Q&A for How to Trap Rats

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What's the best type of rat trap?

Chris Parker
Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.

Chris Parker

Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control

Expert Answer

We prefer a poison-free, automatic self-resetting rat trap. It's really important not only to control pests, but also to have the smallest impact possible on people and the planet.

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Question

How do you know where rats are getting in?

Chris Parker
Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.

Chris Parker

Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control

Expert Answer

Check the outside of your home for holes. If a hole is the size of a dime, it's big enough for a mouse to fit through, and if it's the size of a quarter, a rat can fit through. If the holes are active, you'll likely see grease marks where oil from the rats' fur has rubbed off. You might also see chew marks where the rats have enlarged the hole to fit through.

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Question

The trap is gone where it was placed in the garage. Can a rat move the trap?

Community Answer

The trap might have only caught the tail of the rodent, moving the trap when the rat ran away with it. Another possibility is that a larger predator found the rat in the trap dead and took it--trap and all--to another location to eat it, leaving just the trap behind.

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Question

Can rats or mice climb?

Louisa G.

Community Answer

Yes, they can. Rats climb better than mice.

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Question

Can rats learn to avoid traps?

Community Answer

Yes, they can and they inevitably will, so you'll have to change up your methods after a while.

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