I rotate baits weekly—sometimes cheese, sometimes fruit. It seems like rats get wise to the same bait fast, so changing it keeps them interested.
@BudgetBuster Collapsible cages are great for small spaces! I stash mine behind the fridge and set it up only when needed. Space saver and stealthy.
After trapping, I carry the cage far from home (over 2 miles) and release near wooded areas—gives them a real chance at survival and keeps the neighborhood rat-free.
Cage traps might catch one or two, but if you really want to reduce numbers, you’ll need routine cleanup and sealing entry points. That’s the long-term solution.