Defenders STV088 Rat & Squirrel CAGE Trap, Silver, One Size
Caring control of pets & wildlife
Cage traps from Defenders
Reliable, safe, and welfare-friendly Defenders cage traps come with a lifetime promise giving you complete peace of mind.
Rat & Squirrel Cage from Defenders
For quick and secure trapping of nuisance animals.
The Rat & Small Animal Cage trap from Defenders is ideal for capture and removal of rats, squirrels and other small sized nuisance animals from indoor and outdoor areas. It has a drop-door activated by a sensitive foot plate behind which bait is placed. The trap is fully assembled and ready to use with a protective hand plate and carrier handle for safe operation.
- Easy to set cage with positive spring-loaded trigger actions and protective hand plates.
- Long-lasting galvanised mesh design with external joints and no sharp edges.
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
- Includes lifetime promise.
- Measures 36 x 14 x 16cm.
- Fully assembled and ready to use.
- Part of a comprehensive range of cage traps from Defenders.
Product Highlights
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|---|---|---|---|
Lifetime PromiseThe lifetime promise on all Defenders’ cage traps provides end-users with complete peace of mind. The traps are designed and built for years of reliable use, with an absolute commitment to animal welfare and user-safety. With heavy duty galvanised metal, durable moving parts and single-piece mesh construction. Defenders’ cage traps are well suited for use inside and out, year after year. | Made WellAll traps are designed and tested by pest-control professionals and use proven spring technology – tested to ensure no loss of power, even after years of use. | Welfare FriendlyUsed correctly, cage traps are a welfare-friendly way to remove nuisance animals from affected areas – both indoors and out – without doing them harm. External joints mean no sharp edges within the cage and each cage has been designed to allow maximum space for trapped animal. The hand plate also provides a sheltered area to protect trapped animals from the elements. | Safe to useAn efficient open-and-release mechanism on the trap doors allow for quick and easy operation. The strong carry handles with protective hand plate enables safe and secure transportation. |
Know the code
Whether trapping birds or animals, we advise users to be mindful of their legal obligations to comply with The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and to ensure that captured animals do not suffer.
- Position traps away from natural or man-made hazards and areas prone to flooding.
- It is good practice to check cage traps regularly for catches. Remove traps that can not be regularly checked.
- Remember: the welfare of all captured animals becomes the responsibility of the captor.
- For live releases: transport animals at least 3 miles from catch-site and release into a natural environment away from any obvious and immediate risk of danger or predators. Ensure there are adequate sources of food and shelter available nearby.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifetime promise | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Welfare – friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cage size | 36 x 14 x 16cm | 96 x 34 x 39cm | 60 x 19 x 19cm | 44 x 19 x19 | 67 x 27 x 28cm | 98 x 78 x 53cm |
| Dimensions: | 36 x 14 x 16 cm; 880 Grams |
| Model: | STV088 |
| Part: | STV088 |
| Manufacture: | STV International |
The cage
This product is fantastic. It arrived and I set it up with a blob of chunky peanut butter and then put it in the loft. Went to bed and when I woke in the morning I could hear the trap had worked. An added bonus there was another squirrel heading to the loft from outside. It frighten it away so no more squirrels. I fully recommend this product.
The cage
This product is fantastic. It arrived and I set it up with a blob of chunky peanut butter and then put it in the loft. Went to bed and when I woke in the morning I could hear the trap had worked. An added bonus there was another squirrel heading to the loft from outside. It frighten it away so no more squirrels. I fully recommend this product.
Does precisely what you would expec
Every winter we have the same problem, the rodents from the fields to the back of the property and from the stables invade the houses on the estate and look for somewhere warm and dry to bed down. Absolute nuisance but we did choose to live in a rural area so I guess it’s part of the price.
Anyway, we have two very active collies and there is other wildlife which visit from time to time – badgers, foxes, local cats and a suchlike. This, and my daughter’s fascination with conservation and wildlife in general means we can’t lay poison and needed to find a humane way to deal with the rodent issue in a humane way.
