What To Do With Rats Caught In A Live Trap
Let’s dive into the exciting world of rat control. When it comes to putting those pesky rodents in their place, one popular method that folks swear by is live trapping. It’s like playing a strategic game of cat and mouse, except we’re the ones calling the shots!
So, here’s the scoop: set up those traps in areas where you’ve spotted those sneaky rats or suspect they might be hiding out. It’s all about outsmarting them and luring them into the trap. Think of it as their own little surprise party they can’t resist!
Now, the real goal here is to catch as many of those furry fellows as possible. We want to show them who’s boss and reduce their numbers, until one day, they’re all gone. But here’s the thing; catching them is just the first step. What you do with those trapped rats is equally important.
Imagine this—I once caught a little rat party in my live trap. It was like a miniature club inside that contraption! But remember, our goal is to give those rats their eviction notice, so we need a solid plan. Find a suitable spot far away from other rat hangouts, like a park or nature reserve, and set those rats free. It’s their chance for a fresh start, away from our homes and gardens.
Oh, and don’t forget to reset the trap once you’ve set those rats free. It’s like resetting the game board for round two! The key is persistence.
Common Traps To Catch A Rat
When it comes to rat-catching gear, we have a couple of popular options: snap traps and live traps. It’s like choosing between “catch and release” or “game over” modes.
First up, we have snap traps. These little contraptions are designed to swiftly put an end to a rat’s misadventures. It’s like a speedy showdown! Once the rat takes the bait and triggers the trap, bam! Game over for the rat. It’s not the most humane approach, but boy, does it get the job done.
Now, if you’re a soft-hearted soul like me and prefer a more compassionate approach, then live traps are the way to go. Picture this: a rat stumbles upon the irresistible scent of the bait, enters the trap through a sneaky little door, and finds itself in a cozy holding chamber. It’s like checking into a rat-friendly hotel! With a live trap, we capture the rat without causing any harm. We’re all about giving them a second chance, you know?
So, if your conscience nags at you about being humane (mine sure does), opt for those live traps. They provide a safe space for the rat until you’re ready to release it back into the wild. It’s like rat rehab, giving them a chance to turn over a new leaf.
Now, grab your trap of choice, set it up with some tempting bait, and let the rat-catching adventure begin! Remember, the goal is to show those rats who’s boss, but we can do it with compassion and a little finesse.

Live Rat Traps
Let’s talk about the nifty live traps we can use to outsmart those crafty rodents. We’ve got two popular options: box traps and cage traps. It’s like choosing between a cozy wooden home or a sturdy metal fortress.
Box traps are usually made of wood or plastic, and they have a clever bait door that leads those curious rats straight into a holding chamber. It’s like a secret passage to their temporary vacation spot! On the other hand, cage traps are quite similar, but they’re made of metal and have wire sides instead of solid walls. It’s like a mini rat-friendly jailbreak room!
Now, you might wonder which one to choose. Well, from my own rat-catching adventures, I’ve found that box traps tend to be more effective. You see, rats can be a bit cautious about entering enclosed spaces. But with a box trap, it’s like inviting them into a cozy home rather than a suspicious-looking contraption.
Now, let’s talk release strategies. Once you’ve caught a rat in your live trap, it’s time for the grand finale—the release! Find an area where no other rats are present, like a serene park or nature reserve. Open that bait door, and watch the rat scamper away to its newfound freedom.
Don’t forget, after releasing the rat, make sure to reset the trap. It’s like hitting the reset button on your rat-catching adventures, ready to nab more of those sneaky critters in the future. Keep that trap primed and ready!
So, grab your trap of choice—be it a cozy box or a sturdy cage—set it up with some tempting bait, and let’s embark on our rat-catching escapades.
Glue Traps
Now, I’ll be straight with you, glue traps are not the most humane choice compared to those snazzy box or cage traps we talked about earlier. They work by using a sticky substance to trap the rat in place. It’s like a sticky situation they can’t wiggle out of.
But here’s a real bummer—rats can get desperate to escape these traps and might resort to gnawing off their own limbs. If you find yourself using a glue trap as a last resort, it’s crucial to check it regularly.
But truth be told, glue traps should really be the last option on our rat-catching list. Not only are they not very effective, but they can also cause the rats a lot of suffering. Let’s keep things as humane as possible, right?

Rat Snap Traps
Snap traps may not be the most humane option out there, unlike those fancy live traps we mentioned earlier. But hey, when it comes to effectiveness, they sure pack a punch! These little contraptions are designed to dispatch those rodents quickly, helping to control rat populations more efficiently. In fact, they can take care of multiple rats in a single day. Talk about a rat-catching frenzy!
