Dealing with rats in your home or business can be a distressing experience, given their potential for causing damage and spreading diseases. Understanding this, we’ve explored various rat trap options available in the UK, focusing on their effectiveness and safety. With years of expertise in pest control, our recommendations are based on thorough testing and real-world results, ensuring you find the most suitable solution for your rat problem.
Our Picks
Discover our top picks for the best rat traps available in the UK market. Our selections are based on effectiveness, ease of use, and overall reliability in keeping your home rodent-free.
Froboo Rat Reaper
The Froboo Rat Reaper is a smart choice for anyone aiming to eliminate rats efficiently and quickly with a humane trap that prioritises both pet and child safety.
Pros
- Effective and Humane – instant kill for rats
- Safe – designed with kids and pets in mind
- Easy to set up and dispose of rats
Cons
- Not suitable for squirrels
- May take some time to catch rats
- Large rats may not fit as easily
When it comes to finding an efficient and humane solution for ridding our homes of rats, the Froboo Rat Reaper has proven itself quite capable. The dual-entry tunnel design ensures that rats are attracted to the bait, while also providing added safety for children and pets in the home.
We appreciate how easy it is to set up this trap – simply squeeze the trigger to activate and place peanut butter as bait. Once the rat is caught, disposing of it is hassle-free, thanks to the release mechanism that allows for clean disposal into a rubbish bag.
The Rat Reaper is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, which means we can protect our homes and gardens from unwanted rodents. By placing the trap near common areas where rats may dwell (such as walls, cupboards, and bird feeders), we increase the chances of catching them.
However, it is important to note that this trap is not designed for squirrels. To avoid unintentional captures, it’s advised to use a squirrel-specific trap if squirrels are present. Additionally, some customers have reported that it took slightly longer to catch rats or larger rats didn’t fit as easily in the trap. But overall, the Froboo Rat Reaper offers an effective and humane way to keep our homes rat-free, while ensuring the safety of our family and pets.
Froboo Rat Reaper XXL – Extra Large Rat Traps
The Froboo Rat Reaper XXL is an effective solution for handling large rat infestations, both indoors and outdoors, with its powerful killing mechanism and reusable design.
Pros
- Extra large size for handling big rats
- Instant kill mechanisms for humane approach
- Easy to use and reusable trap
Cons
- Some sensitivity issues for smaller rats
- A few plastic components may break easily
- Can be challenging to set up due to the powerful spring
In our experience, the Froboo Rat Reaper XXL has proven to be an efficient option for dealing with problematic extra-large rats in the UK. The trap is designed with an 8cm width solid snap, strong springs, and a super sensitive pressure plate that activates the trap even when smaller rats attempt to take the bait. This ensures a more effective approach to controlling your rat problems and provides a more humane way to handle these pests.
Being reusable and versatile, the Rat Reaper XXL can be easily set up with baits like peanut butter and placed in various locations, such as gardens and indoor spaces, to tackle rat infestations wherever they may be. Unfortunately, its powerful spring mechanism can make the initial set up a bit challenging, so please do take extra care when preparing the trap.
While the overall design is sturdy, we have noticed that some of its plastic components may break under certain circumstances. However, this doesn’t affect the overall efficiency of the trap, and Froboo offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re not fully satisfied with their product.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking a potent and reusable rat trap to address extra-large rats in your property, the Froboo Rat Reaper XXL is a solid choice. Despite a few minor drawbacks, its effectiveness in capturing and instantly killing rodents will give you peace of mind and help keep your space free from further infestations.
Sarkman Extra Large Rat Traps
These powerful Sarkman rat traps are a reliable solution for indoor and outdoor rat control in the UK.
Pros
- Extra-large size and strong spring mechanism
- Bonus gift of 50 pairs of plastic gloves
- Reusable and easy to set up
Cons
- May be difficult to set for some users
- Not suitable for smaller rodents
- Some traps might not stay set
We recently tried out the Sarkman Extra Large Rat Traps and found that they provided effective rat control. Their extra-large size of 17cm x 8cm and robust spring mechanism allowed us to target even the largest rats, making them a perfect choice for those with pesky critters in the UK.
An added bonus of using these traps was the inclusion of 50 pairs of professional plastic gloves, which enabled us to handle the traps safely and hygienically. We used peanut butter as the bait, which was recommended by Sarkman, and it worked incredibly well in ensuring a quick capture.