So far, this has worked perfectly. Setting this trap is simplicity itself a large tray at one end for bait which operates a swing-arm that releases the door. Very simple, very easy to use and effective. It works, just as you would expect. As the door folds in the middle (medium resistance spring fold) and locks to the swing arm, it snaps shut very fast and securely. The inward motion and fold means that anything caught in the trap cannot force the door open to escape and it is contained securely within the trap. A metal plate on the top protects fingers from any over-excited and vengeful critters and it has a decent carry handle to make transporting easier.
The product is well made and finished with all edges clean and no sharp protrusions that could cause injury.
Money well spent on a good product and a functional humane trap that has worked a treat.
Does precisely what you would expec
Every winter we have the same problem, the rodents from the fields to the back of the property and from the stables invade the houses on the estate and look for somewhere warm and dry to bed down. Absolute nuisance but we did choose to live in a rural area so I guess it’s part of the price.
Anyway, we have two very active collies and there is other wildlife which visit from time to time – badgers, foxes, local cats and a suchlike. This, and my daughter’s fascination with conservation and wildlife in general means we can’t lay poison and needed to find a humane way to deal with the rodent issue in a humane way.
So far, this has worked perfectly. Setting this trap is simplicity itself a large tray at one end for bait which operates a swing-arm that releases the door. Very simple, very easy to use and effective. It works, just as you would expect. As the door folds in the middle (medium resistance spring fold) and locks to the swing arm, it snaps shut very fast and securely. The inward motion and fold means that anything caught in the trap cannot force the door open to escape and it is contained securely within the trap. A metal plate on the top protects fingers from any over-excited and vengeful critters and it has a decent carry handle to make transporting easier.
The product is well made and finished with all edges clean and no sharp protrusions that could cause injury.
Money well spent on a good product and a functional humane trap that has worked a treat.
IT WORKS !!
HAVING TRIED VARIOUS RAT TRAPS THE DEFENDER HASA EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTATIONS IN CATCHING
BOTH ADULT AND YOUNG RATS STRAIGHT AWAY. I’VE USED PEANUT BUTTER ON CHEESE AND BIG CHEESE
ATTRACTANT. WELL WORTH THE MONEY AS THE DEFENDER HAS DONE THE JOB.
Foiled by a mouse!
This trap is very well made, sturdy and easy to use. Reading other reviews with hints and tips is very worthwhile. Don’t underestimate ratty, they are seemingly very intelligent creatures! We’ve been foiled by mice taking the bait and tripping the door trap. This is however is a great trap, but not for mice!! Patience and perseverance!
Foiled by a mouse!
This trap is very well made, sturdy and easy to use. Reading other reviews with hints and tips is very worthwhile. Don’t underestimate ratty, they are seemingly very intelligent creatures! We’ve been foiled by mice taking the bait and tripping the door trap. This is however is a great trap, but not for mice!! Patience and perseverance!
Excellent. Works very well. Highly recommended.
We had been seeing two different squirrels on our lawn and bird feeders. This worked like a charm. Bought it over the weekend and received it on Tuesday at 1.30pm. Baited it with peanut butter and a few peanut granules. We put a few peanut granules on the spoon then a dollop of peanut butter on top then just turn the spoon upside down and the bait drops into the right place on the plate.
Caught the first squirrel by 3pm.
Followed the advice of another reviewer and tied a piece of string to the opening catch in order to keep fingers away from the squirrels teeth.
Also, in order to ensure we didn’t get any human smell on it we used gloves at all times when handling or adding bait.
We also add a couple of peanuts just inside the entrance as a temptation to entice them into the trap.
Once the squirrel is inside we cover the trap with a towel so that it calms down fairly quickly.
We only leave out the trap during regular daylight hours as squirrels only come out during daytime and we don’t want to catch any hedgehogs during evening or nighttime. Overnight we store it in the shed or greenhouse ready baited for next morning.
Update: It’s now Saturday morning and we’ve now caught five grey squirrels in five days. Is this a record? We will need to buy another jar of peanut butter soon!
Excellent. Works very well. Highly recommended.
We had been seeing two different squirrels on our lawn and bird feeders. This worked like a charm. Bought it over the weekend and received it on Tuesday at 1.30pm. Baited it with peanut butter and a few peanut granules. We put a few peanut granules on the spoon then a dollop of peanut butter on top then just turn the spoon upside down and the bait drops into the right place on the plate.
