What Is the Best Bait for Rat Traps?

Norway rats — the ground-dwelling species common in NH basements, foundations, and woodpiles — are omnivores that respond to fatty, protein-rich, or sweet baits: bacon, hot dog, peanut butter, or chocolate. Roof rats, which climb and nest in attics and upper structures, lean plant-based and prefer nuts, dried fruit, or a small piece of banana. If you're not sure which species you have, peanut butter is the reliable bridge bait because it combines fat, protein, and a touch of sweetness that appeals to both. Raisins, prunes, and nutmeats often outperform meat or cat food, and whole nuts suit tree-set traps for roof rats.

Tie fibrous or solid bait to the trigger, or use only a small smear of peanut butter, so a rat can't nab it without springing the trap. Keep bait fresh and swap it every 2–3 days, since rats reject stale or moldy food.

Rats run tight against walls, pipes, and edges, so a trap set perpendicular to the wall with the trigger toward the wall intercepts them, while the same trap mid-floor is usually ignored. Because rats are neophobic, set traps in pairs on confirmed runways — look for droppings or grease/rub marks — and pre-bait them unset for several days before arming. Always match the tool to the target: a mouse-sized trap is too small and lets a rat steal bait without firing it, so use rat-rated snap or electronic traps.