Rodents can be a nuisance in your indoor or outdoor space. They can cause massive destruction by contaminating food, resulting in the transmission of diseases and harmful parasites. Worst of all, they can create holes in various pieces of furniture and even in the house walls. 

Nonetheless, there are effective ways in which you can get rid of them. The rat trap is the classic and proven option for controlling the invasion of rats and mice in any given area. Some traps boast of snap and kill features while others do the process without harming the pest.

So, to get the best rat trap according to your preference, you might need to inspect the five traps our pest control experts have prepared here. Considered for their quality and outstanding features, each product will certainly fit your needs and will save you from the headache of catching those destructive rodents.

Also, be sure to click the buttons below to see their best deals on Amazon! With that, here are five of the best options that we rounded up especially for you.

Best Rat Traps Comparison & Rating

Rat Traps

Features

  • kills rats through shocks
  • circuit technology
  • indicator light that lights green
Rat Traps for House Rat Traps Outdoor Rat Trap That Work Mouse Traps No See Kill 6 Pack
  • triggers at only 15 grams of weight.
  • snaps firmly
  • indoor and outdoor use
  • catches up to 21 rats in one setting
  • multi-catch rat trap
  • doesn't kill rats
Pack of 4 made2catch Classic Metal Rat Traps Fully Galvanized - Humane Rat Traps That Work - Snap Rat Trap - Durable Reusable Rat Trap - Effective Rat Traps - 4 Traps
  • unique adjustable trigger sensitivity
  • fully galvanized
  • 6.6” x 3.5” rat trap and 3.8” x 2.0” mouse trap
Large Powerful Rat Traps (8 Pack) - Kills Instantly with Powerful Steel Spring - Setup in Seconds - Wash & Reuse Over & Over - Hands-Free Disposal - Rat Control without Harmful Poisons or Chemicals
  • snaps shut with 40% more force
  • hands-free disposal
  • kills instantly

1. Rat Zapper RZC001-4 Classic Rat Trap

Specifications:
97% Overall

Dimensions

12 x 4.33 x 4.5 inches

Weight

1.72 pounds

Color

Purple

Material

Plastic

98%
features
95%
convenience
98%
efficiency
96%
durability
Pros:
  • Kills large-sized rats quickly and effectively. Thanks to its strong and deadly shock.
  • Has an excellent circuit technology, which senses whenever a rat enters it.
  • Features an indicator light that lights green if the trap has killed a rodent and needs to empty.
  • The rat kill chamber contains the rat. Hence you can't see it, and it cannot escape.
  • Easy to dispose of the dead rat without touching it. You tip it over the disposal container, and the rat falls out.
  • Environmentally friendly since it does not use poison or chemicals to kill rats.
  • Perfect for indoors at home in attics, garages, basements, and sheds.
Cons:
  • It would be best to be cautious while using around children and pets because of its shock.
  • Because of its process, it can produce a burning smell when zapping rats.
  • You need to frequently check it if you set it in hidden corners. Allowing the dead rats exposed to air can attract flies and maggots which will cause it to rot and spread unwanted odor in the house.
Final Take:

This trap is ideal for your home if you have problems with rodents. When the rat gets inside the bait, it steps on the plates of metal. The rat makes the circuit complete. It reacts by delivering a continuous 2 minutes of shock. Since rodents can restart their hearts, that's why its design is to shock on high voltage for 2 minutes. This design maximizes the trap's killing rates. Setting-it-up, cleaning, and maintenance will last longer, and each set will be successful and effective. It is possible because of its easy-to-use design. You need to use 4 AA batteries, which will kill up to 20 rats per set of batteries.

2. Authenzo Rat Trap

Rat Traps for House Rat Traps Outdoor Rat Trap That Work Mouse Traps No See Kill 6 Pack
Specifications:
96% Overall

Dimensions

5.4 x 2.9 x 3.6 inches

Weight

1.32 pounds

Color

Black

Material

Plastic

95%
features
98%
convenience
96%
efficiency
96%
durability
Pros:
  • Easy to wash. Its material is high-quality ABS plastic, which is rust-free, robust, and easy to clean. It does not leave an odor or stains after it's washed like other traps.
  • Efficient and effective. It can hold a rat tightly and triggers at only 15 grams of weight.
  • Durable and long-lasting. After trapping the rat, you dispose of the rat and set the trap again to catch another rat since it's hardy.
  • Easy to set. It would be best to have a bait and place it in the area where rats frequently appear.
  • Kills the mouse faster and quicker. It snaps firmly, hence squeezing the rat, and it dies within no time.
  • Ideal for both indoors and outdoors.
  • You can dispose the trapped mouse without touching it.
Cons:
  • While it works effectively on mice, using it on excessively large rats can be a bit of a challenge since this trap is a bit small.
  • Could be dangerous for curious pets.
Final Take:

