Smart Rat Traps: Do Electronic/Connected Traps Actually Work?

Hey everyone!
I’ve been doing a lot of research on smart rat traps lately since I’m dealing with a bit of a rodent problem in my basement. I’ve seen a mix of reviews about electronic traps that connect to apps and send notifications when they’ve caught something. I’m curious if anyone here has actually used one and what the experience was like.

Traditional traps are pretty straightforward, but they can be messy and require frequent checking. Electronic traps promise less mess and more convenience, but I’m not sure if they live up to the hype. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the following:

  1. Effectiveness: Do these electronic traps actually catch rats as advertised?
  2. Ease of Use: How user-friendly are they? Is the app truly helpful?
  3. Cost vs. Value: Are they worth the investment compared to standard traps?
  4. Humaneness: What are the humane aspects of these traps?

Looking forward to your insights!

Hey @LindaWild! I’ve been using an electronic rat trap for about six months now. To answer your first question, yes, they are effective! I’ve caught several rats without any hassle. The notification feature is fantastic; I can get alerts even when I’m away from home.

Hi everyone! I agree with NatureLover64. I bought one of those connected traps last summer. It’s super easy to set up and the app is straightforward. I’ve caught quite a few as well, but I think it’s crucial to place them in the right spots.

That’s great to hear! Did you find that the traps were better than traditional ones in terms of what you had to clean up afterward?

For sure! There’s much less mess involved. You just toss the trap out once it’s used. I didn’t have to deal with dead rats lying around, which is a big plus for me.

On the topic of cost, I was hesitant about the price tag. Is it worth it if you’re only catching a few rodents?

I think it depends on your situation. If you have a persistent problem, they’re worth the investment. But if it’s just a one-off issue, maybe stick with traditional traps.

I’ve been looking into the humane aspect as well. I’m wondering, do these traps actually kill the rats quickly and humanely?

Good question, @NightFlyer3! Most of the brands claim to kill quickly. Have either of you looked into this aspect?

I did my research on this before buying mine. They’re designed to be humane, which is a big deal for me. I saw some reviews saying they work as intended.

Same here. I appreciate the humane design, but I still feel a bit guilty. It’s part of the circle of life, I guess!

What brands do you guys recommend? I want to make sure I buy something reputable.

I went with the Rat Zapper. It has great reviews and seems solid. I’ve had success with it so far!

I second that! The Rat Zapper is a solid choice.