Of all the rodents that can invade your property, the most unpleasant are undoubtedly rats. To the detriment of many, these animals can cause numerous health problems and structural damage, in addition to contaminating your food and pets.
In houses, apartments, offices and all types of buildings, rats gnaw on all materials to make their nests and reproduce (wood, furniture, wires). And the worst part is that they leave their waste, urine and feces everywhere! In addition, these pests are so elusive that they become difficult to catch.
Rats have no respect and will affect everything on your property, raiding food, water and building their shelter. And if you don’t deal with this pest quickly, rats tend to leave a trail of scent that will call other rats, to make their way into your room. Terrible!
Fortunately, there are many methods and products available to eliminate this pest, and one of the most effective products is the trap. They come in a variety of forms and presentations and will help you catch your unwanted tenants so they don’t bother you again.
If you are dealing with this annoying pest and want to eradicate it to restore order and tranquility to your property, but don’t know how, or want to find out and seek professional help, then you have come to the right place!
As AKL Exterminator, experts in extermination and control of pests of all kinds, we provide you here with a useful and detailed guide, to choose the best rat trap. Thus, you will get rid of these nasty rodents and know how to make the right choice.
Don’t wait for the infestation to spread, let’s get started!
What you need to know about rats
Before taking action, it is essential to know your enemy. Rats are slightly larger mammals than mice, weighing up to 1 kg. There are different species of rats, but the most common ones, which are considered pests, are black rats and Norway rats.
Their life span is very short (about 1 year), but they are able to reproduce in large numbers. These animals are opportunistic survivors par excellence, living near humans. They eat almost everything, stealing food and contaminating it in the process.
Rats are innate rodents that destroy everything in their path in order to obtain food sources and shelter. Norway rats, for example, tunnel and create damp environments between the structure of your property, while black rats are agile climbers that infest roofs and attics.
And as mentioned, these vermin can spread many diseases and cause serious property damage. Their presence puts your loved ones and pets at risk due to the danger of contamination, combined with the fact that they will eat away at all your valuable possessions.
How to detect the presence of rats?
The signs of infestation left by these animals are quite obvious. If you hear nocturnal noises, such as scratching or screaming, it is definitely these tenants. You may hear them nibbling or running free on your property.
You may also notice their presence, noting damage to furniture, upholstery, closets, etc. The appearance of feces and urine are the most obvious indicators, as well as holes between walls or furniture. You can even make out their prints on surfaces, as a clear sign of invasion.
Some previous considerations
Rats are nocturnal animals, so it will be difficult to actively combat them, as they remain hidden during the day. Therefore, it is necessary to observe very carefully the behavior of the plague, its hiding places and signs of infestation.
Remember that these pests are very fast, agile and elusive. In an instant, you can see them running away and they disappear easily. You will need to be patient, purchase the right products and implement an extermination program, which may take several weeks.
And depending on the severity of your case, you may need to contact a professional pest control service. Therefore, if you want to try it for yourself, and before you get the right tools, we leave you with some useful tips, so you can choose the best trap.
Let’s see!
The presentation
Rat traps come in many forms, which you can buy in stores or supermarkets. Manufacturers have created both lethal and non-lethal solutions to stop rodent infestations. Depending on your situation, you can determine which of the following will work best for you:
Snap traps
The classic trap par excellence. It consists of a thick wire attached to a piece of wood, a spring and a lever, which is activated when the rat bites the bait. When this happens, the lever is released and the wire instantly kills the invader, breaking its neck and closing its head.
This rustic trap is not ideal for homes or buildings where children and pets are present, as they may touch it or put their fingers between the levers, activating it and causing serious injury. It is ideal for keeping them out of reach in areas where rats nest.
Plastic traps
These products are safer than leghold traps, and work by suffocating the rats, using a jaw-like mechanism. When the rodent enters, the clamp closes and pressure is applied to the rat, suffocating it. The mechanism is much more user-friendly and less dangerous for your children and pets. In addition, these traps are reusable, but slightly more expensive.
