Are rats leaving gnaw marks on your furniture and eating your favorite snacks? Rat traps help you capture these uninvited pests, discourage them from raising pups, and stop them from spreading disease in your home. To help you choose among dozens of brands, we’ve listed the 12 best rat traps. You’ll discover a variety of brands for each type of rat trap:
- Snap traps
- Sticky glue traps
- Electric traps
- Live traps (catch-and-release)
Before getting started, you have to ask yourself: What are you looking for in a rat trap? Is the price your only concern? Are you looking for reusable rat traps? Do you need traps that can capture multiple rats at once? We’ll guide you through many trap options in the world of rat traps.
Best Rat Snap Traps
1. Victor Metal Pedal Trap – Model M210
Of all the old-school rat traps, Victor metal pedal traps take the lead as the best choice on the market. They are poison-free, easy to use, and highly effective rat traps manufactured with Forest Stewardship Council certified wood (FSC). This snapping rat trap can be used both indoors and outdoors. Rat bait is not included with this product.
Is it expensive? In short, no. This model of Victor traps is not typically sold in bundles, or as multiple traps in a combined package (one price). Despite that, a single trap costs less than $3 on average.
Best location to set trap: The best location to place this trap is along the wall, an area that serves as the rodents’ highway to other parts of your home. For maximum effectiveness, we recommend placing multiple traps at 2- to 3-feet intervals, perpendicular to the wall. The baited end of the traps should be flush against the wall.
Once the rodent triggers the pedal, the trap immediately springs closed to swiftly get rid of the rat. Following this, you can either throw away the trap or carefully dispose of the rat to reuse the wooden spring trap.
Product Dimensions:
- Height: 10.25 inches
- Width: 4.08 inches
- Depth: 1.01 inches
Specifications:
- Material: Wood, metal
- Safe for pets: No
- Location: Perimeter, indoors, garden
- Trap type: Kill
- Disposable: Yes
- Reusable: Yes
Pros:
✓ Can trap other rodents, such as chipmunks and voles
✓ Free of chemicals or poison
✓ Made of sustainable wood
✓ Reusable, which adds economic value
✓ Low upfront cost (individual traps are readily available)
Cons:
✗ Has a slightly high cost per trap, compared to other spring traps on this list
✗ Too large for trapping mice (heavy spring)
✗ Needs to be checked on a daily basis to re-bait or reset
✗ Can leave foul odors and stains if dead rat isn’t removed quickly
✗ Can only catch one rat at a time
✗ Does not preserve the rat’s life
Where to buy
2. Kat Sense Rat Trap Model TR6
Kat Sense rat traps are quite sturdy and can last for years without losing their efficiency. They have a powerful, highly-responsive snap mechanism that won’t allow false triggers or the rat to escape.
Kat Sense snap traps are made of washable material, so it is extra easy to clean them and remove foul odors from your previous catches. Not getting rid of the odors may alert other rats to avoid the trap.
On Amazon, Kat Sense Snap Trap has received 5-star ratings that exceed 10,000.
Are they expensive? Kat Sense sells this model in various bundle sizes, with the price reaching as high as $30. Purchasing 12 traps at once is a smart move, considering that setting multiple traps in high activity areas is highly recommended to capture the rodents. The more traps you buy, the cheaper each trap sells for, but the upfront cost becomes higher.
Best location to set traps: Kat Sense rat traps can be used in your kitchen, living room, bathroom, garage, and even your outside garden. Ultimately, placing multiple traps along the walls of active rat areas is the most effective way to catch them.
Best rated features of this brand:
- Easy to use
- Easy to remove
- Easy to clean
Specifications:
- Package dimensions: 9.65 x 9.07 x 5.99 inches
- Material: Metal, stainless steel
- Weight: 3.45
- Color: Black
Pros:
✓ Easy to wash and reuse
✓ Easy to remove foul odors from trap
✓ Cost per trap is generally inexpensive
✓ Works in various locations in and around the house
✓ No harm to kids and pets
✓ No chemical usage
✓ Can trap smaller rodents such as mice
Cons:
✗ Typically sold in bundles, which results in higher upfront cost compared to individual Victor traps
✗ Checking each trap daily for re-baiting can be time consuming
✗ Does not preserve the rat’s life
Where to buy
3. Guarden Rat Traps
Guarden snap traps are ultra-strong and very easy to set. You only need to place the food bait of your choice, and set the trap in strategic areas to lure the rats. Similar to Kat Sense traps, you can easily reuse the trap after capturing a rat, without having to touch the trigger or rodent. Additionally, removing the bait cap is safe, so you won’t have to worry about snapped fingers.
