The 6 Best Rat Traps of 2023
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Effective solutions to send rats packing
The Spruce / Amelia Manley
Rats can be more than just an occasional nuisance, causing plenty of damage inside and around your home. While this is never a fun problem to tackle (and often requires a professional to help) a rat trap can help you take care of a small issue, or let you know if you have a new problem to deal with.
To help solve the problem, we researched dozens of rat traps and evaluated them on effectiveness, ease of use, and capacity. Here are the best options to get these pesky rodents out of your house.
Best Overall: Rat Zapper Classic Indoor Electronic Mouse and Rat Trap
This electronic trap wins points for its never-see/never-touch extermination method.
What We Like
Only requires AA batteries
Light indicates if a rat is inside
Contents are hidden from sight
Large size
What We Don't Like
More expensive than snap traps
Needs cleaning between use
The Rat Zapper Classic Indoor Electronic Mouse and Rat Trap is an effective solution if you have a rat or another rodent causing havoc inside your home. The purple, tunnel-shaped trap is completely opaque so the contents are hidden from sight. Plus the LED light flashes red when a rat is inside, letting you know it's time to empty the trap without having to look. While it is just intended for one rodent, the trap is very easy to empty, as you just need to tip it over to dispose of the contents.
Although they are not included, four AA batteries should supply enough power to last for 20 encounters, according to the manufacturer, which is great if you have mice issues as well. Like many traps on this list, you will need to add your own bait. Also, this trap is big enough for larger rodents as well, but keep in mind that it is not intended for outdoor use. While it is more expensive than other options, we think it's still deserving as our Best overall pick, especially if you'd rather not see the inside of the trap, and want a reusable option that's easy to empty
Price at time of publish: $57
Type: Lethal electronic︱Dimensions: 12 x 4.3 x 4.5 inches︱Target Species: Rats, mice︱Capacity: 1 rat | Indoors or Outdoors: Indoors
Best Budget: Victor Rat Traps
The classic trap is the easiest to set for the lowest price.
What We Like
Inexpensive
Simple to use
Effective
What We Don't Like
Can pinch fingers when setting
Victor has been making the classic wood-and-metal snap trap for over 100 years! Inexpensive and straightforward, this is the classic choice for those looking to save money and who are familiar with using the design: You set the bait, set the trap, and wait for the result.
However, the trap can be difficult to set and is easy to trigger, meaning you can accidentally end up pinching your fingers. And, of course, disposal requires direct contact. But if budget is your prime consideration, we recommend this one.
Price at time of publish: $21
Type: Snap︱Dimensions: 2 x 3 x 1 inches | Target Species: Rats, mice︱Capacity: 1 rat | Indoors or Outdoors: Both
Best Glue: Catchmaster Baited Rat, Mouse and Snake Glue Traps
The simplest of traps remains the standard of the pest-control industry.
What We Like
Inexpensive
Includes multiple trays
Has floor anchors
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
Not reusable
Many people seek out glue traps because of their inexpensive price points and because they do not use rodenticides: They just trap the rat for later disposal. This is why glue-based traps remain a standard in pest control: They perform exactly as advertised.
This trap includes anchors to help keep it in place. Each pack in this product contains six traps that are effective for up to one year, offering the ability to use them as long-term monitoring tools.
Price at time of publish: $15
Type: Glue, nonlethal ︱Dimensions: 10 x 5 inches︱Target Species: Rats︱Capacity: 1 rat | Indoors or Outdoors: Indoors only
Best Snap Trap: Tomcat Rat Snap Trap
East to set up, this trap is easier on the fingers but no less hard on its target.
Buy at Equestriancollections.com
What We Like
Reusable
Easy to use and place
Affordable
What We Don't Like
Results aren't concealed
Tomcat is one of the oldest manufacturers in the rodent control market. Their Indoor/Outdoor Rat Snap Traps are ideal when you likely have many rats to contend with and need to set traps indoors and out. Using plastic instead of classic metal allows for more design choices. In this case, that resembles clamping alligator jaws, which are intended to keep rats in place with less chance of escape.
The updated setting-up-bait process avoids putting delicate fingers in harm's way. (You can arm it with your foot if you choose.) Plastic, which doesn't rust, also extends the shelf life. However, just as in the metal-and-wood variation, sometimes the jaws don't deliver a lethal blow, and the results aren't concealed.
