Rat Traps
Types of Rat Traps
Rat traps are devices designed to capture or kill rats. They are a fundamental tool for eliminating rats in homes, farms, businesses, and other environments where these rodents are a problem. There are various types of rat traps, each with its own characteristics and operating methods:
Spring or Snap Rat Traps
- They are the most common and traditional.
- They work with a spring mechanism that closes on the rat when it touches the bait.
- They are effective but can be dangerous for pets or children if not used correctly.
Adhesive Rat Traps
- They consist of a sticky surface that traps the rodent when it walks over it.
- They are less gruesome but can be considered inhumane as the rat remains trapped and alive.
Electric Rat Traps
- These traps deliver an electric shock to the rat, leading to its rapid death.
- They are seen as more humane and effective, although they tend to be more expensive.
Live or Cage Rat Traps
- They allow capturing the rat without injuring it, to then release it elsewhere.
- They are ideal for those who prefer a more humane and non-lethal solution.
Rat Traps with Poison Baits
- They contain poison that kills the rat after ingestion.
- They should be used with caution, especially in areas with children or pets.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rat Trap
When selecting and using rat traps, it is important to consider several factors:
- Safety: Choose rat traps that do not pose a risk to people or pets in the home.
- Effectiveness: Some traps are more effective for certain sizes or species of rats.
- Humaneness: Consider the animal and opt for methods that cause the least suffering.
- Location: Place the traps in areas where rat activity has been observed, near walls, behind objects, or on their usual routes.
- Maintenance: Traps should be checked and cleaned regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
At BirdGard Iberia, we are committed to offering you a selection of rat traps that integrate all these essential factors, ensuring not only their effectiveness, but also your peace of mind and the safety of your environment. In cases of severe infestations, we recommend consulting with pest control professionals for proper and effective management.
Where to Place Rat Traps?
Placing rat traps in the right places is crucial for their effectiveness. Here you'll discover some good tips on where to place them:
- Near Walls: Rats tend to move along walls due to their poor vision. Place the traps parallel to the walls, with the activation mechanism facing the wall.
- Areas of Higher Activity: Look for signs of rat presence, such as droppings, bite marks, or worn paths. Place the traps in these areas.
- Behind Objects: Rats feel safer when they are hidden, so place traps behind appliances, furniture, or in dark and hidden spaces.
- Near Entries: If you can identify where the rats are entering, place traps near these entrances.
- In Attics, Basements, and Garages: These areas are usually less frequented by people and pets, making them ideal for placing traps.
- Around Food Sources: Near the garbage, the pantry, or areas where rats have been seen searching for food.
Additional Tips on Rat Trap Placement
- Avoid Busy Places: Keep traps out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidents.
- Use Gloves: When handling traps and baits, wear gloves to avoid imparting your human scent on the trap. The smell of a person will keep rats away from the trap.
- Check Regularly: Traps should be checked daily. Captured rats should be removed immediately to prevent odors and the attraction of other animals.
- Vary Locations: If a trap hasn't captured anything in a few days, consider moving it to another location.
- Use Multiple Traps: In the case of an infestation, placing several traps will increase the chances of capture.