Caught the first squirrel by 3pm.
Followed the advice of another reviewer and tied a piece of string to the opening catch in order to keep fingers away from the squirrels teeth.
Also, in order to ensure we didn’t get any human smell on it we used gloves at all times when handling or adding bait.
We also add a couple of peanuts just inside the entrance as a temptation to entice them into the trap.
Once the squirrel is inside we cover the trap with a towel so that it calms down fairly quickly.
We only leave out the trap during regular daylight hours as squirrels only come out during daytime and we don’t want to catch any hedgehogs during evening or nighttime. Overnight we store it in the shed or greenhouse ready baited for next morning.
Update: It’s now Saturday morning and we’ve now caught five grey squirrels in five days. Is this a record? We will need to buy another jar of peanut butter soon!
Grea
Caught 3 squirrels in two day ,Great product does the job well just the door could be easier to release them
Excelle
Does the job. Got rid of a large number within days. Nuts and chocolate work a treat to get them inside and trap them. If you don’t like someone and they live about 2 miles plus away it’s a good idea to set them free outside their house. Better still through their letterbox.
Excelle
Does the job. Got rid of a large number within days. Nuts and chocolate work a treat to get them inside and trap them. If you don’t like someone and they live about 2 miles plus away it’s a good idea to set them free outside their house. Better still through their letterbox.
IT WORKS
Does what it is supposed to. Best thing I have bought for ages
Fantastic trap
Squirrels we are over run with grey Squirrels or should I say we were. This trap has been out just under 3 weeks and it is Squirrels 0 us 6!!! Baited with peanut butter, apple and peanuts. Fantastic humane trap. This is staying out to rehome more of the critters.
They work.
A good quality squirrel trap, I have been having a great deal of garden damage caused by these pests including holes dug all over the lawn but worst of all, damage to my garden trees causing branches being destroyed, these then have to be removed due to infection caused by squirrel bark stripping. The trap works very well allowing the squirrels to be dispatched quickly.
They work.
A good quality squirrel trap, I have been having a great deal of garden damage caused by these pests including holes dug all over the lawn but worst of all, damage to my garden trees causing branches being destroyed, these then have to be removed due to infection caused by squirrel bark stripping. The trap works very well allowing the squirrels to be dispatched quickly.
Best £20 ever spe
Best 20 ever spent , Having problems with the fury critters on a new lawn and they are turning it into a 18 hole golf course .
Bought the trap put some peanut butter on the trigger plate with a few nuts & not even 20mins later No1 critter down 😉
Very stable and easy to setup
Well worth the money 😉
Very strong.
Very strong the cage door is very sensitive. Can close by itself. You have to be careful though. To catch anything the best thing to use is peanut butter. It didn’t take long for us to catch a rat. It was Three days.
Sturdy cage
This has proved a very good buy as we were getting loads of squirrels in our garden eating all the food out of the bird feeders. We have caught 4 now a released them out into the wild. The cage is very strong and would recommend.
Did the job for me!
I purchased 2 traps and they work effectively. Had an issue with one – the base plate catch was not triggering the trap, so I had to take it apart and bend the corner so the plate slipped the spring wire and closed when squirrel triggered it.
Gotcha 😁
Top tip place peanut butter with nuts and fruit right at the back wall of cage not on trigger, so he had to stand on trigger plate , works a treat, highly recommend
Does it work?
The cage arrived promptly. The door closing needed assistance to get it to work as the groves on the two sides (where the metal side ends of the door runs up and down for opening and closing) were not quite well aligned and the metal scraped and the door stuck. When they were prised out and the run made smooth with some WD40, the sprung door worked. The trigger mechanism design too was not efficient; squirrels could eat food on the plate and get out without triggering the door closure. Food needed to be placed right back to make the animals disturb the trigger down rod for the trap to work. Once this was figured out food kept in the right place the trap worked well. A brick/stone weight on top kept the box grounded well. Peanut seem to be the best squirrel bait.
Caught Mr Ratty
Did the job, Mr Rat was cautious and took a week but this is normal. Worked as intended. Only thing it’s missing is I’d put some string or chain on the catch release so you don’t have to put your fingers near an angry rat and can pull the release from above.
