What Kind of Rat Traps Do Exterminators Use

For any homeowner, dealing with a rat infestation can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Rats are unsanitary and destructive and can also carry diseases and risk your family’s health.

If you’re thinking about combating these pesky little creatures yourself without professional help, you may wonder what kind of rat traps exterminators use to eliminate them. This guide will show you everything you need to know about rat traps.

In the rest of this article, I’ll take you through the different rat traps used by exterminators and how they work. You’ll also learn about the pros and cons of each and where to place them for maximum effectiveness.

4 Types of Rat Traps Exterminators Use

Rat traps can be effective at controlling rat populations when used properly. These traps can range from traditional snap traps to more modern, electronic ones.

Below, I’ll show a detailed overview of the most common types of rat traps, highlighting the advantages and drawbacks of each:

Snap Traps

Snap traps, also known as “snap kill traps,” are like little booby traps for rats. They typically consist of a spring-loaded bar and bait.

When a rat takes the bait, the spring-loaded bar snaps shut faster than you can say “cheese”.

But don’t worry; these traps are quite humane. They kill the rat instantly by breaking its neck or spine, so there’s little or no suffering.

Setting up a snap trap is easy. Press down on the spring-loaded bar until it clicks into place, and then put some delicious bait on the trigger plate.

However, if you’re dealing with a large rat infestation or the rats in your area are resistant to traditional bait, you may need to try other pest control methods or techniques.

Snap traps also require maintenance, as you’ll need to dispose of the dead rat and reset the trap after each catch.

Also, they may not be suitable for use in areas where children or pets are present, as the spring-loaded bar can be dangerous if triggered accidentally.

Glue Traps

As the name suggests, glue traps use a sticky adhesive on a flat board or tray to hold the rat in place, making it impossible to escape.

To use a glue trap, you’ll need to place it where you’ve seen rat activity and wait for the rat to get stuck to the glue.

It does not require any special training or equipment to use. Once it captures a rat, dispose of it and replace the trap when needed.

However, they are inhumane, as the rat may struggle and suffer while stuck to the glue. Some rats may even chew off a limb to break free.

Additionally, glue traps may not be as effective as other methods, as rats can escape or avoid the trap altogether.

Electronic Traps

Electronic traps are a more high-tech option for catching rats. These traps use a combination of bait and an electric shock to kill the rat quickly and humanely.

Exterminators will often set electronic traps in areas where rats are known to travel, such as along walls or near food sources. They are particularly effective for dealing with a large rat infestation quickly.

You’ll need to place bait on the device’s trigger plate to use an electronic trap. When the rat takes the bait, it will receive a quick, painless electric shock that kills it instantly.

Another advantage of electronic traps is that they don’t use harmful chemicals and only require minimal maintenance, as you can dispose of the dead rat and reset the trap as needed.

However, you can’t use them outdoors, and they tend to be more expensive than other rat traps.

Also, considering the electric shock feature, they may not be the best option for homes with children or pets, as they can cause serious injury if triggered accidentally.

Live Traps

Live traps are the most humane and environmentally-friendly option to deal with rats in your home. They allow you to capture the rat without killing or harming it so that you can release it back into the wild.

Several live traps are available, including traditional wooden or plastic boxes and cage-style traps.

The most common type used by exterminators is the cage trap, which consists of a cage with a door triggered by a bait placed inside.

When a rat enters the cage, the door closes behind it, trapping it inside. You can then release it into the wild or take it to where it can be safely relocated. The downside of this method is that it is more expensive and time-consuming.

If you’re having a lot of trouble with rats, you may consider setting multiple live traps around your home. This can help you reduce the rat population in a shorter amount of time.

Final Thoughts

When dealing with a rat problem, it’s important to remember that exterminators also use various methods or a combination of different traps to get the job done. These methods may include sealing up potential entry points, using repellents, or using rodenticides.

Snap and electronic traps are generally considered the most effective, killing the rat quickly and efficiently.

However, live traps may be a better option if you’re opposed to killing the rats or need to release them in a specific location.

It’s also important to consider the size of the infestation and the location of the traps. If you have a large infestation, it may be more practical to use electronic traps, as you can set and leave them for an extended period.