How to set a rat snap trap


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Old 03-13-12, 04:26 PM
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How to set a rat snap trap

I have noticed small rats, about 5 to 6 inches long, feeding on the sunflower seeds that escape the birds at the feeder adjacent to my house. I have caught a couple of them using a standard rat (snap) trap baited with cheese, however, they get the cheese more often than not.

Since this is my first experience trapping rats, Ithought it would be a good idea to ask for guidance as to how to secure the bait to the trap. Any help will be greatly appreciated.....thanks
 
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Old 03-13-12, 05:31 PM
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Press the cheese securely around the flat part of the trigger. If you just lay it on there, they will get it and not trip the trap. Technically the SECOND mouse gets the cheese.
 
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Old 03-13-12, 06:16 PM
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Peanut butter is harder to get off then cheese.
 
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Old 03-14-12, 05:09 AM
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I don't like just placing traps in the open. It's too easy to catch something unintentionally like the neighbors cat. I put a sturdy box made of wood or metal over the trap. Cut some holes at the ends of the box big enough for your rats to enter. They love the dark protected space. Make sure the box is big enough that a cat's arm cannot reach through the hole and get caught on the trap. Then weight the box down so it's not easily moved by animals. I don't know if it's the combination of the dark hiding place that draws rats & mice in or if because it's covered birds cannot steal the bait but I have better success with the box than with the trap out in the open. And, once you have the box built you can put the sticky pad traps inside. I have not found anything that can escape them and there is no bait to steal.
 
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Old 03-14-12, 05:32 PM
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Tying the bait onto the trigger works well for rats and mice. If using peanut butter, tie a small piece of cotton onto trigger then smear the peanut butter on it. When they bite, their little rear end belongs to you. If the cheese is hard enough you could tie it on with dental floss or sewing thread. Bacon is a terrific bait for rats, but as Pilot Dane points out it will attract non-targets.

I’ve also heard of ant colonies and roaches eating bait off of triggers given enough time.
 
 

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