10 Best Live Rat Traps Reviewed in 2020

Rats are a nuisance and can also cause property damage and spread diseases. Research shows that almost 30 of all households in the United States experience a rodent infestation.

These pests tend to reproduce quickly, something that could lead to an infestation. If you’ve noticed a rat running around, you need to act fast. You can use a live catch rat trap on its own or used it in combination with rodenticides.

Below is a detailed review of the best live rat traps.

Grandpa Gus’s Trap Cage

Grandpa Gus’s Trap Cage is one of the most humane rat traps in the market. It comes in transparent plastic and features a metallic entrance that’s only accessible from the inside.

Once the rodent is inside the trap, there’s no way he can force himself out. The best thing about this trap is the plastic casing that makes the process safe. Moreover, the rodent won’t know that it’s a trap as it camouflages itself well.

You won’t find magnets, coils, or triggers on this device; this is meant to enhance ease of use and promote user convenience. Another perk is the lightweight nature that makes it convenient. Previous users found the release tunnels useful as they provide safe passage for the rodents.

On the downside, if you happen to capture giant rats, you’ll find this trap limiting, as its doors are not big enough to trap them.

Pros

• Safe and humane for rats
• Lightweight, which makes it simple to carry

Cons

• Some users found that the trap door didn’t spring when bait was taken

Havahart 1082 Animal Trap

Havahart 1082 Animal Trap Ranked as one of the best humane mousetraps, the Havahart animal cage promises to be effective in catching rats in your house without doing them any harm.

Apart from being rust-resistant, the cage is durable and boasts of solid construction. The sides have mesh to prevent the rodents from escaping. What’s more, its design allows the rats to steal the bait and get caught.

The trigger rod on the exterior ensures that the rats do not damage the trap. The rodents can enter from one side, thanks to the gravity action doors, while the trigger guarantees a quick capture.

Its easy set up enables you to put the trap in place with one hand. You won’t have to worry about the rodent biting you as its construction is safe and doesn’t allow the animal to get to you.

Releasing the animal is simple; all you need is to activate the release mechanism that is behind the trap. Moreover, you can use the trap for other pests like chipmunks and squirrels.

Pros

• Allows for a simple release
• Durable and rust-resistant
• Safe for you and the animals

Cons

• Doesn’t work for other rodents

Safeguard Live Cage Trap 50450

The Safeguard Live Cage Trap 50450 allows you to keep mice out of your house in a non-lethal way. Find durable metal underneath black plastic, something that makes this trap durable.

The best part is that you don’t need to set the trap. Once the mouse weight pushes down the ramp inside, the outer door closes behind it and seals it tightly. The doors are spring-loaded, but they do not allow the rats to escape.

The internal edges are smooth, which means no harm comes to you and the animal when transporting it back to the wild.

You can have an escape-proof trap until when you need to release the rodent back into the wild. Enjoy a simple release, thanks to the sliding top door.

Pros

• Durable
• Easy to transport

Cons

• Some users found a few parts missing

JT Eaton Live Trap

JT Eaton Live Trap Featuring an inspection window that allows you to see what’s happening inside the trap, the JT Eaton live trap can help you capture several rats without any bait.

All you need is to wind the side handle seven times to capture rats that enter the trap. You won’t have to worry about your children or pets as the trap is fully enclosed. Enjoy a one-year limited warranty with this live trap.

Pros

• Can help capture several rats at once
• Simple to set

Cons

• Some users had a problem with the instructions

Oxford Live Animal Trap

The Oxford Live Animal Trap allows you to enjoy the convenience, quality construction, and durability.

With its durable metal construction with rust-resistant mesh, the trap can last for years without incidences of corrosion. The preassembled trap allows you to capture the animals humanely.

The package comes in a collapsed state. You’ll need to open and set the trap in a strategic place where the rodents pass and get trapped. Get access to sensitive triggers and a spring-loaded door that ensures the rats do not miss the trap.

Pros

• Simple to assemble
• Quality construction

Cons

• Gaps in the door may be big enough for rats to squeeze through

Havahart 0745 One-Door Animal Trap

Another product from Havahart, the Havahart 0745 One-Door Animal Trap, comes in a unique design. It has galvanized steel that guarantees durability and resistance to corrosion.

The gravity action door allows for immediate capture once the animal enters the trap. Its patented design makes this trap ready to use, open and set the trap. There’s a trigger on the outside of the trap so that the rodent doesn’t interfere with it. Moreover, the trigger is sensitive.

Pros

• Comes with a patented design, which makes it simple to use
• Durable and resistant to corrosion

Cons

• The inside trigger may hit backward

Trapro Humane Live Animal Cage Trap

The Trapro Humane Live Animal Cage Trap is resistant to rust and corrosion. That guarantees durability. Its collapsible design allows you to fold the trap and store it in storage space.

Find a highly sensitive trigger that snaps the single door once after the rodent enters and touches the bait. You won’t have to worry about the rats escaping after getting the bait. The large handle allows you to transport the trap while preventing injuries.

Pros

• Has a sensitive trigger
• Easy to transport
• Simple to set up

Cons

• The latch may not stay securely closed

Havahart 1079 One-Door Humane Animal Trap

If you’re looking for a trap that provides accuracy in capturing rodents, then you should check out the Havahart 1079 One-Door Humane Animal Trap. It features a solid metal door that is spring-loaded.

What’s more, the door has durable steel metal that offers resistance to corrosion and rust. You can capture other animals like opossums, groundhogs, and raccoons with this trap.

The best part is that the trap comes assembled, something that makes it simple to use.

Pros

• Comes fully assembled
• Accurate in capturing rodents

Cons

• The design isn’t durable

Ranger Collapsible Live Animal Trap

One of the most durable rat trap cage, the Ranger Collapsible Live Animal Trap, features rust-resistant steel mesh and quality metal. You can use it despite the weather conditions, thanks to its durability.

The quick shut trigger door provides a sensitive trigger that snaps in seconds, something that reduces any chances of the rodents escaping. Also, the door locks in place. Its collapsible design allows you to store the trap easily.

Pros

• Durable trap
• Has a collapsible design for easy storage

Cons

• Only works for small rodents

Atomic Barbie Rat Trap

The AB quality live Atomic Barbie Rat Trap has a design that allows you to capture rats, mice, squirrels, and other similar sized pests.

The trap doesn’t injure or kill the captured rodents. You can use it around your children and pests, whether indoors or outdoors. It comes with a locking mechanism to ensure the rodent doesn’t escape. Previous users found this trap useful and brilliant.

Pros

• Unique design for capturing rodents
• Provides a humane way of capturing rodents
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• May not work for bigger rodents

Final Thoughts

Getting the best live catch rat trap doesn’t have to be complicated. You can choose one from the top ten live rat traps. Get a trap that fits your needs and budget. While the styles, design, and features may differ, all of them offer similar performance and functionality.