How to use a T-Rex trap
Where to put your trap
Start where you have seen rats or where they are likely to be active, such as near rubbish and compost bins.
Rats tend to avoid open areas and prefer cover. You may have more success by putting your trap in a sheltered area or along a fence line, hedge or building.
Ensure the ground is stable and flat, and check to make sure vegetation isn’t blocking the back or front grates.
What to use as bait
Rodents love energy-rich foods high in fat and sugar. Try using peanut butter, cheese, chocolate, hazelnut spread, jam, or nuts (such as almonds, peanuts or walnuts). Animal fat such as bits of bacon fat are another option.
Rats are naturally suspicious of new food sources. You can bait your trap then leave it unset for a few days to help them associate the trap as a good food source. Put some free bait at the entrance of the trap to invite them in.
If you aren’t getting catches in your trap, experiment using different types of baits.
How to set your trap
Remove the bait cup from the underside of the T-Rex rat trap by twisting it left to unlock. Fill the cup with your chosen bait and replace, twisting right to lock it back in place.
Set the trap by squeezing the back end until you hear it click and the jaws of the trap stay open.
Carefully slide your set trap, bait-end first, into your trap box and replace the sliding mesh screen at the end of your trap box.
When you catch something, simply squeeze the back end to release the jaws. Here’s how you can dispose of carcasses:
Bury in the garden
Put in your compost bin
Double-bag and place in your Dunedin City Council rubbish bags.
To deactivate your trap while it’s still set, press the treadle plate up against the side of the wooden box and slowly shut the jaws.
Reporting your results
Please let us know what you catch by using the Trap.NZ mobile app or website. This allows us to keep track of the collective effort to protect native wildlife across Dunedin.
To find out more about adding catches, have a look at our guide to using Trap.NZ
Safety information
It’s safest to unset your trap before handling it, although you can re-bait the T-Rex trap while it’s still set by removing the bait cup.
Always wear gloves when handling your trap and wash your hands thoroughly. This minimises the risk of catching animal-borne diseases such as leptospirosis.
Keep your trap inside the wooden trap box provided to keep pets, children and non-target animals safe.
The T-Rex trap has been humane tested against the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) guidelines for ship rats.
Tips and tricks
Rebait your trap at least once a week
Remove all old bait and any blood/fur from the trap each time you service it
Don’t wash your trap with chemicals or detergents. Water and an old brush will do the trick.
Scuff the entrance to the trap box to create a little pathway for pests
Slugs and insects like to snack on bait and can clean out the trap overnight. Mice are sometimes too light to trigger the trap and may also be responsible for bait theft
Offer pests some free bait on the doorstep of the trap box to lure them in
Move your trap to a new location if you aren’t getting catches