Rat Traps

Rat traps allow you to control the presence of these rodents without relying on poisons or rodenticides. Depending on the location, the level of activity and whether you prefer to capture the animal alive or eliminate it, you can choose between live-capture cages, multi-catch traps and electric traps. Choosing the right trap, together with correct placement and the removal of food sources and entry points, can significantly improve results.

Types of Rat Traps: Which One Should You Choose?

Not all rat traps work in the same way. These are the main options available from BirdGard Iberia:

Live-Capture Rat Cage Traps

Live-capture rat cages allow you to catch the rodent without injuring it. The rat enters attracted by bait and activates a mechanism that closes the door, keeping it contained inside.

The Rats Cage is a reusable and robust solution, particularly suitable when you need to capture larger rats alive.

Once a rat has been captured, the trap should be checked as soon as possible and the animal managed in accordance with the regulations applicable in your area. A captured rat should not be left inside the cage for long periods.

Multi-Catch Traps for Rats and Mice

When there is repeated rodent activity, a multi-catch solution may be useful. The Mimetic-Mhouse is a multi-catch trap for rats and mice, available in different sizes and manufactured from galvanised metal for a strong and durable construction.

This type of trap can be particularly useful in warehouses, agricultural facilities, industrial buildings, garages and other locations where there may be ongoing rodent activity.

Electric Rat Trap

Electric traps are an alternative for situations where you need to eliminate rats or mice without using poison. The rodent enters the device attracted by bait and, when it comes into contact with the metal plates inside, receives an electric shock.

The Electric Rat & Mouse Trap – Weitech WK0650 generates a 5000 V electric shock, runs on 4 C/LR14 batteries and has a capture indicator light. The rodent remains inside the device, making removal easier without the need for rodenticides.

The WK0650 is designed exclusively for indoor use. It must be installed and handled according to the manufacturer's instructions, switched off before adding bait, removing the rodent or cleaning the unit, and always kept out of reach of children and pets.

What About Snap Traps, Glue Traps and Poison?

Other rat-control systems are also available on the market. Spring or snap traps use a mechanical mechanism that is triggered when the animal touches the bait. They must be positioned carefully because they may cause injury if accessible to children, pets or other animals.

Glue traps immobilise the rodent on an adhesive surface. They may leave the animal trapped for a prolonged period, which is why they are not among the solutions we prioritise at BirdGard Iberia.

Rodenticides and poison baits are not traps as such. Although authorised products exist for certain uses, they may present poisoning risks to pets, children or non-target wildlife, as well as a risk of secondary poisoning. In addition, a poisoned rat may die in an inaccessible location and cause odour problems. For this reason, our rat trap range focuses on poison-free solutions.

How to Choose a Rat Trap

Before buying a trap, it is worth considering several factors:

• Indoor or outdoor use: always check where each model can be used. For example, the WK0650 is designed exclusively for indoor use.
• Live capture or elimination: a cage keeps the animal alive, while an electric trap is designed to eliminate it.
• Rodent size: use a trap suitable for rats if you have identified larger specimens.
• Number of rodents: where there is repeated activity or several rodents, a multi-catch solution or several traps may be more suitable.
• Safety: place any trap out of reach of children, pets and non-target animals.
• Accessibility: install traps in places you can check regularly and where there is actual rodent activity.

If there is a serious infestation or the problem continues despite using several traps and sealing access points, it may be necessary to contact a professional pest control company.

Where Should You Place Rat Traps?

Placement is one of the factors that most influences effectiveness. Rats tend to follow relatively consistent routes and move close to walls and objects that provide cover.

• Along walls and skirting boards: place traps on the rodents' usual routes.
• Near signs of activity: look for droppings, gnaw marks, footprints, damaged materials or areas where you have seen the animal.
• Behind objects: appliances, furniture, shelving and quiet corners often provide shelter for rodents.
• Near entry points: if you have identified an opening, door, duct or pipe passage used by rats, it may be a good place for a trap.
• Garages, warehouses, basements and storage rooms: pay particular attention to dark, low-traffic areas.
• Near food sources: pantries, animal feed, seeds, rubbish or stored food may concentrate rodent activity.

What Bait Should You Use in a Rat Trap?

Strong-smelling, high-energy foods are often attractive to rodents. You can try small amounts of peanut butter, chocolate, nuts or fatty foods.

You do not need to use a large amount. The important thing is to place the bait correctly in the area specified by the manufacturer so that the animal has to enter far enough into the trap to activate the mechanism.

Tips to Improve the Effectiveness of Rat Traps

• Use several traps: when there are signs of more than one rodent, distributing several traps along the main routes can increase the chances of capture.
• Check traps regularly: we recommend checking them at least once a day and removing any captured rodent as soon as possible.
• Follow the instructions for each model: a cage, multi-catch trap and electric trap have different operating methods and safety precautions.
• Keep the area clean: remove food scraps, rubbish and other alternative food sources that may compete with the bait.
• Seal entry points: a trap can reduce the current rodent population, but new rodents may enter if access points remain open.
• Move traps if necessary: if you do not detect activity for several days, try other routes where there are more recent signs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rat Traps

What is the best rat trap?

It depends on what you need. If you want to capture the rat alive, a live-capture rat cage is a suitable option. Where there is repeated rodent activity, you can consider a Mimetic-Mhouse multi-catch trap. If you want to eliminate rats or mice indoors without using poison, you can use the Weitech WK0650 Electric Rat & Mouse Trap.

What is the difference between an electric rat trap and a rat cage?

The main difference is the result of the catch. A cage keeps the rat alive inside, while an electric trap is designed to eliminate the rodent with an electric shock. The choice depends on the location, the type of control required and the conditions of use.

Can I use the WK0650 electric trap outdoors?

No. The Weitech WK0650 is designed exclusively for indoor use. It must not be installed outdoors or in places where it could be exposed to rain or moisture.

Where is the best place to put a rat trap?

Place it in areas where there are signs of rodent activity: along walls and skirting boards, in corners, behind objects, near droppings or gnaw marks and along routes the animals regularly use. Avoid placing it in the middle of an open space unless you have observed activity there.

What bait works best for rats?

You can use small amounts of strong-smelling, high-energy foods such as peanut butter, chocolate, nuts or fatty foods. Always place the bait in the position indicated by the trap manufacturer.

How often should a rat trap be checked?

Rat traps should be checked at least once a day. With live-capture traps, it is particularly important to minimise the time the animal remains inside. With an electric trap, regular checks allow you to detect the capture indicator and remove the rodent.

Are rat traps safe if there are children or pets?

Any trap should be installed so that children and pets cannot access it. This is particularly important with mechanical or electric systems. The Weitech WK0650 must always be kept out of their reach and switched off before handling.

Rat Traps at BirdGard Iberia

At BirdGard Iberia, you will find different poison-free solutions for controlling rats: live-capture cages, multi-catch traps and electric traps for indoor use. Choose the system according to the location, the number of rodents and whether you need live capture or direct elimination.