Rat Behavior

Rats are harmful, dangerous animals at home and in the field. Rats are also very intelligent, and are always vigilant in suspecting something new. They have the habit of moving in a habitual territory, and repeatedly feeding on the same food resources. The semicircular rat-trap takes advantage of this repetitive behavior.

Making the Trap

The traps are made of heavy wire. Farmers can make the traps themselves with ordinary tools such as pliers, used springs etc. ( Fig. 1). The traps are highly effective and low-cost.

Using the Trap

Hold the fixed frame in one hand, open the mobile frame, and press the trap rod firmly down on the mobile frame ( Fig. 2). Set the end of the trap rod into the bait notch. A good bait which is often used is fresh sweet potato or maize. Other suitable baits are sprouted peanuts or a small piece of roasted meat.

The trap is set out 4 - 5 cm from a wall. Several traps (three or four) should be set, each facing in a different direction. The traps should be 50 - 60 cm apart. The best time to set the traps is in the evening, between 7 PM and 10 PM.

A check should be made every day to remove the trapped rats and set the trap again ( Fig. 3). Wipe the trap with a wet rag, in order to remove the smell of the dead rat from the trap.

A very large trapped rat might move the trap some distance. To prevent this, tie the trap with a wire to a peg set in the ground, or to some heavy object.

Index of Images

Figure 1 Making the Rat Traps

Figure 2 Components of the Trap

Figure 3 Farmers with Rats Caught in the Traps.

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