Rats are probably one of the most unwanted house & garden guests EVER. 

Tip# 1 - MAKE SURE YOU USE THE RIGHT TRAP - Use traps that are specifically designed for trapping rats. You will not catch a rat with a mouse trap. 

Tip #2 - USE MORE THAN ONE TRAP - This will greatly increase your catch rate. Place each trap within 20-25 feet of each other, in areas where you notice activity. 

Tip #3 - TRY AN ELECTRONIC TRAP - If you feel a bit squemish about looking at a dead rat in a regular trap, try going electronic.  The "no touch, no view" disposal takes the yuck factor out of rodent control! 

Tip #4 - REMEMBER, PLACEMENT OF THE TRAPS IS KEY -  Make sure you place the traps in areas with high-activity.  Areas inside include: along walls, in dark corners, inside closets behind appliances, cupboards  and areas where you are finding rodent droppings. 

Tip #5 - USE A PROFESSIONAL BAIT ATTRACTANT  - The most used bait attractant that homeowners use for rat traps are cheese and peanut butter. The best rat bait attractant is used by professionals, try some Provoke Rat (or Provoke Mouse Attractant for mice) when luring rats or mice to your traps.  

Tip #6 - WEAR GLOVES TO PROTECT YOUR HANDS - Do not touch rat traps with bare hands. Not only is it unsanitary, but rodents can detect scent on traps that have been handled and may choose to stay away from them. 

Tip #7 - CONSIDER LIVE TRAPS - If you are hesitant about using a traditional kill trap, try a live trap. They're simple and straightforward to set up, safe to use and are a humane way to safely trap. 

Tip #8 - LEAVE BAITED TRAPS OUT FOR A FEW DAYS - Prior to setting them, leave the traps out for a few days so that rats get used to them. Rats are suspicious by nature so having a few days to adjust to seeing the trap is helpful for when the time comes to actually setting the trap.

Tip #9 - DO NOT PLACE TRAPS WHERE THERE ARE CHILDREN, PETS OR WILD ANIMALS -  Always remember - SAFETY FIRST! If you have pets or small children in the home, it is best to restrict their access to the places where you have set up traps.  Small fingers setting off a rat trap could easily result in a trip to the emergency room. Animals, including wildlife, can be attracted to the baits used on snap traps and as a result, can experience a nasty injury, if set off.  

Tip #10 - BE PATIENT - Rats may not go near the traps for a few days after placing them out. Be sure to monitor the traps to make sure the bait hasn't been taken by rats.