Best Rat Traps
Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How We Found the Best Rat Traps
Rat Traps We Reviewed:
Best Rat Traps
Perhaps nothing conjures more angst and disgust than rats. Your fears are well-founded. These rodents carry over 40 diseases including the infamous bubonic plague that claimed 75 million lives across the globe from the 13th through 18th centuries.
It’s imperative for you to act quickly if you discover an infestation. They are prolific breeders, producing up to 22 babies per litter. We’re here to help with our round-up of the top six best rat traps of 2018 review. We’ve chosen our picks among the various types that we have summarized below. Read on to learn more.
BEST HUMANE
Trapro Humane Rat Trap Cage
Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- You avoid dealing with the undesirable aspects of rodent control
- You can use it indoors or outdoors
- It is well-made and inescapable for the rodents
- You can trap other nuisance animals such as squirrels
- There is a satisfaction guarantee with your purchase
Cons
- You’ll need to locate a place to release them far from other dwellings
- There is a risk of injury when transporting the cage to the site
Features & Specs
- Its dimensions are 10.5 x 4.5 x 5.5 inches to handle most rodent problems
- It has an ultra-sensitive trigger mechanism
- It has a secure latch to keep the rats inside until you release them
You have several purchase options including large and dual-door. It is durable with galvanized steel to prevent rust. It is virtually maintenance-free because of the mesh floor and sides. It’s affordable, especially when compared to the cost of an exterminator.
BEST COST-EFFECTIVE
Harris Humane Mouse Trap, Catch & Release
Last update on 2023-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- It offers a humane solution
- The manufacturer makes a donation to a local humane shelter for each purchase
- There is no risk of getting injured when handling the sprung trap
- It is affordable
- The tint of the plastic gives rodents a false sense of security
Cons
- Clean-up is messy
- It’s a bit small for larger rodents
Features & Specs
- Its dimensions are 7 x 2.7 x 2.6 inches, ideal for placement against a wall
- It is lightweight at just under five ounces
- The spring on the outside prevents damage to the trap
That makes it escape-proof yet transparent to check it quickly. The shape is an excellent choice because it replicates the tunnels and burrows that rodents likely use already. That design contributes to its effectiveness. It helps that it’s inexpensive too.
BEST GLUE TRAP
Tillain Rat Glue Traps
Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Strong adhesive
- Multiple foldable options
- Peanut butter scented
- Can be used in many places and for many pests
Cons
- Can be an obvious trap to pest
- Doesn’t work for everyone
- Best for indoor
Features & Specs
- 8 pack
- Peanut butter scented
- Foldable design
- Wide application
- Pairs well with other baits
- Can be placed anywhere inside
Tillain’s super strong adhesive makes for the ideal rat trap. For the best results it is recommended that bread crumbs, cheese, or fried fish are placed in the center of the trap to attract rats or mice. If you are using it in the winter Tillain recommends to heat it up on a heating pipe before use to get the glue warm and sticky. If you are removing the rats from the glue, household vegetable oil can be used for a painless release. Avoid leaving these traps in direct sunlight or near water. If the trap does get wet, dry before using.

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Tomcat Snap Rat Trap
| Updated for 2021Overall Rating: ProsEasy setupWorks for different sized ratsEasy to clean ConsRats are visible in trapRequires safe removalMay not always...

D-Con Mice and Rat Poison Bait Station Review
| Updated for 2021Overall Rating: Pros Easy monitoring Mice die in the nest Safe for pets and family Cons 3-day waiting period Requires...
BEST ELECTRIC TRAP
Rat Zapper RZC001
Last update on 2023-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Ultra-effective method of killing rats in the home
- Simple and easy to use
- Clean and mess free
- LED light indicator
Cons
- Not safe around other pets & children
- Not water resistant
- Requires batteries
- Can be difficult to place bait
Features & Specs
- Dimensions 12” x 4.3” x 4.5”
- 1.72-pounds
- Uses 4-AA batteries (not included)
The electronic trap has metal plates and smart circuit technology that senses when a rodent enters it. Designed specifically for rats – which are able to restart their hearts – this unit offers a high voltage shock which is applied for a solid two minutes to ensure elimination.
The Rat Zapper doesn’t use poisons or chemicals, but as with any electronic device, please exercise caution around pets and children. Its use is intended for indoors, so don’t let it get wet.
BEST PLANK TRAP
RinneTraps Walk The Plank Mouse Trap
Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- It is inexpensive
- The company is USA-based
- It is pet-friendly
- You can catch a slew of rodents in one run
- Customer support is top-notch
Cons
- It is not humane when setting it up as directed
- The clean-up is messy
Features & Specs
- The dimensions are 8 x 3 x 1 inches
- It’s made of plastic
- The ramp supports up to 15 pounds
You must supply the bucket. A five-gallon one will do the job just fine. Proper placement is essential for maximum effectiveness. You can quickly move it to find the right spot because of its construction.
BEST SPRING TRAP
Kat Sense Large Rat Trap Mice Traps
Last update on 2023-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- They are reusable for a better value for your money
- They will not retain odors for long-term use
- You can use an attractant or other bait in the cup of the trap
- It is a cost-effective solution
- They are easy to set
Cons
- Clean-up is not pleasant
Features & Specs
- The dimensions are 2.5 X 3 inches for each trap
- They are made of polystyrene
When using these types of traps, you’ll have better success if you set several of them. Fortunately, you can buy it in four or six-packs for better coverage. You can reuse them or toss them out after being tripped. The mechanism is sensitive to keep rodents from stealing the bait. The manufacturer guarantees that they will work too.

