Updated October 2026.
Wear disposable gloves, put the rat in a plastic bag without touching it, seal the bag, put it in a second bag and place it in your garbage bin. Then wet the area with a disinfectant or a bleach solution before wiping it up, and wash your hands well.
Step by step
- Gloves on. Use disposable or rubber gloves. Don’t touch the rat with bare hands.
- Bag it. Turn a plastic bag inside out over your gloved hand, pick up the rat (or tip it out of the trap) and pull the bag over it.
- Double-bag. Seal it, put it in a second bag and seal again.
- Garbage bin. Put it in your outdoor garbage with the lid closed. Don’t put it in the compost or green bin.
- Clean up. Spray the area and any droppings with disinfectant or a bleach solution, let it soak, then wipe with paper towels. Don’t sweep or vacuum dry droppings, because that puts dust in the air.
- Wash. Take off the gloves and wash your hands with soap and water.
No-touch release
With the ZIVASKA Dual-Tunnel Rat Trap, you open the trap over the bag and the catch drops out, so you don’t handle it. Then clean the trap and set it again in the same spot.
Safety: keep every trap out of reach of children, pets and non-target animals, check traps at least daily, and follow the instructions in the box.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a dead rat in the garbage in BC?
Yes, sealed in two plastic bags and placed in your garbage bin. Don’t put it in compost or green waste.
Is it safe to touch a dead rat?
Avoid touching it with bare hands. Wear disposable gloves and use a bag.
How do I clean up rat droppings?
Wear gloves, spray the droppings with disinfectant or a bleach solution, let it soak, then wipe up with paper towels. Don’t sweep or vacuum dry droppings.
Do I need to throw away the trap?
Not with a reusable trap. Wearing gloves, empty it, clean it and set it again.
ZIVASKA is a Canadian, women-owned small business in Burnaby, BC. We sell traps only and do not offer pest-control services. Free shipping across Canada; pickup in Burnaby by appointment only.