Homemade Rat Killer

You can make a rat killer out of household items.

Rats that invade a home or building are a nuisance as well as a potential health risk. They dig in garbage cans, make nests in attics and enter pantries in search of food. Because they are nocturnal, it is necessary to set up traps that will kill the rats. Although there are a wide variety of poisons and traps available for purchase, you can make your own rat killer out of items you probably already own.

Things You'll Need

• Empty soda can
• Ice pick
• 14- to 16-inch piece of rigid wire
• 5-gallon bucket
• Water
• Wooden board
• Peanut butter
• Garbage bag

Instructions

1. Turn an empty soda can upside down and place it on a solid surface. Insert the tip of an ice pick into the center of the can bottom to make a hole.

2. Pick up the can and insert a 14- to 16-inch long piece of rigid wire through the hole in the bottom of the can. Push the wire through until it extends out of the drinking hole in the top of the can. Center the can in the middle of the wire.

3. Fill a 5-gallon bucket half full of water and place it in a location where you have seen rat activity.

4. Balance the wire on top of the bucket so that the soda can is centered over the bucket.

5. Place 2 tsp. of peanut butter onto the top center of the soda can.

6. Lean a 2-foot-long wooden board against the bucket so that the top end of the board is near the edge of the wire. The other end of the board should be resting on the floor.

7. Allow the bucket to sit overnight and check it the following day. The dead rat should be in the bottom of the bucket. If you did not catch a rat, leave the bucket until you do.

Tips & Warnings

• Pour the water out in a location away from the home. Place the dead rat in a garbage bag and toss it in the trash.

• A wire coat hanger can be used as the wire.

References

• Pest Cemetery: 3 easy home made mouse traps