DIY Pack Rat Capture: A Simple Trash Can and PVC Pipe Setup

Home-made rat traps will banish pack rats from your property and garden.

Pack rats are found in both the eastern and western regions of the United States, and many homeowners consider them among the most dreaded pests to have on their property. People generally picture rats as filthy, disease-carrying animals that will eat just about anything they can reach. Even so, trapping and getting rid of pack rats is a fairly straightforward job that doesn't demand much work or money. With a few readily available supplies, you can begin catching and removing these rats before long.

Step 1

Use an empty trash can. Select a PVC pipe with a diameter of no less than 1.5 inches, and make sure it is long enough that one end rests on the floor while the other end reaches diagonally into the top of the trash can. Attach the pipe to the trash can with duct tape.

Step 2

Put a bit of peanut butter at the bottom end of the PVC pipe to draw the rat in. Place cheese at the bottom of the trash can, so that after the rat climbs up the pipe, it will fall down trying to reach the cheese.

Step 3

After the rat falls into the trash can, it will be unable to escape. Check the can each day, then either let the rats go in a location away from your garden or home, or kill them by putting rat poison into the trash can.