However, it’s worth noting that if you’re dealing with smaller rodents, these traps may not be the best option. Their size and powerful spring mechanism make them more suitable for larger rats. While we had no issue setting up the traps, some users may find it challenging to set them up initially.
In conclusion, we found the Sarkman Extra Large Rat Traps to be an excellent tool for effectively capturing large rats both indoors and outdoors. The addition of the gloves made it a safe and clean experience while handling the traps. If you’re struggling with a rat problem in the UK, these traps are worth considering.
Mamax 6 Pack Large Rat Traps with Heavy Duty Spring and Bonus Gloves
If you are looking for an effective, humane, and easy-to-use trap, we highly recommend the Mamax Rat Traps for your rodent problem.
Pros
- Highly sensitive and humane spring mechanism
- Easy to set up and clean
- Large size suitable for a variety of rodents
Cons
- Traps need to be anchored to prevent flipping
- Bait may need frequent rebating when used outdoors
- Powerful spring – keep away from children and pets
We recently tried the Mamax 6 Pack Large Rat Traps, and they work efficiently in eliminating rats in and around our property. These traps come with a strong and sensitive spring mechanism that ensures a fast and humane kill, sparing you from the troubling experience of witnessing slow, painful deaths caused by poison or glue traps.
Setting up these traps was a breeze. We simply added bait such as peanut butter, chocolate spread, or a piece of a Mars or Snickers bar to the bait cup before setting the trap. They are designed to be user-friendly, but keep in mind that only adults should be handling these traps due to the powerful springs. The large size makes them suitable for catching a wide range of rodents, from small mice to larger rats.
Cleaning the Mamax Rat Traps was also quite convenient. We washed them in warm soapy water and rinsed them under a tap, unlike wooden traps, which are harder to clean. Additionally, the traps come with a pair of gloves for hygiene purposes when emptying and cleaning the traps. The robust design allows for the traps to be reused multiple times.
While these traps are effective, there are a few things to consider. When using them outdoors, you might need to rebate the bait more frequently, as insects and slugs can clean out the bait pot. It’s also helpful to anchor the traps to a suitable piece of wood to stop them from flipping up when sprung. Finally, due to the strength of the springs, do keep them away from children and pets to avoid any harm.
Overall, if you’re dealing with rats or other rodents, the Mamax 6 Pack Large Rat Traps are a fantastic solution. They are effective, humane, and easy to use, making them a top choice for your rodent control needs.
Ratkil Live Rat Cage Trap
The Ratkil Live Rat Cage Trap is a humane and effective solution for rodent problems at home or outdoors.
Pros
- Safe for use around children and pets
- Heavy-duty aluminium construction
- Easy to set up and reusable
Cons
- Sensitive trigger may lead to false alarms
- Flimsy in some cases
- Requires a flat surface for stability
The Ratkil Live Rat Cage Trap offers a humane way to catch rats, mice, squirrels, and other small rodents without causing harm. We appreciate the heavy-duty aluminium construction which ensures durability and prevents rodents from escaping. Additionally, it’s safe for use both indoors and outdoors, making it suitable for homes with children and pets.
Setting up the cage is quite simple and it comes fully assembled – just place the bait inside and position it where you have seen rodent activity. However, we noticed that the sensitive trigger can sometimes cause false alarms if disturbed by other factors. Make sure that the trap is placed on a flat and level surface to avoid it toppling over during a catch.
Despite some users reporting the cage appearing flimsy, the Ratkil Live Rat Cage Trap is a cost-effective alternative to using poison for controlling rodents in a humane manner. Overall, it’s an efficient solution for controlling rodent infestations without causing harm to the animals or putting your family at risk.
Remember to release the captured rodents in a safe location far away from your home to prevent them from returning. With its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can give this trap a try with confidence.
Ratkil Rat Traps – 2 x Large Heavy Duty Rat Traps
These Ratkil Rat Traps get the job done efficiently, but be cautious of their power.
Pros
- Effective and powerful spring mechanism
- Instant and humane killing
- Easy to use and maintain
Cons
- Can be difficult to set for some users
- Bait securing could be improved
- Rats may initially steal bait without setting off the trap
We recently tried the Ratkil Rat Traps to tackle a rodent problem in our garden. These traps came in a set of two, which allowed us to cover more ground and increase our chances of catching the troublesome pests. As soon as we shifted from our old traps to these, we started noticing a significant difference.