Glue traps
One of the most effective ways to catch rats is to use glue traps. These are strips or boards covered with extremely sticky glue that capture the animal, immobilizing it more firmly, while it struggles to free itself.
These traps are somewhat controversial, because of the method of extermination used, as the captured rats do not die instantly, but rather slowly, by dehydration or starvation. Quite a cruel way, isn’t it? In addition, these traps accumulate a lot of dust and dirt, which makes them unusable afterwards.
Electronic traps
On the other hand, we have some very deadly and unfriendly traps for your invaders, like electronic traps. They consist of a tunnel with metal plates. And just like in the baited cages, when the rats get inside, the plates will be activated by pressure, releasing a powerful shock, which will electrocute and kill the rat instantly.
These traps are charged with batteries or wires, depending on the model. And like the ones above, you must place them near the nests and hiding places of rats. And while the releases aren’t strong enough to affect your children and pets, it’s best to keep them out of reach.
Other factors
Depending on your situation, or whether the rat nest is already established, you can choose the presentation that best suits the level of infestation on your property. You should also consider other important factors, such as the following:
- Uses: whether the traps are designed for indoor or outdoor use. For example, electronic traps are not weatherproof, while cages are. You will need to assess the circumstances of your property
- Quantity: Depending on the level of infestation, you may need more than one trap. You will need to purchase multiple rat traps, or place several individual traps around your property in strategic locations.
- Removal: the unpleasant part is getting rid of the rat’s body. Many traps involve releasing or directly touching the dead rats, and others simply require you to throw them away. Depending on whether or not you want to use it again, you should keep this in mind.
- Safety: as mentioned above, some types of traps can be dangerous due to their mechanisms, especially to your children and pets. You should keep these traps out of their reach, or place them in areas that are inaccessible to them, as this will help avoid problems.
- Easy: Many traps require manual activation, which can be somewhat tedious (e.g., for snap-on levers or removal of glued-on lids). Others just need to be set, and that’s it. It will depend on your comfort level.
The most effective rat traps
With these questions in mind, let’s next review the best rat traps, their uses and indications, so you can make a proper purchase!
Cold Temperature Sticky Traps for Rodents
This incredible low temperature trap consists of a tray with a sticky coating for rodents. It is easy to use. Just separate the lids, put it in areas where you see rats and wait for those rodents to fall out. Try to place it in a clean, dust-free area away from pipes or heaters.
Also, these traps are non-toxic and are for one use only. They have no sources. Keep this trap out of reach of your children and pets. When you dispose of the product, dispose of it in a single container. If you want to get this great product, look here!
SNAP-E Plastic Mouse/Mouse Trap
This fabulous classic trap, with a click mechanism, will be very useful for catching rats. Made of plastic, it is very easy to assemble and clean for reuse. Simply operate the lever on the mechanism, place an attractive bait and place the plot in corners frequented by rats.
Keep this trap out of reach of your children and pets. If you want to get this great product, check here!
With this guide, you will now know how to choose the best rat trap. Feel free to use these tips to select the best rat trap product for you! Don’t forget to place these traps in high-traffic areas and their hiding places, as well as monitor the progress of the infestation.
And if you are already suffering from the ravages of rats and cannot eradicate these vermin on your own and urgently need the help of a specialized company to eradicate the infestation, don’t hesitate to ask us! At AKL Exterminator, we are professionals in the extermination and control of all types of pests.
We will help you without saying a word! In addition, we offer different services and products that you can find in our amazing online store, to control all kinds of invaders, from spiders to rodents. We offer our services in the different provinces of Quebec.
You can find us at 5333 Boul. Laurier, suite 128 Terrebonne, J7M 1W1. We guarantee the quality and the warranty of our products and services, against any invading pest. Do not hesitate to contact us by clicking on the image below! We take calls at any time!
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