ElvisThePelvis Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 I am using a cage type live trap to avoid not target species being harmed. After 2 days this has proven unsuccessful despite having seen the Rats and siting the trap right by their tunnel. Should this trap be hidden, perhaps inside a cardboard box or similar? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rimfire4969 Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 Just give them them time rats don't like change so they will need time to get used to it. Make it more natural to its surroundings would help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElvisThePelvis Posted March 16, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 Great, thanks so I am better off 'planting' it in the foliage by the hole in the direction that they run rather than it being out in the open? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 Great, thanks so I am better off 'planting' it in the foliage by the hole in the direction that they run rather than it being out in the open? Yes. Though it may still take a few days. What are you using for bait ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Konnie Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 Maybe cable tie some old carpet over it, so it becomes a dark space, just a idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElvisThePelvis Posted March 17, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2016 Maybe cable tie some old carpet over it, so it becomes a dark space, just a idea. I was wondering about putting a cardboard box over the top Yes. Though it may still take a few days. What are you using for bait ? I have been using peanut butter, I am waiting specific bait cubes to arrive by post Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted March 17, 2016 Report Share Posted March 17, 2016 No need to cover it with anything in my experience, but they are neophobic, which does mean they need time to get used to change/new things. Not always but I have seen it many times. What food source are they using at the moment, try that as bait, or try chocolate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElvisThePelvis Posted March 17, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2016 Thanks, I think it was bacon rind that the birds had turfed off the table that first attracted them and since they have just been eating spilt seeds and nuts. I have been removing the seeds and nuts and getting the epo to stop throwing bread out so the peanut butter is the only food source. I can't poison them as it would take out field mice etc and they have been eating the peanut butter but are not heavy enough to trip the trap. I think I will try Bacon rind tomorrow, a good excuse for a nice breakfast anyway! I guess chocolate will also attract mice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benthejockey Posted March 17, 2016 Report Share Posted March 17, 2016 Be patient! I had one in the tack room making a mess digging under the concrete. Baited and baited and baited and nothing. I knew it was still there the terriers kept trying to dig up the floor. Then one morning about a fortnight later she made the silly mistake of climbing into the trap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElvisThePelvis Posted March 18, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 18, 2016 Be patient! I had one in the tack room making a mess digging under the concrete. Baited and baited and baited and nothing. I knew it was still there the terriers kept trying to dig up the floor. Then one morning about a fortnight later she made the silly mistake of climbing into the trap. Excellent, thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentalmac Posted March 18, 2016 Report Share Posted March 18, 2016 I am using a cage type live trap to avoid not target species being harmed. After 2 days this has proven unsuccessful despite having seen the Rats and siting the trap right by their tunnel. Should this trap be hidden, perhaps inside a cardboard box or similar? Thanks Is the trap close to a wall or edge of something? - This can help. Rats and mice prefer to run along an edge, using their vibrissae (whiskers) as feelers preferring edges of things as a natural form of shelter (owing to their bad eyesight). Also second the use of chocolate - I found a chunk of snickers always worked a treat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElvisThePelvis Posted March 18, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 18, 2016 Is the trap close to a wall or edge of something? - This can help. Rats and mice prefer to run along an edge, using their vibrissae (whiskers) as feelers preferring edges of things as a natural form of shelter (owing to their bad eyesight). Also second the use of chocolate - I found a chunk of snickers always worked a treat. Thanks for your advice. I moved the trap today to the side of the hole, it's now partially under a plant close to the fence and rebaited with cheese and bacon, I will leave that a few days then try chocolate, if that doesn't work I will butt up against the fence. It seems a mouse was eating the peanut butter and is not heavy enough to trigger the trap.. Flipping thing is getting on my nerves now (if it's only 1) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgun Posted March 18, 2016 Report Share Posted March 18, 2016 Is the trap close to a wall or edge of something? - This can help. Rats and mice prefer to run along an edge, using their vibrissae (whiskers) as feelers preferring edges of things as a natural form of shelter (owing to their bad eyesight). Also second the use of chocolate - I found a chunk of snickers always worked a treat. this is good advice sight next to a wall preferably with the end of the trap in a corner or covered, at least so the rats have to go through the front to get to the bait, make sure the plate is set with a tiny amount pressure and that there is nothing under the plate stopping it from springing. I would cover the trap, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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