The powerful spring mechanism in these Ratkil traps ensures that rats or mice are killed instantly and humanely. This feature ensures you capture rodents of any size without them escaping. The traps are made from non-absorbent polystyrene, which is not only sturdy but also ensures a clean kill with no mess or odours.
Setting up the traps was quite simple, and it didn’t require any intricate assembling. We placed some bait in the cup, pulled back the lever, and placed the traps strategically where we noticed rodent activity. However, we feel that users should be cautious when setting the trap due to its powerful spring mechanism, especially older or younger users.
Although the bait cup is quite effective, it might need minor improvements. The hole in the bait cup should grip the bait more securely to prevent the rats from stealing the bait without setting off the trap. However, after a couple of tries, we managed to find the right spot to place the bait, inducing the rats to trigger the trap.
Overall, these Ratkil Rat Traps are a cost-effective and efficient solution to your rodent problems. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, and with proper placement and bait, they are highly effective. Keep in mind that handling the traps with care and being strategic with bait placement can make all the difference in getting the desired results.
Ratkil Ultra Powerful Rat Trap
Ideal choice for a reliable, powerful, and safe solution to your rat problem at home.
Pros
- Instantly kills rats for quick and effective rodent control
- Ultra powerful, large design for maximum efficiency
- Safe for use around children and pets due to covered design
Cons
- Rats may learn to eat bait without setting off the trap
- The trap might disappear along with caught rats
- Requires regular maintenance and cleaning
We recently used the Ratkil Ultra Powerful Rat Trap to manage a rodent issue in our home and were impressed by the quick results it provides. This large, heavy-duty rat trap is designed to kill rats instantly, which means that our rodent problem was under control in no time. Moreover, the trap features two entrance holes for maximum effectiveness and is covered to keep the family and pets safe.
One of the key aspects that we appreciated in the Ratkil trap is the ease of use. Setting it up was straightforward, and cleaning the trap after a successful catch was hassle-free. We didn’t experience any unpleasant odours, and there was no mess to deal with – just a clean, efficient way to eliminate rats and regain control over our living space.
However, we did notice that some rats managed to snack on the bait without triggering the trap. This issue didn’t impact the overall efficacy of the trap, but it’s something to be aware of. Additionally, on a couple of occasions, the trap disappeared along with the caught rat, requiring us to replace it. To ensure the best results, we found that regular maintenance and vigilance were necessary for optimum performance.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and safe rat trap to eliminate rodents effectively, the Ratkil Ultra Powerful Rat Trap is an excellent choice. Just be prepared to keep an eye on the trap and maintain it properly to fully enjoy its benefits.
Sarkman Rat Traps 6 x Extra Large Set
These Sarkman Rat Traps are a solid choice for those looking to efficiently eliminate rodents while protecting their homes and gardens.
Pros
- Extra-large size and powerful spring
- High-quality stainless steel construction
- Bonus gift of 50 pairs of professional plastic gloves
Cons
- Potential for some faulty traps in the set
- Care needed while setting the trap due to strong spring
- May require multiple attempts to catch stealthy rats
We recently tried the Sarkman Rat Traps, and we were impressed by the size and strength of these traps. The traps measure 17cm x 8cm, making them suitable for even the largest rodents, and they are made of high-quality stainless steel, ensuring they are durable and effective both indoors and outdoors. The powerful spring ensures a quick and humane kill, and we appreciated the included mini user manual, which helped us set up and use the traps with ease.
The bonus gift of 50 pairs of professional plastic gloves is a thoughtful addition, allowing us to handle and set the traps without direct contact, which can reduce the chances of the rat detecting human scent. We also found that using peanut butter as bait worked well in combination with these traps.
Despite the effectiveness of the Sarkman Rat Traps, we did encounter some minor issues. We noticed that one of the traps in our set was missing a locking pin, making it unusable. Additionally, setting the strong spring requires caution to avoid possible injuries. Lastly, while these traps are generally successful, some clever rats may manage to evade the traps, so multiple attempts may be needed to catch all the unwanted rodents.
In conclusion, the Sarkman Rat Traps are a reliable and efficient solution for dealing with rat infestations both indoors and outdoors. Just be prepared for some trial and error and exercise caution when setting the traps. Overall, we are pleased with our experience and would recommend these rat traps for tackling rodent issues in the UK.
Ratkil Rat Traps – 2 x Large Metal Traps
We recommend Ratkil Rat Traps for those looking for powerful, effective, and easy-to-use rat control solutions.