In terms of 5-star ratings on Amazon, Guarden snap trap has received more than 2,600.
Are they expensive? A bundle of 6 Guarden traps is approximately 25% cheaper than a bundle of 6 Kat Sense traps. Plus, the price of a single Guarden trap is lower than that of Victor.
Best location to set traps: Similar to Kat Sense and Victor, you can set Guarden traps in your kitchen, garage, basement, attic, or garden.
Best rated features of this brand:
- Sturdiness
- Easy to clean
- Easy to use
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Product dimensions: 5.1 x 2.9 x 2.7 inches (LxWxH)
- Assembled product weight: 1.55 pounds
Pros:
✓ Very cost-effective, bundle includes 6 traps
✓ Finger-safe bait cap
✓ Rust-proof abs design
✓ Ultra-durable spring
✓ More affordable than Kat Sense and Victor
Cons:
✗ Made of plastic rather than metal
✗ Highly sensitive jaws may lead to false triggers
✗ Does not preserve the rat’s life
Where to buy
Best Electric Rat Traps
1. KingFurt 8000V Electric Rat Trap
We’ve now entered the high-tec category of rat traps. The KingFurt rat zapper eliminates rats by rapidly electrocuting them with minimal pain. It also has an anti-escape that prevents the rat from exiting the trap once baited. It is equipped with a USB cable and a rechargeable battery. In addition to rats, KingFurt zapper can trap mice, chipmunks, squirrels, voles, and other similar rodents.
Is it expensive? Yes, it’s costly. We’re not talking hundreds of dollars, but certainly more expensive than a pack of 6 snap traps. It is the high-tec option, so the higher cost isn’t much of a shocker. On the bright side, you’ll be getting a reusable rat trap with a rechargeable battery.
Electric trap activation (after reading instructions manual)
1. Place a food substance inside the lure box to attract the rat. Set the trap in a location with high rat activity, ideally near walls.
2. Switch on the trap and wait for the indicator light to flash rapidly for 3 seconds
3. Rat will enter the trap, and a high-voltage shock will kill it. The indicator light turns red during electrocution, and green when the rat is eliminated.
4. Switch off the trap before removing the cover, and dispose of the rat without touching it.
Specifications:
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (impact-resistant thermoplastic) and metal
- Color: Black
- Product dimensions: 10.3 x 3.93 x 4.33 inches
- Input voltage: DC 5V
- Rated voltage: 8,000V
- Rated frequency: 60Hz
- Rated power: 5W
- Power supply: 2 bulbs in the 2,000 mAh battery, USB cable
- Item weight: 1.47 pounds
Pros:
✓ Rechargeable battery
✓ Rapid electrocution
✓ No risk of snapping fingers
✓ Indicator light for each phase
✓ Non-toxic and safe for both humans and pets
Cons:
✗ Ineffective shocking when battery is low, needs regular charging
✗ Can only be used indoors
✗ Does not preserve the rat’s life
✗ Requires resetting and cleaning after each use
Where to buy
2. OWLTRA Electric Trap Model ERZ20
With one set of 4C batteries, an OWLTRA electric trap can zap up to 60 rats. It generates a powerful shock that ranges from 6,000V to 10,000V. OWLTRA traps have a pair of infrared sensors – one at the entrance and another at the back – that prevent false zaps. The sensors protect your loved ones and pets from high-voltage shocks.
The bait area is easy to reach, located at the back of the trap. Once the trap captures and eliminates a rat, switch off the unit and pull off the lid to get rid of the rat (contact-free). Even if you forget to switch it off, this electric trap will automatically deactivate once the top lid is removed. Similar to other brands, a green light will illuminate once the rat is caught and eliminated.
