pack rat

I'd recommend using snap traps with a wider trigger. Check Amazon for "JAWZ" traps, and place these along paths the vermin run along. Even without bait, those have been instrumental at removing critters.

Sticky pads work as well... but I wouldn't even think of using them if I had dogs or cats.

Use a piece of aluminum foil under the trigger. Pack rats are attracted to shiny objects. I've used a piece of apple along with peanut butter, not too big, but pack rats are very difficult to trap plus they get trap shy if you don't catch them on the first attempt.

Decon or other "bait" has been a waste of time for us, and I find a pile of bait in their nest, along with other misc. items.

Good luck, they can be very difficult to trap.

Jean S wrote:
Thanks Jim, I will try that. First, I have to get a bigger trap. DH refuses to admit that we have a rat. He wants to believe that it's a mouse. He is horrified at the idea of a rat. But I've seen mouse droppings and I've seen rat droppings. We've got a rat.

It seems to be living somewhere behind the dashboard or under the engine cover...

Whatever you do get rid of it ASAP!
They WILL eat the wires in the engine compartment AND wires leading to dash.

Been there done that and it was not cheap to fix either.:(

BTW: DNR agent told me to use fish heads to use in trap.

When nothing else worked trapping an animal I found this really DOES work. It's the only thing I use now. Just go to grocery store and buy a cheap fresh fish and whack off it's head for the trap.

I'll make bet you catch it that same day. :W

Thanks Jim, I will try that. First, I have to get a bigger trap. DH refuses to admit that we have a rat. He wants to believe that it's a mouse. He is horrified at the idea of a rat. But I've seen mouse droppings and I've seen rat droppings. We've got a rat.

Here is Southern Arizona, they are everywhere. The most success I've had is to put some peanut butter inside of cheese cloth, and then attach it to the trigger. The rat snags his teeth in the cheese cloth which triggers the trap, and it nails them everytime.