D-Con Mice and Rat Poison Bait Station Review
| Updated for 2021Overall Rating: Pros Easy monitoring Mice die in the nest Safe for pets and family Cons 3-day waiting period Requires...

Tomcat Snap Rat Trap
| Updated for 2021Overall Rating: ProsEasy setupWorks for different sized ratsEasy to clean ConsRats are visible in trapRequires safe removalMay not always...

Pests-Proofing your RVs, Campers and Travel Trailers for Winter Storage
Read more to find out how you can protect your RVs and campers while they are in storage from pests. Some methods are surprisingly easy.
What Are Common Signs of a Rat Problem?
As the old saying goes, once you start seeing signs of it, you have an infestation on your hands. However, even a single rat is destructive and can cause a lot of damage. The classic indications that these rodents are in your home include the following:
- Droppings or urine stains
- Gnaw marks, holes, and scratches
- Nests
- Sounds
Like many pests, rats are secretive and elusive. The chances are you’ll see sign before the culprit unless you have a major problem, especially if you spot them during the day.
What Habitat Do Rats Prefer?
Rats live just about anywhere in the world, except Antarctica. They coexist with people because of the reliable food and shelter sources they provide, albeit, unintentionally. They can adapt to a variety of habitats and situations. If humans can live in a place, so can these rodents.
They inhabit areas that we’d consider dangerous or inhospitable such as sewers and dump sites. Likely places in your home are cabinets, woodpiles, and anywhere there is garbage or food available. That includes any living quarters for pets or livestock. Rats, after all, are highly adaptable.
How Can I Best Use My Rat Traps?
Rats are survivors for a good reason. They are wary of new things in their environment. That’s why it’s necessary to allow them to get used to baited traps before you set them. Place the traps in an area where you’ve seen the telltale signs. Add the bait or attractant per the manufacturer’s instructions. Once you’ve noticed that they’re visiting it, bait it again and set it.
The best places to put them include along walls. You may find it helpful to set more than one trap. Since they are relatively larger rodents, we suggest securing each one in place. If you use spring types, the more, the better. Follow the same procedure as detailed above.
More Tips for Dealing With a Rodent Issue
Prevention is the best cure. A rat infestation is no exception. That means determining where the problem begins. The smartest thing you can do is to find the openings that rats use to enter your home and seal them. Look around the entire perimeter of your house. Do the same inspection in the rooms where you’ve seen any sign.
You may find it helpful to sweep the floors regularly in the areas when you’ve detected them to see if they’re still active. Droppings are often the first clue that they are in your home. The next step is to prevent a recurrence.
Bear in mind that any hole larger than one-half inch is enough for them to squeeze through to get inside. Seal them with chalk or a screen over the opening. Also, keep the area around the foundation clear of vegetation and debris so that it doesn’t provide cover for them. Remember that rats are reluctant to move in plain sight.
Another effective means is to eliminate the food sources. Keep areas around food preparation and garbage sites clean. That applies to pet bowls too. Take them up after your dog or cat has finished eating. Rats are opportunistic and will choose the places where it’s easiest to find something to eat. Make sure that your home isn’t one of them.
Finally, using rat traps is a necessary approach if you have an infestation. They will stay in your house unless you take proactive measures. The health of you and your family is at risk as long as they reside there. And the sooner you act, the better your chances of pest control.