rodents (which you can read about here) should be incorporated into your campaign such as removing alternative food sources, removing areas where rodents can nest and following good hygiene practices.
This is crucial in improving effectiveness. For example, by removing alternative food sources, you’re not only discouraging the rodents from sticking around, you’re also making the bait on your traps seem more and more appealing by the day!
Use Multiple Traps
It is incredibly hard to place a single trap in a place that is guaranteed to get results quickly. To speed up results, and ensure you are covering more areas where the rodents frequent, use multiple traps. Lodi recommend using 6 traps for 2 mice.
Be Patient
As per industry research, rodents, especially rats, can be nervous and suspicious of new objects in their environments. This means they may avoid any traps when they first encounter them. Try to leave them be for as long as possible (although check them regularly) to avoid increasing their suspicion. Using multiple traps in different locations can remove the need to keep relocating the traps to where these pests are located.
Check Traps Often
Once set, make sure you check the traps often. Most can only catch one at a time so they’re ineffective if they’ve been tripped regardless of if it has caught a rodent or not.
Bait
Picking a highly attractive bait is crucial. You can use specifically made rodent attractants, however regular household items work fine. Rodents like high-calorie and high-fat foods so the CDC recommend peanut butter or chocolate. The bait needs to be attractive enough to tempt the rats and mice away from alternative food sources.
High-Quality Traps
As noted by the UFAW, the snap trap market is unregulated which means there’s plenty of poor-quality ones out there. Buying a high-quality one is essential to ensure it is made properly and kills the rodent instantly (and therefore as humanely as possible).
Good quality traps will have better springs to ensure a quick kill, will be more durable so they can be used more than once (making them more cost-effective in the long run) and will have better made trigger plates to ensure the rodents can’t take the bait without activating the trap.
Poorly made traps can simply injure the animal either due to lack of power or poor design striking the wrong part of the rodent, causing it to suffer.
You are also less likely to mistakenly injure yourself when setting the trap if its components are well made.
Benefits
Instant Kills
Snap and electronic traps are designed to kill the rodents instantly, being far more humane than options such as glue trapping.
It is also beneficial in this regard compared to rodenticides, which kill the rodents several days later. This can not only be less humane, but also a real problem in locating the dead rodents to dispose of them appropriately (which can risk secondary poisoning to non-target species or unpleasant smells if the rodents die in hidden/hard to reach places).
Bait
All our traps can be baited with regular household items, such as peanut butter. This can make them a cost-effective solution as they negate the need for expensive attractants, or the risks associated with rodenticides.
Effect on Non-Target Species
Compared to rodenticides, the risks of negatively affecting non-target species are smaller/more controllable. Especially when placed in areas not accessible by them, or by placing protective boxes around the traps.
Cost Effective
Most mouse and rat traps are relatively cheap and don’t need specialist baits. This means you can use many of them, and more than once, without breaking the bank.
Drawbacks
No method of controlling rats and mice is perfect and using traps is no different. Some of the problems with using this method are:
Suspicion
Rats and mice can be suspicious or nervous of new objects in their environment. This can mean they avoid traps for a prolonged period of time or avoid them entirely in some circumstances.
‘Light Touch’ Approach
Even if they go to take the bait, this doesn’t mean the trap will be activated (especially when using low-quality traps). This can have the effect of simply leaving extra food out for them and making the problem worse!
Effect on Non-Target Species
Although they are less impactful on non-target species than some other methods of rodent control, their effect is not zero as they are indiscriminate and will trap any animals, pets or even children’s fingers and toes if they activate it.
As above, the risk of this can be reduced by placing them in areas not reachable by non-target species and using protective boxes around the traps. As per the CRRU, take steps to ensure non-target species can’t access them.
Snap Traps
Although designed to kill instantly, these traps can sometimes only catch a limb of a rodent which means they die slowly or lose a limb. Using the correct size and quality of trap can help reduce this risk.
Catch & Release
Although on an initial view these are more humane, they require regular checks to ensure the rodent isn’t caused high levels of distress for too long. As noted by the UFAW, captured rodents can also injure themselves trying to escape.
Once caught, if the mouse is not relocated far enough away from your property (and in an area where it will not be a nuisance to anyone else) this style of trap may simply prolong the problem or hand it off to someone else.
Injury
When setting traps, especially snap traps, you are dealing with a high-powered piece of metal attached to a spring so there is a risk of injury. Always ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Size of Infestation
Trapping can be incredibly effective when dealing with one or two pests, however if you are dealing with a larger infestation, other methods such as rodenticides may be more appropriate.
Conclusion
If you are looking to deal with the presence of rats and mice, laying down traps can be an effective way of getting rid of them.
There are a broad range of traps available to cater to the needs of your preferences and can be a good option where the infestation is small, and you are looking for a quick way to capture and dispose of them.
No matter which type of trap you choose, there are ways to improve their effectiveness such as using multiple traps and ensuring they are placed in areas where rats and mice frequent. They can also bring less risks with them compared to methods such as rodenticides.
Regardless, as with any form of rodent control, they are not perfect. Ensuring you follow proper health and safety guidelines, the manufacturer’s instructions and combine with other methods such as removing alternative food sources is essential for safe and effective application.
All of our traps are manufactured by Lodi who use high-quality parts to ensure their efficacy and durability are market leading. You can view our full range using the button below.
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