What's a good rat bait?

[Pupsnpullets]

I've got a rat (I think) partying in my crawl space in my ceiling. It's not being responsive to the bait I've been using and I need it GONE! Don't want to poison it and suffer the smell as there isn't enough space to get up and remove the remains. My other problem is that it is so darned hot here the usual baits I'd use (peanut butter, cheese and the like) melt off the trap. Any ideas please? Insomnia isn't fun.

 

[Sitka]

This often works for mice, and hopefully rats, too. Get a Hershey's Kiss chocolate and melt it, then coat the trigger of the trap with it. It works with mice because when it hardens they have to gnaw at it, setting off the trigger (with a piece of cheese or peanut butter, they can often get it off without engaging the trigger.) Hope this works. Good luck.

 

[skywatcher]

Since its hot I would use raw bacon cut you a piece then tie to trigger with string then hold a match or lighter to the bait for about 2-3 seconds that aroma will catch you a rodent.
I have used peanut butter wrapped in tin foil to keep it on the traps trigger. I recall a time the rats where so big they carry off a trap. Dad wound fish hooks on the trap that layed them down .
However if a rat is very big its better to use a victor #1 coil spring jump trap.

 

[will hunt for food]

This is kinda funny. Years ago I had mice raiding my sunflower seed bird food. Well, I figured I should use the same bait in a snap trap. I took some seed and super glued them on the trigger. Only a tiny drop here and there did the trick. I caught those vermin without ever having to change out the bait <grin>

I do agree that you should use an adequate size trap for the critter you are pursuing.

 

[fordmommy]

I like the idea of the bacon. I was going to suggest of rotten egg. Rats LOVE stinky!!!!You could get some stinky cheese too. Limburger????(however you spell it)

 

[Pupsnpullets]

Thanks for the info. Vanilla flavoured nuts didn't work last night, nor did the almond butter. Tonight is going to be charred bacon in one trap and stinky gorgonzola cheese (thanks fordmommy)wrapped in foil (thanks skywatcher). Thanks everyone for their input and I'll let you know when I catch the little @#*%$!!!!

 

[purpletree23]

What kind of trap are you using darlin?

I too remember when rats were big enough to carry away the traps. I haven't heard that in years.!! Fond memories of childhood.

 

[Pupsnpullets]

Quote:
I'm using two types of traps, the tomcat spring trap and a new fancy smancy black plastic Trapper T-rex. I can't get the rat to take the bait. I've had the traps up there unset but baited it the darned thing isn't going near them as far as I can tell. It isn't possible to put the trap any where else as the access is limited, but the rat isn't far away from the traps at all - just not interested. I'm getting concerned cos I'm pretty sure it's going to start having babies up there soon

 

[willheveland]

Quote:
I have used a hot glue gun to hold bait on my traps then just peel off the rubbery stuff after you catch your critter. Will

 

[purpletree23]

Are you sure it's a rat? Never knew one to pass up a free meal. Can you get a Have-a-Heart trap? bait it with a little piece of meat glued down to the trigger plate.