How to Make a Multi-Catch Rat Trap
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1-2 hours
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Intermediate
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- 20-100
A rat trap is most effective if it is designed to get rid of more than one of these pests at a time. Traditional poison solutions kill the rats, but leave the dead animal to decompose. You can build your own multi-catch rat trap, that will both trap and destroy rats. You can then dispose of the dead animal properly.
Step 1 - Take Safety Precautions
Be careful using power tools for your rat trap. Be sure your drill is turned to the off position before you plug it in. Store your power tools in a safe place when you have finished using them. Always keep them out the reach of children. Remember to wear suitable protective equipment, such as goggles and gloves whenever power tools are used.
Step 2 - Prepare the Bucket
Insert a ½ inch drill bit into your drill. Use the drill to create two holes in your 5-gallon plastic bucket, just above the handle hinges. Slide a 14-inch piece of ½ inch dowel through one of the holes. Rest the other end of the dowel in the bucket.
Step 3 - Prepare the Pop Can
Use an empty soda can for your rat trap. Position your pop can on a flat surface so that the opening is facing downward. Use your hammer and a ¾ inch steel punch to make a hole in the bottom of the can. Position the steel punch in the center of the bottom of the can. Hammer the punch through the metal of the pop can to make the hole.
Step 4 - Connect the Pop Can
Position the end of the dowel that is resting inside the bucket through the hole in the pop can. Slide the dowel through the other hole in the bucket. Position the can in the middle of the dowel. Spin the can on the dowel.
Step 5 - Adhere the Carpet to the Board
Insert a tube of adhesive into your caulking gun. Apply a bead of adhesive along the board. Your board should be a 24 inch long 2x4. Stick your carpet to the board. Your carpet should be 4 inches by 24 inches. Position the carpet with the shag facing upward.
Step 6 - Position the Carpet Board
Position your carpet board with one end leaning against the bucket rim and the other resting on the floor. Face the carpet upward. The carpet board will be the bridge to the bucket.
Step 7 - Set the Trap
Use your knife to cover the pop can with peanut butter. Position the trap in a spot where there is evidence of rat life. Fill your bucket with 2 gallons of water. Be sure to place the bucket in a place that is out of reach of any small children or pets. The rats climb up the bridge and onto the dowel to get the peanut butter. The can spins around, and the rat falls in the water. Check on your trap periodically. When you have caught your rats, be sure to dispose of the rat bodies properly.
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![Laura Bloomfield]()
As an educator and professional freelance writer, Laurie Bloomfield holds a Master's Degree in Language Education. Her publication portfolio contains hundreds of articles on a variety of subjects including home improvement, do it yourself projects and landscaping, as well as finance, parenting and education. She provides high quality articles ranging from traditional to contemporary topics in both print and digital formats.![Lindani Chirambadare]()
With over 20 years of professional home cleaning experience, Lindani has extensive knowledge about best practices, space management, and cleaning solutions. Lindani especially loves researching natural, non-harmful ways to clean. She holds an LLBS from the University of Zimbabwe, and is a lifelong learner who always seeks to improve the world around her.