The OWLTRA electric trap has received more than 6,700 five-star ratings.
Is it more or less expensive than the other brands? OWLTRA electric traps have almost the same cost as KingFurt and HEMOTON traps, about $35 on average.
Best rated features of this brand:
- Adhesion
- Easy to use
- Easy to remove
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Black
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Battery: One set of 4C batteries
- Product dimensions: 10.2 x 3.7 x 4.5 inches (LxWxH)
Pros:
✓ Non-toxic, safe for humans and pets
✓ Dual infrared sensors for added security
✓ Up to 60 electric shocks with one set of batteries
✓ Green light indicator when rat is eliminated
Cons:
✗ Non-rechargeable battery
✗ Does not preserve the rat’s life
✗ Requires cleaning after each kill
Where to buy
3. HEMOTON Electronic Rat Zapper
HEMOTON electric traps have five-star ratings exceeding 15,000. They work for rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, and other similar rodents. HEMOTON traps have a compact shape, so they don’t take up much space or ruin your home’s interior aesthetic.
A safety switch protects you and your loved ones from an accidental shock. You can use batteries to power this electric zapper, or a power adapter if outlets are located near the rats’ active areas.
Is it expensive? It is approximately the same price as KingFurt. On average, a HEMOTON electric trap will cost you between $30 and $35.
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Black
- Product dimensions: 4.45 x 9.25 x 4.02 inches (LxWxH)
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Power supply: Insert batteries or plug in the device with an adapter
Pros:
✓ High-voltage shock that kills rat quickly and pain-free
✓ No risk of snapping fingers
✓ Safety switch to prevent accidental shock
✓ Compact shape
Cons:
✗ Low battery may weaken the electric shock (rat may live and suffer)
✗ Does not preserve the rat’s life
✗ Does not contain a rechargeable battery
✗ Requires cleaning after each use. Dispose of the rat (or other rodent) and disinfect.
✗ Mixed reviews. Despite having over 15,000 five-star reviews on Walmart, it has many low star ratings as well.
Where to buy
Best Sticky Rat Traps
1. Black+Decker Baited Rat Sticky Trap
A famous brand for power tools, Black+Decker also makes sticky rat traps for both indoor and outdoor use. Their advanced-strength adhesive formula is eco-friendly, poison-free, and odorless. This makes them a safe product for use around humans and pets. In contrast to TRAP IT, Black+Decker sticky traps retain adhesiveness for up to 2 years under normal conditions.
How much does it cost? A bundle of 12 traps costs about the same as TRAP IT, which makes Black+Decker another cost-effective option.
Does it work differently? In short, no. It works similar to Pelrayt and TRAP IT sticky trays. Place it in the right locations sticky-side-up, and wait for the rat to be captured. Following this, dispose of the trap with the captured rat without touching it.
Best rated features of this brand:
- Easy to remove
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Durability
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Material: Plastic
- Product dimensions: 2 x 2 x 1.98 inches
- Item weight: 2.03 pounds
Pros:
✓ Easy to use
✓ Very strong adhesive formula
✓ Retain adhesiveness for up to 2 years
✓ Affordable bundle of 12 traps
Cons:
✗ Inhumane and indiscriminate trap
✗ Non-reusable
Where to buy
2. TRAP IT! Pre-Baited Sticky Glue Rat Trap
Another way to trap uninvited rats is by using sticky glue traps. TRAP IT products are sturdy, large trays coated with long-lasting adhesive that can last up to 12 months. These traps are pre-baited and have a peanut butter scent, which effectively attracts rats. You may also add some bait of your own, such as meat, cheese, jam, and chocolate.
TRAP IT sticky glue trays are free of pesticides, artificial colors, and harsh chemicals. As for the sticky glue section of the tray, it is non-toxic and odorless. It’s important to note that dust and hair could affect the adhesion strength.
Is it costly? TRAP IT sticky glue trays can be purchased in a bundle, costing less than $20 on average. Each bundle contains 12 sticky glue traps. Purchasing glue traps in a bundle allows you to set multiple traps in rat active areas, further increasing your chances of capturing them.