Does it work?
The cage arrived promptly. The door closing needed assistance to get it to work as the groves on the two sides (where the metal side ends of the door runs up and down for opening and closing) were not quite well aligned and the metal scraped and the door stuck. When they were prised out and the run made smooth with some WD40, the sprung door worked. The trigger mechanism design too was not efficient; squirrels could eat food on the plate and get out without triggering the door closure. Food needed to be placed right back to make the animals disturb the trigger down rod for the trap to work. Once this was figured out food kept in the right place the trap worked well. A brick/stone weight on top kept the box grounded well. Peanut seem to be the best squirrel bait.
Catches squirrels
Quite easy to set up but can trigger if you move it to a new location. I also put two bricks on top, either side of trigger on top to reduce chance of accidental triggering.
Caught two squirrels relatively quickly. I would recommend this product.
Veru sensitive
This works too good as I caught 2 slugs and a blackbird on my first 3 attempts , baiting for a rat with peanut butter . It’s very sensitive and tends to activate at the slightest movent . I’ll do an update on the rat situation .
HIGHLY EFFECTIVE AT CATCHING RODENTS
Incredibly effective and good value.
I would point out that the unit may require some adjustment at the actual spring loaded door so that when the trap is sprung the door is not prevented from snapping shut. In my case the roller guide needs opening up s little to allow a speedy closure.
The caught animal must be humanely killed quickly after trapping or released some where safe as quickly as possible after catching. If you set the trap it needs to be checked later the same day so the animal is not in distress for very long. For squirrels I use peanut butter stuck as far away from the door on the bait plate so the weight of the rodent sets off the trap. They are very cautious animals but need some tasty bites to get to the prize at the other end of the trap
I’ve had amazing results in the two weeks I’ve owned it.
HIGHLY EFFECTIVE AT CATCHING RODENTS
Incredibly effective and good value.
I would point out that the unit may require some adjustment at the actual spring loaded door so that when the trap is sprung the door is not prevented from snapping shut. In my case the roller guide needs opening up s little to allow a speedy closure.
The caught animal must be humanely killed quickly after trapping or released some where safe as quickly as possible after catching. If you set the trap it needs to be checked later the same day so the animal is not in distress for very long. For squirrels I use peanut butter stuck as far away from the door on the bait plate so the weight of the rodent sets off the trap. They are very cautious animals but need some tasty bites to get to the prize at the other end of the trap
I’ve had amazing results in the two weeks I’ve owned it.
I bought my trap to catch rats in our loft and read the reviews before purchase. It is a sturdy cage with a handy metal plate under the carrying handle. As some other reviews have said, it’s a bit fiddly to set and lacking instructions. Nevertheless, it is easy enough when you work it out. I didn’t have any peanut butter as recommended, so used a few chunks of solid cheese as bait, without success in the first 3 – 4 weeks. Then I added a knob of cheese spread to the mouldy cheese lumps. Hey presto, a few weeks later I caught a mid sized rat! It works. Now to humanely dispose of it….I was shaking as its not for the feint hearted. I put the cage with the rat in the boot of the car and drove half a mile to waste ground. Opening the cage is not so easy, while trying to avoid being bitten. The door ‘pull handle’ could do with a pull cord or similar, to open it from a distance. This is why I gave it 4 rather than 5 stars.
This does work
I bought my trap to catch rats in our loft and read the reviews before purchase. It is a sturdy cage with a handy metal plate under the carrying handle. As some other reviews have said, it’s a bit fiddly to set and lacking instructions. Nevertheless, it is easy enough when you work it out. I didn’t have any peanut butter as recommended, so used a few chunks of solid cheese as bait, without success in the first 3 – 4 weeks. Then I added a knob of cheese spread to the mouldy cheese lumps. Hey presto, a few weeks later I caught a mid sized rat! It works. Now to humanely dispose of it….I was shaking as its not for the feint hearted. I put the cage with the rat in the boot of the car and drove half a mile to waste ground. Opening the cage is not so easy, while trying to avoid being bitten. The door ‘pull handle’ could do with a pull cord or similar, to open it from a distance. This is why I gave it 4 rather than 5 stars.
Works as expected.
Works as described; I’ve caught squirrels and rats in mine.