Price at time of publish: $10
Type: Snap︱Dimensions: 3 x 8.6 x 5 inches︱Target Species: Rats︱Capacity: 1 rat | Indoors or Outdoors: Both
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Best Multi-Rat Trap: RUGGED RANCH RATTR The Ratinator Multiple Catch Live Rat Trap
This tamper-resistant trap is our choice for controlling many rats, indoors or out.
What We Like
Reusable
Pet and child tamper-resistant
Easy setup
Trapped multiple rats
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Large footprint
If you are positive you have a rat infestation, a multi-trap is likely your best bet. A spring floor causes the door to close behind trapped rats. The Ratinator is tamper-resistant, making it ideal for households with pets and children.
Made of plastic, the trap weighs less than many other live traps (9 pounds), making it easier to transport over large distances and set up. While not as sturdy or cost-effective as metal traps, it is a great option for those trying to trap more than one rodent, so they can have a new home elsewhere.
Price at time of publish: $92
Type: Nonlethal trap-and-release︱Dimensions: 16.5 x 26.5 x 6 inches︱Target Species: Rats︱Capacity: 21 rats︱Indoors or Outdoors: Both
Best Repellent: Rodent Sheriff Ultra-Pure Peppermint Spray
You can apply this effective, all-natural spray anywhere.
What We Like
No traps
Also repels ants and raccoons
Eco-friendly
What We Don't Like
Hard to check performance
Eco-friendly, you can apply this repellent in a variety of places, from garages to attics. Rodents, like many other pests, tend to find strong-smelling plant oils displeasing, making it possible they will avoid your home.
While this is not the ideal solution in a situation that calls for extermination, a repellent might be an option alongside a trapping program to offer an extra layer of support.
Price at time of publish: $28
Type: Spray repellent︱Dimensions: Not applicable︱Target Species: Rats︱Capacity: Multiple rats︱Indoors or Outdoors: Outdoors
Final Verdict
Our Best Overall pick is the Rat Zapper Classic Indoor Electronic Mouse and Rat Trap because it is reusable, conceals the contents, and alerts you when it's time to empty the trap. If you want a more affordable option, our Best Budget pick, Victor Rat Traps traps the rat and can be thrown away when used.
What to Look for in a Rat Trap
Type
The design of the rat trap directly influences its effectiveness, and so does whether you prefer a lethal or nonlethal option. It's also important to choose one that suits your space, the number of rats needing containment, and the cost. Glue or snap traps, like the Victor Rat Traps might be best for saving money, whereas a bait station might serve someone with multiple rats to remove.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Your choices may be limited by where you intend to use your trap. When using a trap indoors, look for products that are said to be safe for pets and people and are tamper-proof. Glue and wood traps don't often fare well when exposed to the elements and lose effectiveness as a result. Most live traps, especially those made of metal, are designed exclusively for outdoor use. However, our Best Multi-Rat Trap option, the Rugged Ranch Ratinator Multiple Catch Live Rat Trap, is made of plastic and is designed to be used outdoors to trap rats and relocate them to another area.
Capacity
Most traps, including snap and glue types, are set up to capture single rats. You may have to purchase more than one if you seek to control multiple rats. Some traps, especially those featuring bait stations, are designed to handle and trap several rats at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do rat traps work?
Rat traps work differently depending on their type. Traditional “snap” traps employ a metal or plastic switch that trips a clamp-down bar when noticeable pressure is applied. Humane traps also may feature pressure-activated plates, but instead of metal bars, they trigger the doors to close behind the animals. Glue traps are the simplest designs, catching rats walking across the sticky surfaces.
Where should you place a rat trap?
Follow manufacturer directions for location. Keep in mind how visible you want the trap to be. For indoor placement, along floorboards, inside cabinets, or in pantries are ideal locations. Outdoor traps are best suited to stables, barns, or alongside fences or structures.
What kind of bait do you use in a rat trap?
No matter how effective the trap, it doesn't lure a rat without the right bait. Like humans, rats prefer sweet, fatty, salty, non-natural foods. While different types of rats have different preferences, you can hedge your bets by choosing a bait that hits multiple taste profiles like:
Peanut butter
Bacon
Cheese
Dried fruit
Hot dogs
Any combination of the above
Why Trust The Spruce?
This round-up was written by Amanda Rose Newton, a certified entomologist specializing in urban and industrial pest management. To make this list, Newton researched dozens of options, evaluating them on effectiveness, ease of use, and capacity.
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