Best way to use sticky glue traps: You can place TRAP IT sticky trays against walls and along baseboards, or areas with high rat activities. They are not effective when placed in random corners of your home. As mentioned above, setting up multiple traps to cover a large area increases your chances of trapping the rat.
The traps can be in your garage, basement, attic, utility room, and garden. Once trapped and captured, you can dispose of the traps without directly touching the rats.
Safety tip: Do not place traps in high-traffic or pet activity areas.
Best rated features of this brand:
- Adhesion
- Easy to use
- Easy to remove
Specifications:
- Number of pieces: 12
- Material: Plastic
- Package dimensions: 10.59 x 5.51 x 4.76 inches
- Weight: 2.42 pounds
- Color: Black
Pros:
✓ Cost-effective; 12 traps in a bundle
✓ Easy to use
✓ Non-toxic, no health risks
✓ Can set multiple traps in different locations, such as your kitchen and crawl space
✓ Contact-free disposal of dead rats
Cons:
✗ Inhumane; trapped rat may chew its own paws to set itself free
✗ Indiscriminate; can capture other harmless animals besides the targeted ones
✗ Non-reusable
Where to buy
3. Pelrayt Super Glue Rat Trap Model SQ-1100
Pelrayt brand is another good option for safe and effective rat traps. The glue (adhesive) is non-toxic, and safe to be used around your kids and pets. Pelrayt rat traps are quite versatile, suitable for various indoor settings such as the attic, basement, under appliances, and in cupboards.
Is it expensive? It is almost the same price as TRAP IT, but the Pelrayt bundle includes 6 traps instead of 12. This makes it less cost-effective, but it’s still a decent deal. The 6 traps are enough to set multiple traps and improve your chances of capturing the unwanted pest.
Best locations to use traps: We recommend positioning the sticky traps along known rat pathways, such as your walls. The areas in which they’re active are also suitable locations for these traps. Placing two or more traps in a single room (or zone) will get you better results, as long as they’re set 2.5 centimeters apart.
Best rated features of this brand:
- Adhesion
- Easy to remove
- Easy to use
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Product dimensions: 10.43 x 5.31 x 2.16 inches (LxWxH)
- Color: Black
Pros:
✓ Easy to use
✓ Non-toxic to humans and pets
✓ Multiple traps in a location
✓ Contact-free disposal of deceased rodent
✓ Can trap a wide range of unwanted pests (snakes, mice, cockroaches)
Cons:
✗ Inhumane method to eliminate, not a quick kill
✗ May trap (capture) other harmless animals
✗ Non-reusable
Where to buy
Best Live Rap Traps
1. Blinc Humane No-Kill Rat Trap
No-Kill rat traps are the most humane traps on the market. In short, the captured rat will remain alive without getting injured. Another name for humane traps is catch-and-release traps. Blinc rat traps are made of high-quality materials to enhance durability and be used multiple times.
How much do they cost? Blinc humane rat traps are more affordable than other brands such as Harris and Spencer. Additionally, a bundle contains one pair of traps which are reusable.
How to use live traps: Blinc no-kill traps are very easy to set up and use. The product comes with clear instructions and the necessary hardware. You’ll simply need to place the bait of your choice (peanut butter, cheese, nuts) inside the trap and set it in areas with high rat activity. In contrast to other traps, live traps have the capacity to trap multiple rats at once.
The trap features a spring-loaded door that allows you to easily remove the captured rat without injuring it. We recommend releasing the rat at least 2 miles away from your home, ideally in the woods.
Best rated features of this brand:
- Value for money
- Easy to use
- Easy to remove
Specifications:
- Color: Blue
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
- Weight: 10.7 ounces
- Product dimensions: 5 x 3 x 3 inches (LxWxH)
Pros:
✓ Most humane rat trap
✓ Rats are neither killed nor injured
✓ Cost-effective
✓ Thousands of five-star reviews
✓ Easy to place bait to lure rats
✓ Can capture other unwanted rodents
✓ Safe for use around humans and pets
Cons:
✗ Need to find a suitable place to release the rat
✗ Rat (or rats) may get injured while transporting them to another location
✗ You’ll need to monitor traps regularly to reset bait or release captured rat
Where to buy
2. Harris Catch-and-Release Humane Rat Trap
Harris live traps are pet-friendly, safe, and sanitary. These reusable no-kill traps mainly target rats and mice, but you may also use them to capture similar rodents. They work similarly to the preceding brands. It’s all about choosing a food substance (to lure rats) and setting the trap in the right areas with rat activities.
