The single best bait for rat traps is peanut butter. Rats find peanut butter irresistible because of its strong smell and high protein and fat content. Peanut butter also sticks to the trap, making it difficult for the rat to remove without springing it.

Why Peanut Butter Works Best

• Strong smell that travels and attracts rats from a distance
• Sticky texture forces rats to work harder, increasing trigger contact
• High protein and fat content matches what rats actively seek
• Readily available and inexpensive

The Critical Difference: Rats Require Pre-Baiting

Unlike mice, rats require a pre-baiting period before a trap is set. Leave unset traps with bait for 5–7 days before activating — rats are significantly more neophobic than mice and will not take bait from a newly placed, unfamiliar trap. This is the most important rat-specific difference that most homeowners skip.

Bait Quantity for Rat Traps

For rat traps, use a hazelnut or almond-sized amount of peanut butter (about 1 teaspoon) — significantly more than the pea-sized amount used for mice. Rats need to commit to taking the bait, not just lick the surface.

Other Effective Baits

• Chocolate — sweet smell and taste are hard to resist
• Bacon — fat content and strong aroma
• Nuts and seeds — sunflower seeds, walnuts, hazelnuts
• Fruits — apples, bananas, dried fruit, especially where rats have been near produce
• Pet food — high protein and fat, effective in homes where rats have been near pet bowls

Keep Bait Fresh

Replace bait every 2–3 days regardless of whether it's been taken. Rats can detect oxidization and rancidity — fresh bait dramatically outperforms old bait, especially in warmer weather.

Why Rats May Ignore Bait

• Other food sources are more accessible (pet food, open garbage, compost)
• Trap has human scent — always wear gloves when setting
• Trap is new and unfamiliar — pre-baiting solves this
• Bait is stale — replace every 2–3 days

If traps aren't working after 7–10 days, contact Anchor Pest Services at (603) 785-0118 — trap avoidance in rats often signals a larger, established colony.

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