With an effective rat trap like this, you don't have to worry about mice and rats in your living space. You first need to set the bait, which is very easy. You turn counterclockwise from the bottom, set the bait, and insert it back. Press the rear of the trap until it clips. Place your trap where rats appear mostly and wait. When the mouse tries to reach the bait, it will snap with force and hold the rat tightly, killing it instantly. Also, it is easy to dispose of the dead rat without touching it. You hold the device over the disposal container and cock it, and the dead rat falls right out.

3. RUGGED RANCH RATTR Ratinator Multiple Catch Live Rat Trap

Specifications:
96% Overall

Dimensions

16.5 x 26.5 x 6 inches

Weight

8.85 pounds

Color

Black

Material

Metal

95%
features
96%
convenience
98%
efficiency
96%
durability
Pros:
  • Can catch up to 21 rats in one setting.
  • It's unique. Because it is a multi-catch rat trap, and the rats stay in the catch alive.
  • Reusable. You can dispose of the live rats and set the trap again.
  • Does not use poison, hence the rats are alive inside the trap.
  • Can be left for days and allow it to continuously catch rats.
Cons:
  • The entry ramp/drawbridge doesn’t have enough security features to prevent bigger rats from escaping.
  • The release clip is a bit short which means that whenever you are accessing it, you would have to put your finger a bit closer to the trapped live animal inside.
Final Take:

This trap is undoubtedly the best choice for trapping many rats at once. You first leave the door open for a few days with the bait or food inside the cage. This will build trust with rats and lure them to go in and out of the trap freely. After a few days, unpin the door, and as they come for their usual meal, the door closes behind them. It lures more rats to get inside, and since space reduces, the door closes firmly. The rats cannot escape since the entrance is very narrow. Since the rats will be alive inside the trap, kill them by drowning while inside the trap. Dispose of them and set your trap again. The trap is suitable for indoors and outdoors.

4. Made2Catch Classic Metal Rat Traps

Pack of 4 made2catch Classic Metal Rat Traps Fully Galvanized - Humane Rat Traps That Work - Snap Rat Trap - Durable Reusable Rat Trap - Effective Rat Traps - 4 Traps
Specifications:
95% Overall

Dimensions

6.6 x 3.5 x 0.9 inches

Weight

4.3 ounces

Color

Silver

Material

Metal

96%
features
93%
convenience
97%
efficiency
94%
durability
Pros:
  • Comes in different sizes (6.6” x 3.5” rat trap and 3.8” x 2.0” mousetrap). You can choose from the various lengths depending on the size of the rats you want to trap.
  • Has high corrosion resistance. Made using durable and long-lasting galvanized metal that can withstand different substances.
  • Easy to clean. You need to clean with a moist rag and dry after use.
  • You can use it with enormous rats and even chipmunks. The rat trap is highly effective with them and kills them fast.
  • Heavy-duty snap trap, which has a powerful spring. The spring makes it highly effective for rats and other larger animals like chipmunks.
  • Kills quickly. Once a rat or chipmunk triggers the pedal, the trap snaps immediately and kills the animal.
Cons:
  • Dangerous for curious animals. The sharp edges of the trap can cause injury.
  • Not ideal for excessively large rats.
  • Setting the trap is not easy due to the force needed to open it. You need to simultaneously hold the spring back, place the retainer, and position the trigger.
Final Take:

This rat lure is a perfect trap if you are trapping enormous rats or chipmunks. The traps are fully burnished, which is a technology the manufacturers of firearms use to protect corrosion. This means that the trap can be used for a long time without corroding. They have a peddle design, which is combined with a powerful spring. This makes the trap heavy-duty in that it can trap even larger rodents like chipmunks. You can hang it on the wall a little high from the floor. This method is highly effective since the rodent will go headfirst trying to get the bait, and the trap will snap firmly on the head.

