Live Catch Rat Traps

Live catch rat traps capture rats without killing them. A rat enters the cage or multi-catch unit through a one-way entry mechanism and cannot escape — the animal is then relocated away from the property and released. The appropriate method where lethal control is not preferred, where the infestation is in a location that makes poison or snap trap deployment unsuitable, or where regulations or circumstances require a non-lethal approach.

Choosing the Right Live Catch Trap

Single-catch cage traps — a wire or metal cage with a trigger mechanism that closes the entry door when a rat moves over the pressure plate. Straightforward to set and check, suitable for low-to-moderate activity and locations where one rat at a time is expected.

Multi-catch live traps — a larger format designed to capture multiple rats before requiring attention. A one-way entry allows rats to enter but not leave, building numbers inside the trap between checks. More efficient where activity is high or access for daily checking is not practical.

Placement and Use

Place live traps directly on active runs — flush against walls, along fence bases or at confirmed entry points. Rats are cautious of new objects; leaving the trap unset for 24–48 hours before arming it can improve acceptance in wary populations. Once active, check at least once every 24 hours — a captured rat left in a trap without water or shelter will not survive long, which defeats the purpose of live capture. Release well away from the property. For faster lethal control, see rat snap traps or the full rat traps range.