How much do they cost? The cost of Harris live traps is much more affordable than Gustave traps, yet slightly higher than Blinc traps. They also come in a bundle of 2 traps.
Best rated features of this brand:
- Easy to set
- Easy to use
- Sturdiness
Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Green
- Product dimensions: 5.5 x 7 x 2.5 inches (HxWxD)
Pros:
✓ More affordable than Gustave traps
✓ Humane
✓ Safe for use around humans and pets
✓ Can capture both rats and mice
Cons:
✗ Regularly need to monitor traps
✗ Responsible for releasing the rats once they’re captured
Where to buy
3. Gustave Humane Rat Traps
Gustave humane traps are made of iron, highly suitable for repeated use and capturing multiple rats. They are safe for use around humans and pets. Gustave traps come with easy-to-follow instructions, so you’ll have no problem setting them up in areas with rat activity. Once the rat falls for the bait and touches the trigger, the door will be auto-locked to keep the rat inside.
We recommend a sweet or greasy food substance both inside and outside the cage door. This will increase the effectiveness of rats getting lured to the trap.
Are they expensive? Yes, Gustave rat traps are more expensive than Blinc traps. The bundle also includes two rat cages, so you can catch multiple rats at two different locations. Gustave traps are reusable, sturdy, and durable, so they’re a worthy one-time investment.
Specifications:
- Color: Silver
- Material: Iron
- Product dimensions: 11 x 5.5 x 4.3 inches
Pros:
✓ Humane trap that doesn’t kill or injure rat
✓ Safe to be used around your family and pets
✓ No harmful chemicals
✓ Easy to place bait to lure rats
✓ Can capture various rodents including mice
Cons:
✗ Time-consuming (regularly monitoring traps)
✗ Bear the responsibility of releasing the rat away from your home
✗ Rats may get injured when being transported in the trap cage
✗ Among the most expensive brands of live traps on this list
Where to buy
Buyer’s Guide
Getting rid of rats that have infested your home can be an unpleasant experience. Fortunately, traps that lure and capture rats make the task a whole lot easier. There are several types to choose from, so we’ll go through some basic information to help you grasp everything we’ve covered about the various traps.
Differences Between Each Type of Trap
You can choose between snap, sticky glue, electric, and no-kill traps to capture rats. After viewing the brands we’ve listed in this article, you can start to paint a picture of their clear differences.
Snap traps: Snap traps are the traditional ones seen in Tom and Jerry cartoons. They have a triggering tab that snaps down when the rat takes the bait. You can use various food substances as bait, ranging from cheese to peanut butter. The rat elimination process is generally quick and painless.
Glue traps: Sticky glue traps inhumane. They’re neither more nor less effective than the traditional snap traps, but they won’t get rid of the rat in a quick and painless manner. The rodent may stick to the glue trap for hours, and start chewing its own paws to free itself. On top of that, glue traps could end up capturing other non-targeted pests rather than rats.
Electric Traps: With these modern traps, the captured rat will be killed by a high-voltage shock. It doesn’t sound so humane, but the rat won’t suffer like with glue traps. Generally speaking, electric traps are the most expensive traps on the market. Some known brands like Victor have a higher cost than others, reaching up to $80. Electric traps are safer to be used around humans and pets, and do not contain any toxic substances.
Live traps: Live traps are also known as catch-and-release traps. The rat won’t lose its life, but you’ll be left responsible for releasing it in a suitable habitat away from your home (at least 5 miles away). They are slightly less expensive than electric traps, and some are able to capture multiple rats at once. Live traps are safe for the entire family and don’t contain any harmful substances.