If you decide to go the snap trap route, here are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, check those traps regularly. You wouldn’t want to leave any rat casualties lying around, would you? Dispose of any deceased rats properly to ensure a clean and tidy situation.
Now, let’s talk bait. Rats can be quite picky eaters, so it’s crucial to use bait that really tickles their taste buds. Peanut butter and cheese tend to be popular choices. They just can’t resist the delicious aroma wafting from those traps!
So, if you go with snap traps, be diligent in checking them, dispose of the results responsibly, and entice those sneaky rats with the tastiest bait you can find.
What To Do With Rats Caught In A Live Trap
Once you’ve caught a rat in a live trap, the next step is to release it. The best way to do this is to take the trap to an area where there are no other rats present, such as a park or nature reserve. Release the rats in an area that is at least 100 yards away from other houses. Open the bait door and let the rat out, then make sure to reset the trap so that you can catch more rats in the future.
You can also choose to euthanize the rodents humanely by bringing them to a local animal shelter or a veterinarian. However, this should only be done if you’re unable to release the rat into an appropriate area. If you do euthanize the rodent, make sure to do so in a humane manner.
Remember to wear gloves when handling these rodents or the traps. You can also call pest control experts if you think the infestation is worse than you thought it was.
Spend some time rodent-proofing your home as well. Make sure that these rodents will not have any access to human and pet food and seal all possible entry points on your property. This will help to prevent future infestations.
What Is The Easiest Way To Kill A Trapped Rat?
When it comes to putting an end to a trapped rat’s journey, the easiest way to do it is by using a rat snap trap. It’s like setting up a little surprise party for our furry intruder. Just place some bait in the trap, sit back, and wait for the rat to take the bait and enter. Once that happens, snap! The spring-loaded mechanism does its thing and zaps the rat, putting an end to its mischief in an instant.
Now, I totally get it if you prefer a more humane approach when dealing with a rat caught in a glue trap or live trap. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea to witness that. If you’re up for it, one method is to deliver a quick and precise blow to the rat’s head. It’s a straightforward and effective way to ensure a swift end. But fair warning, it does require a bit of stomach strength.
If the thought of that makes you squirm, you can opt for suffocation instead. Simply place the trapped rat into a plastic bag and tie it shut. This method may take a bit longer, but it achieves the same result while sparing you from having to see the act itself.
Remember, it’s important to approach these situations with caution and care. Take your time and choose the method that aligns with your comfort level.
How To Dispose Of A Dead Rat
Disposing of a dead rat can put you at some potential health risks, so it is best to contact rodent control professionals in these situations. However, if you plan on doing it yourself, here is how to properly dispose of a dead rat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you have the following:
- Protective gloves
- A mask or respirator
- Plastic trash bags (x2)
First, make sure to put on your gloves, mask, and respirator. Second, place the dead rat in a plastic trash bag and seal it tightly. Third, place the bag in a second plastic trash bag and tie it shut.
You may be able to toss the rat into your trashcan outside. Some cities however impose strict rules on how dead animals should be disposed of. As a result, it’s a good idea to contact a pest control expert or your city’s public animal control office before putting a rat in a dumpster or out for curbside collection.
You should also clean and disinfect any areas where the rat has been present. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
Best Live Rat Trap
The Gingbau Small Animal Live Cage Trap is an incredible live rat trap that comes in a pack of two. It’s an ideal live trap for rats, mice, chipmunks, squirrels, and other small rodents. Gingbau traps are perfect for catching and releasing pests so that they’re not causing any harm to your property.
The trap will be activated by briefly touching the pedal after it has been set into position. The door then closes quickly, thanks to a latch that locks automatically to prevent the trapped animal from escaping.
Conclusion
Rats are a serious problem and should be dealt with as soon as possible. If you have rats in your home, it’s important to take action right away. The best way to get rid of rats is to use a live trap, but you can also use snap traps. Whichever method you choose, make sure to dispose of the rats properly.
You should also take steps to rodent-proof your home to prevent future infestations. Seal all entry points and make sure that food is not easily accessible. If you have any questions or concerns, contact a pest control expert for help.
I bought a pellet gun for dispatching rats caught in my live trap. I found it takes two shots from a high powered 0.177 pellet. I don’t like the idea of any thing else… We are in the country and have an infestation under our house. Poison, as you state, may kill other animals – namely owls. Kill traps are gross. It’s a delima.
Beat method so far is a live trap with a kill from a pellet gun and throwing the dead animal into the woods.
We actually have an article Will a BB Gun Kill a Rat? (Only if it’s Done Correctly) where we talk about this. I think the .177 is the better choice to be honest too. I’m not a fan of poison, especially if there are children or animals in the home, and you’re right – kill traps are pretty gross!