6 / 7
via merchantIf you’re looking for an outdoor bait station that’s more discreet, the Protecta landscape rat bait stations look like granite boulders and blend into the landscape—no more rat trap eyesores strewn around the yard. Made of heavy-duty plastic to withstand ultraviolet (UV) rays, the station can be anchored to the ground with stakes for extra security. Each station holds eight bait blocks and has a one-piece inner liner for easy cleanup.
Five-star Amazon reviewer, Carl, writes, “I own my own Pest control company. This landscape station has very good bait acceptance with mice and rats. I placed these in an exclusive country club, and they love them. Their members don’t even know they are rodent bait stations.”
Pros
- Blends into outdoor landscape
- UV rays-resistant
- Tamper-resistant
- Works for rats and mice
- Comes in a pack of four
Cons
- Expensive
- Restricted shipping to some states
7 / 7
via merchantA rodent infestation is bad enough—you don’t need to worry about your kids and pets getting into rat poison or injuring little fingers and paws on top of it. The DoomBox mouse trap is a pet- and child-resistant “clear” solution you can feel good about.
While it’s technically a mouse trap, it works for small rats, too. Here’s how it works: A patented “Click-It” closure is easy for adults to open, but not for kids, dogs and cats. The see-through housing and two-hole entryway give rats the impression that they can enter, dine and leave, but there’s no way out. That’s when the “SmackDown” strike bar takes care of the rat.
The see-through housing lets you see what’s going on inside the container without having to open it, and the walls are stable enough to keep the container from popping open when you don’t want it to. Plus, the high-impact kill bar is swift and effective.
Some users note that pets, especially aggressive chewers, can get through plastic casing. So, if you plan to use these traps around pets (and kids, for that matter), you should monitor them carefully.
Pros
- Designed to keep kids and pets from tampering with it
- Available in multi-packs
- High-impact kill bar
- Oversized trip panel
Cons
- A little expensive
What to Look for When Buying a Rat Trap
Once you realize you have a rat problem, spring into action! Here are the top things to consider when deciding which rat trap will fit your situation and sensibility:
- Type/method: If you’re uncomfortable killing animals, “live” non-lethal traps are the way to go. If you can’t stomach disposing of an entrapped rat (dead or alive), there are no-see traps on the market.
- Size: Rats are generally bigger and weigh more than mice, so it’s important the trap be large enough to capture and confine larger rodents.
- Material: Traps made of galvanized steel are sturdier, making them smart for outdoor use. Plastic traps tend to be of lower quality, but are lightweight and usually cost less.
- Safety: If you have small children or pets, steer clear of mechanical traps and those containing rat poisons (rodenticides). Instead, use sticky (glue) traps or locking bait stations.
Why You Should Trust Us
Unfortunately, I am in the thick of dealing with a pest problem as I write this article. So, I have first-hand experience with pest problems and how to treat them. I’ve learned a lot about what to do and what works from multiple exterminators and pest control experts.
But I don’t expect you to simply take my word for it, I’ve consulted Vincent Luca, owner of On Demand Pest Control, to determine what to do if you have a rat problem and which types of traps work best for capturing and controlling pests in and around your home.
How We Found the Best Rat Traps
After consulting expert Luca, I also did my own research to find some of the best rat trap solutions on the market. This involved sifting through multiple product descriptions, reading real user reviews and taking into consideration my own experience with pests and traps. From non-lethal options to budget options and even bait stations that blend into landscapes, I worked to find rat traps for every kind of home and lifestyle. If you find that your own methods aren’t working or that your pest problem is too advanced for you to control on your own, I recommend consulting a local pest control agency for additional help.
FAQ
What should you do if you have rats in or around your home?
After identifying the entry points rats are using to get into your home and sealing them, like expert Luca suggests, you should remove any food sources that may be attracting rats and other pests. “This means keeping your home and surrounding area clean and free of garbage,” Luca says.
“You should also set traps and use bait to catch the rats and consider using rat repellent sprays. Keep in mind that securing pet food and trimming trees and vegetation can also deter rats from coming near your home,” Luca explains. “Finally, practicing good sanitation habits can go a long way in preventing rats from being attracted to your home.”
Are DIY bucket traps effective?
According to Luca, one of the best non-lethal, catch-and-release rat trap methods is a bucket trap (using a bucket and a ramp). Making a homemade rat trap is simple with the use of a basic 5-gallon bucket.
Make a ramp with a piece of wood or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and attach it to the lip of the bucket. Pour a few tablespoons of vegetable oil on the bottom of the bucket, and add a dollop of peanut butter at the bottom. (Be careful not to get any “bait” on the sides of the bucket.) Rats will climb up the ramp and jump down for dinner, but can’t climb back out because of the bucket’s slick surface.
While solving one problem, it creates another: disposing of a bucket filled with live rats. You’ll need to take them to a remote location and let them go, or euthanize them. If neither appeals to you (understandable), it’s best to let a pro exterminator tackle your rat problem.
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