Caution: The Centers for Disease Control does not recommend the use of live and glue traps. They are known to scare the rats (or other rodents), which may cause them to urinate or bite. Rat urine and bites can spread diseases and pose a serious health risk to humans and pets.
What to Look For in Rat Traps
We’ll go over factors that should be considered when purchasing rat traps. These include costs and specifications to help you get rid of the invading rats quickly and efficiently.
Ease of use: It’s not ideal to purchase a trap that only complicates matters even more. Catch-and-release traps are the easiest to use, as you’ll only have to place a bait and set the trap in the right location. You won’t have to worry about replacing batteries in electric traps, or snapping your fingers with spring traps. Glue traps are also quite easy, as most of them are pre-baited.
Method of elimination: Glue traps are inhumane, as the rat may suffer for several hours after getting stuck. If you don’t want to witness a suffering rodent, you may prefer to spend a little more on live traps. The captured rat (or rats) will remain alive.
Toxic substances: When purchasing pre-baited traps, read the packaging and make sure that they don’t contain any toxic substances that can harm your kids and pets.
Number of traps in a bundle: As seen with snap and glue traps, certain brands can have similar costs but different numbers of traps in each bundle. It’s more economical to purchase a bundle of 12 traps rather than 6 or 8, since you’ll get to set multiple traps for improved results.
Trap reusability: Glue traps are generally non-reusable, while most snap trap brands can be cleaned and reused. Electric and live traps are also reusable, as long as you properly dispose of the dead rat and disinfect the trap. They tend to cost more than snap or glue traps, but they’re more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Durability: Live traps are highly durable, and can do a job for years after purchase. Glue traps have some sort of an expiration date once you set them in different parts of your home. Hair and dust may cause the adhesive formula to lose its strength. Electric traps are also quite durable, provided you don’t damage the battery or other key components.
Targeted pests: Apart from rats, your home may be dealing with other pest invasions. Glue traps can help you capture rats, mice, snakes, spiders, lizards, and crawling insects. In contrast, snap and electric traps mainly target rodents such as voles, mice, and rats, and chipmunks. You should purchase the right trap depending on what type of infestation your home regularly faces.
Price: Glue and snap traps are the most affordable and cost-effective traps on the market. They typically come in bundles of 2, 6, 8, or 12 traps. If you have a higher budget and are looking for a reusable trap, purchase live traps or electric traps.
FAQ About Rat Traps
Are bucket traps a good DIY option?
Yes, bucket traps and other homemade rodent traps are good at capturing rats. Here are some of the materials you’ll need for a DIY bucket trap:
- A 55-gallon plastic barrel
- An aluminum soda can
- A sturdy metal dowel
- A plank of wood
- Bait such as peanut butter
What are the best places to buy rat traps?
You can find various brands of rat traps in retail stores such as Walmart, Lowe’s, and Home Depot. They each have their own online store that allows you to purchase rat traps in the comfort of your own home. Speaking of online stores, we cannot forget about Amazon. Many of the brands listed in this article can be found on Amazon.
Why aren’t Catchmaster and Tomcat traps on the list?
We understand they are well-known brands for pest traps, but they simply didn’t make our shortlist for the top 3 brands in each trap category. We considered the bundle price, price per trap, customers’ general ratings, and 5-star ratings to determine the final shortlist. In other words, we chose to highlight the best of the best.
For example, Catchmaster jumbo snap traps have very good consumer ratings. However, they have a higher price per count than the brands we covered in this article, and less than 200 5-star ratings.
Are Traps Enough to Handle Your Rat Problem?
Traps help you get rid of rats that have found themselves in your home. If you set the traps (with bait) in their most active areas, you’ll inevitably capture the rats that are scurrying around. To get quicker results, we recommend setting multiple traps near walls or their active zones.
However, what if the traps don’t seem to be working? You can eliminate conditions that attract rodents or set various types of traps, yet your home is still showing signs of a rat infestation. Traps won’t be enough, so you’ll need to hire a rodent control specialist.
Rodent exterminators are more experienced and better equipped in locating rat nests in hard-to-find areas, getting rid of them, and setting up bait stations outside your home.
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Main Image Credit: Product Images from Home Depot and Walmart with Text Overlay using Canva Pro
