The 5 Best Rat Traps of 2024

Best Overall

Rat Zapper Classic Indoor Electronic Mouse and Rat Trap

$49 at Amazon

The Rat Zapper Classic Indoor Electronic Mouse and Rat Trap is an effective solution if you have a rat or another rodent causing havoc inside your home. The purple, tunnel-shaped trap is completely opaque, so the contents are hidden from sight, which makes this trap great for those who are squeamish.

There is an LED light that flashes red when a rat is inside, letting you know it's time to empty the trap without having to look. The trap can only hold one rodent at a time, so if you're dealing with an infestation, it might take longer to address the issue. Despite this, the trap is very easy to empty, as you just need to tip it over to dispose of the contents.

Although they are not included, four AA batteries should supply enough power to last for 20 encounters. Like many traps on this list, you will need to add your own bait. Peanut butter, as well as small pieces of cereal or pet food, are always great options. The trap is great for tiny mice, but it is also big enough for larger rodents. Keep in mind that it is not intended for outdoor use. Although it's pricier than other options, we still believe it deserves to be your top choice if you value reusability and prefer not to view what's within the trap.

_{Type: Lethal electronic︱Dimensions: 12 x 4.3 x 4.5 inches︱Target Species: Rats, mice︱Capacity: 1 rat | Indoors or Outdoors: Indoors}

Best Budget

Victor Rat Traps

$17 at Amazon

Victor has been making the classic wood-and-metal snap trap for over 100 years. Inexpensive and straightforward, this is the classic choice for those looking to save money and who are familiar with using the design: You set the bait, set the trap, and wait for the result.

The tripper plate comes pre-baited with a "cheese scent" to entice rats, but if you want to up your trap-catching game, physical bait is still your best bet. It is also expanded to increase the likelihood of setting off the trap. Keep in mind that this makes it easy to easy to trigger, meaning you can accidentally end up pinching your fingers.

The manufacturer recommends setting up numerous traps spaced 2 to 3 feet apart to maximize efficiency. And, of course, disposal requires direct contact, so it's not great for those who can't stomach viewing the dead rodent. But if budget is your prime consideration, we recommend this one.

_{Type: Snap︱Dimensions: 2 x 3 x 1 inches | Target Species: Rats, mice︱Capacity: 1 rat | Indoors or Outdoors: Both}

Best Glue

Catchmaster Baited Rat, Mouse and Snake Glue Traps

$15 at Amazon

If you're looking for another inexpensive solution, consider glue traps like this one from Catchmaster. These traps are designed to catch rodents like rats and mice with sticky glue rather than the old-fashioned way of a snap trap. Instead, they just trap the rat for later disposal.

Glue traps have anchors on them, which is a great feature for keeping them in place. This way, the trap won't move no matter how much the rodent attempts to get out of it. This product's six traps are good for up to a year and come in a pack of six. Because of this, they can be used as a tool for long-term monitoring to ensure that your house or business remains rodent-free. However, it is important to note that the rodents will not die right immediately, and you will have to dispose of them yourself, which can be tough for some.

_{Type: Glue, nonlethal ︱Dimensions: 10 x 5 inches︱Target Species: Rats︱Capacity: 1 rat | Indoors or Outdoors: Indoors only}

Best Snap Trap

Tomcat Rat Snap Trap

$8 at Amazon $32 at Walmart $8 at Lowe's

Tomcat is one of the oldest manufacturers in the rodent control market. Their Indoor/Outdoor Rat Snap Traps are ideal when you likely have many rats to contend with and need to set traps indoors and out. Using plastic instead of classic metal allows for more design choices. In this case, that resembles clamping alligator jaws, which are intended to keep rats in place with less chance of escape.

The updated setting-up-bait process avoids putting delicate fingers in harm's way. (You can arm it with your foot if you choose.) Plastic, which doesn't rust, also extends the shelf life. However, just as in the metal-and-wood variation, sometimes the jaws don't deliver a lethal blow. Keep in mind that unlike our best overall pick, the Rat Zapper, the results aren't concealed.

_{Type: Snap︱Dimensions: 3 x 8.6 x 5 inches︱Target Species: Rats︱Capacity: 1 rat | Indoors or Outdoors: Both}

Best Multi-Rat Trap

RUGGED RANCH RATTR The Ratinator Multiple Catch Live Rat Trap

$80 at Amazon

If you are positive you have a rat infestation, a multi-trap is likely your best bet. The Ratinator's spring floor is one of its most distinctive characteristics; it closes the entrance automatically after any rats it catches. That way, the rats can't get away or do further harm. The Ratinator is ideal for homes with kids and pets because it cannot be easily tampered with.

Made of plastic, the trap weighs less than many other live traps (9 pounds), making it easier to transport over large distances and set up. While not as sturdy or cost-effective as metal traps, it is a great option for those trying to trap more than one rodent, so they can have a new home elsewhere.

_{Type: Nonlethal trap-and-release︱Dimensions: 16.5 x 26.5 x 6 inches︱Target Species: Rats︱Capacity: 21 rats︱Indoors or Outdoors: Both}