Pros
- Extremely powerful and effective
- Instant, humane kills
- Simple and safe, with minimal mess
Cons
- Heavy-duty design might be too much for some users
- Careful placement needed to avoid unintended catches
- Proper setup may take a bit of practice
Ratkil Rat Traps provide an effective and powerful solution to rodent problems. We found these large metal traps to be extremely successful in instantly and humanely killing rats and mice in both indoor and outdoor settings. The strong spring mechanism ensures that the rodents are caught and killed effectively, without any escape.
One aspect of these traps that stood out to us is their simplicity and safety. Made from tough metal, the Ratkil traps kill rats cleanly with no blood, mess, or odours. This makes them very convenient and sanitary for repeated use, spanning many seasons without any maintenance required.
Although very powerful, the heavy-duty design of Ratkil Rat Traps may be intimidating for some users, and care must be taken to avoid catching unintended animals. Additionally, the sensitivity of the traps might take a bit of practice to set up properly, but once you get the hang of it, it’s well worth the effort.
Overall, we were impressed by Ratkil Rat Traps and would recommend them for those dealing with a rat infestation. They’re simple, safe, effective, and provide a great value for the money. Don’t hesitate to give these a try if you’re in the market for some heavy-duty rodent control.
READY STEADY DEFEND Rat Trap Control Kit
A reliable, eco-friendly, and humane rat trap solution suitable for both amateurs and professionals.
Pros
- Secure and tamper-resistant design protecting children and pets
- Versatile and reusable bait box
- Environmentally conscious manufacturing
Cons
- Bait not included in the kit
- Setup video could be improved
- Unsuitable for areas with diverse wildlife
Recently, we tried the READY STEADY DEFEND Rat Trap Control Kit, and we’re pleased to share our experience with you. Designed explicitly for external settings or areas where children and non-target animals’ safety is vital, this kit offers a comprehensive solution to tackle rodent infestations. The distinctive features of the trap include a welded kill bar, a robust spring, and a sensitive mechanism which ensures successful captures with minimal misfires.
Setting up the trap was easy, thanks to the included cable ties. The tamper-resistant bait box ensures that only the intended pests come into contact with the trap, though we found the setup video could be improved for better clarity. One thing to keep in mind is that this kit does not come with bait, so it will need to be purchased separately if you don’t have any.
The eco-friendly manufacturing of the bait box is a notable feature, as it uses recycled plastics sourced from car components. This shows the brand’s commitment to sustainability and encourages us to make a greener choice when tackling rat problems.
Despite its many pros, we found the READY STEADY DEFEND Rat Trap Control Kit may not be the best option for areas with diverse wildlife. In these cases, additional objects should be placed atop the box to deter non-rat activity. Nevertheless, this rat trap control kit is a dependable choice for those seeking an eco-conscious and humane solution to rodent issues.
Buying Guide

When selecting the best rat trap for your needs in the UK, it’s crucial to consider a few key elements. By evaluating these features, we can ensure that we choose the most effective and suitable trap for our situation.
Types of Rat Traps
There are several types of rat traps available, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. The most common types include:
- Snap traps: These are the traditional wooden or plastic traps with a spring-loaded mechanism to quickly catch and kill rats.
- Live traps: These humane traps capture rats without harming them, allowing us to release them back into the wild at a safe distance from our property.
- Electric traps: These are highly effective traps that use an electric current to kill rats quickly and humanely.
- Glue traps: Also known as sticky traps, these traps use a strong adhesive to immobilise rats so that we can dispose of them.
Efficiency and Safety
The main goal is to choose a trap that is highly efficient in capturing or killing rats while, at the same time, being safe to use around our home. A trap’s design should prevent our fingers from getting injured or any of our pets being caught accidentally.
Ease of Use
It’s important to select a trap that is easy to set up and clean to minimise effort and keep our homes hygienic. Some traps are also reusable, which saves money in the long run.
Rat Size and Location
The size of the rats in our area is something to consider when selecting a trap. Some traps are more suitable for larger rats, while others may be more effective against smaller rodents. Moreover, we should think about where the rat infestation is most prevalent to choose an appropriate trap for those spaces.
Considering these factors will help us in choosing the best rat trap in the UK for our specific needs. By understanding the features of different traps and their ideal uses, we can confidently select a product that will effectively help us to deal with our rat problem.