5. eXuby Rat Trap

Large Powerful Rat Traps (8 Pack) - Kills Instantly with Powerful Steel Spring - Setup in Seconds - Wash & Reuse Over & Over - Hands-Free Disposal - Rat Control without Harmful Poisons or Chemicals
Specifications:
93% Overall

Dimensions

7 x 24 x 30 inches

Weight

4.4 ounces

Color

Black

Material

Polystyrene

92%
features
94%
convenience
94%
efficiency
92%
durability
Pros:
  • Environmentally friendly. It does not use any harmful chemicals or poisons.
  • Kills instantly. It has a powerful spring that is highly responsive and snaps down forcefully when triggered by the rat killing immediately.
  • Reusable. The trap is washable and reusable in future infestations by rodents.
  • Hands-free disposal. You don't have to touch the dead rodent when disposing of it.
  • Has powerful springs that snap shut with 40% more force to catch the rat firmly.
  • Sharp teeth cover the entire mouth of the trap. This ensures a kill every time you set the trap.
  • Has ridges where you hold when setting it, which gives a firm grip.
Cons:
  • Dangerous for curious animals. The sharp edges of the trap can cause injury.
  • The little plastic retention piece will wear out over time.
  • Not ideal for excessively large rats.
Final Take:

This rat trap is reasonably the type of lure you will love. The device works by snapping the mice, rats, or chipmunks. You just set your bait in the bait cup. You can access the bait cup through the bottom side, and it requires a quarter turn to release it from the trap. To set, push down the back of the trap until it clicks. Place your trap where rats frequently appear or where you mostly find their droppings. The animal will not reach the bait before the trap snaps it. You dispose of the dead rat or chipmunk and set the trap again with the same bait. The traps are way more effective and cheaper than an exterminator.

Best Rat Traps - Buyer's Guide

safety

Different traps have different ways of functioning. Some baits use poisons while others snap to kill. Having young children or pets in your space means that you might need to consider less hazardous traps and have reduced chances of accidents occurring. This factor is crucial because you will have a simple time choosing your ideal rat trap, which is safe and will remain effective even around children or pets.

setting

Most traps work effectively both indoor and outdoor. You remember you cannot use some indoor lures outdoors and vice versa. Some devices have a light scent, which makes them ideal for the indoor. Others have poisons that require open space. Go for the right lure for the outdoor or indoor, and you will get effective results with no harm.

rodents size

There are different sizes of rodents. You need to understand the type you want to trap. The size will help you get the right size and type of trap. For you to get excellent results, choose a more extensive and robust or even high-voltage shock trap for rats and a maze-like or poison trap for mice. This trap will work effectively.

number of rodents

Rodents in a barn or farm are large and come in high numbers, unlike those in a house or office. Suppose you need to get a home trap to use, it will be suitable to operate with the one that catches one rat at a time. On the other hand, if you have an infestation in your barn, you will consider the one that traps several rats per set.

convenience and maintenance

The setting of the traps is different. Some require little to no ground, while others require following instructions keenly when setting. The same case applies to maintenance, some require deep cleaning while others need just a moist rag, and it's clean. Consider going for a trap that you can maintain even when it is in its setting.

Best Rat Traps - FAQs

What is the best bait for a rat trap?

Peanut butter works great, but you should not put a lot in the bait cup. Also, test the trap before setting it. You can also use food or a piece of cheese, and it will work. The baits depend on the type of device and its setting. Follow instructions given on the leaflet.

How do you safely trigger the trap to put it away?

You need to squeeze the back of the trap in the same way you did when setting it up. Use a stick to press the triggering plate and slowly release the end of the device. The releasing will trip it, producing a loud sound, and after the process, it is safe to put away.

What would work on squirrels?

For this, you will need to go for a strong trap since a small lure won't do you good. A regular rat size trap is the most appropriate. It can even catch an adult chipmunk. You can put both small and large traps in your basement to snap both mice and larger traps for rats and chipmunks.

Author

Jimmy Black started his career as a construction and carpenter foreman. After years of hard work, he decided to go on his own. Now, Jimmy is one of the trusted experts at SolidSmack who knows at first glance whether your hammer would do a great job or not. He still involves himself in various construction projects and works for individual clients. Behind formalities, he enjoys being a father to two lovely kids who keep on asking him why they can’t quit school and travel the world like Dora The Explorer.