For most Canadian homes the best rat trap is an enclosed, reusable snap trap sized for rats: it catches reliably, keeps the mechanism covered, works indoors and in sheltered outdoor spots, and needs no poison.
Avoid glue boards for rats (rats can pull free) and be careful with poison, which puts pets and wildlife at risk.
The six types of rat trap, compared
| Type | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosed tunnel snap trap | Rats and larger mice indoors and in sheltered outdoor spots; reusable; mechanism is covered | Must be sized for rats; check it regularly |
| Open wooden or plastic snap trap | Cheap, widely sold | Exposed jaw, easy for pets and kids to touch; many are sized for mice, not rats |
| Electronic trap | Indoor use, no visible catch | Needs batteries, costs more, not built for wet outdoor use |
| Live-catch cage | People who want to relocate animals | Relocating rats is often illegal or ineffective; must be checked very often |
| Glue board | Mice and crawling insects indoors | Not suitable for rats: rats can pull free |
| Poison bait | Professionals in tamper-resistant stations | Health Canada restricts the strongest rodenticides to licensed professionals; risk to pets, owls and other wildlife |
What makes a rat trap work
1. It is sized for rats, not mice
Norway rats commonly weigh about 200–500 g and roof rats about 140–285 g. A trap built for mice often has a trigger that is too sensitive and a jaw that is too small. Look for a trap designed for rats, with a firm trigger and a strong spring.
2. Rats can walk straight into it
Rats are cautious and follow walls. A tunnel with an entry at each end lets them approach from either direction along a wall, which is exactly how they travel.
3. It works where rats actually are
In Canada that usually means garages, sheds, under decks, along fences and around compost and garbage bins, plus basements and attics. A trap for those spots has to handle rain and temperature changes.
4. You can check and reset it without touching the catch
If emptying a trap is unpleasant, it gets left unset. Enclosed traps let you tip the catch into a bag and set the trap again.
Our pick: the ZIVASKA Reusable Dual-Tunnel Rat Trap
We make it, so judge us on the facts: it is an enclosed snap trap with two entries and a 24 g+ trigger, sized for Norway rats, roof rats and larger house mice. The ABS housing is rust- and rot-proof for sheltered outdoor spots, it uses no poison and no batteries, and it is reusable. It is not reliable for small mice; for those, use sticky glue traps indoors.
How many rat traps do you need?
Use several traps rather than one. A common starting point is 2 traps for one small problem area, 4 for a garage plus yard, and 12 or more for larger properties, rental buildings or businesses. Place them 2–3 metres apart along the route where you see droppings or rub marks. For 20 or more traps, ask for bulk pricing.
Where to put them
Tight against walls, fences and foundations, at right angles to the wall or parallel with an entry facing the route. See the 9 outdoor spots that catch rats for photos and details.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective rat trap?
For homes, an enclosed snap trap sized for rats is usually the most effective and practical choice. It catches reliably, can be reused, keeps the mechanism covered, and works in sheltered outdoor spots without poison.
Are glue traps good for rats?
No. Glue boards are made for mice and crawling insects. Rats are strong enough to pull free, so use a snap trap sized for rats instead.
Is rat poison legal in Canada?
Some rodenticides are sold to consumers, but Health Canada restricts the strongest ones to licensed professionals, and baits must be used in tamper-resistant stations. Poison also puts pets and wildlife at risk, which is why many homeowners choose traps.
Can rat traps be used outdoors?
Yes, if the trap is built for it. Use an enclosed trap with a weather-resistant housing and place it in a sheltered spot such as under a deck, inside a shed or along a fence line.
ZIVASKA is a Canadian, women-owned small business in Burnaby, BC. Free shipping across Canada; orders ship within 1 business day.