I have noticed that squirrels will stick their paws in the side and try (sometimes successfully) to swipe the peanut butter from the bait tray, setting off the trap in the process, so I’ve had the trap triggered several times with the bait gone but no catch.
A slightly more successful approach as been to put to some peanut butter out the front of the cage as well as the bait tray. This seems to lead the animal towards the bait tray.
Also, don’t put too much bait on the tray; the heavier it is, the more sensitive it is.
Fiddly but effective
VERY fiddly to set up and if you don’t somehow secure bait to plate it will get taken without trap going off BUT if you preserve it’s quite effective.
Rusted a bit at the start but has been solid and ok since. It’s been outside in all sorts of weather for 3 weeks now
Works as expected.
Works as described; I’ve caught squirrels and rats in mine.
I have noticed that squirrels will stick their paws in the side and try (sometimes successfully) to swipe the peanut butter from the bait tray, setting off the trap in the process, so I’ve had the trap triggered several times with the bait gone but no catch.
A slightly more successful approach as been to put to some peanut butter out the front of the cage as well as the bait tray. This seems to lead the animal towards the bait tray.
Also, don’t put too much bait on the tray; the heavier it is, the more sensitive it is.
Fiddly but effective
VERY fiddly to set up and if you don’t somehow secure bait to plate it will get taken without trap going off BUT if you preserve it’s quite effective.
Rusted a bit at the start but has been solid and ok since. It’s been outside in all sorts of weather for 3 weeks now
It is very sensitive to touch
Unfortunately the squirrels decided to give our garden a miss after the cage arrived!
I worked!!
Tried other methods, which did not work, these are not cheap, but they do work. One of my friends suggested putting peanut butter as bait, after I stopprd laughing I tried it. It worked!!
Then a little drive and let it go out in the countryside, end of problem.
Effective
It worked when other things did not. Took about 2 days to trap the squirrel in my loft and I released it humanely.
Excellent service and fast delivery good affordable price and humane
Great service and value for money. The rat however moved on so didn’t get a chance to use it thank goodness but hopefully the rat has told the others to stay away as we have a rat trap!
It works
Garden is minus one large rat now. Used a bottle top with peanut butter as bait- double sided tape to stick it near the far end of the pressure plate.
caught all sorts of critters!
I have had this trap a week on the dot today. I have to say though felt sketchy at the start, really does the job. I haven’t exactly put this trap in a well hidden place either & still got joy.
This does require a bit of tweaking though, the cage door didn’t want to shutting initially & was catching on itself, which was scratching the side panels. But that was nothing a bit of oil/ WD40 couldn’t fix quickly. Also, for mine I had to make a minor adjustment to the baiting area (see photo) I bent the metal panel up; as I found the weight of the bait, kept prematurely triggering it. The best bait I’ve found is bird seed, monkey nuts, peanut butter. (just in case you wanted to know)
Tally
5x squirrels (wish i had a picture of the big one I caught, makes the squirrel in the picture look small)
1x Rat
1x Hedgehog 😀
Excellent once you understand how it works
A bit fiddly to set. You need to ensure the the counter weight leg (steel with triangular foot) is NOT on the pressure plate, if it is the trap cannot operate. The pressure plate has a cut out where the leg sits naturally when set. It is also a bit tricky when getting the vermin (in this case grey squirrels) at the back of the trap to get the door open to get them into a bag to despatch humanely, but with a bit of practice and another pair of hands worked okay. A pellet gun would be a better solution.
7 grey squirrels (despatched) 1 black bird (released) in 6 days.
Excellent once you understand how it works
A bit fiddly to set. You need to ensure the the counter weight leg (steel with triangular foot) is NOT on the pressure plate, if it is the trap cannot operate. The pressure plate has a cut out where the leg sits naturally when set. It is also a bit tricky when getting the vermin (in this case grey squirrels) at the back of the trap to get the door open to get them into a bag to despatch humanely, but with a bit of practice and another pair of hands worked okay. A pellet gun would be a better solution.
7 grey squirrels (despatched) 1 black bird (released) in 6 days.
caught all sorts of critters!
I have had this trap a week on the dot today. I have to say though felt sketchy at the start, really does the job. I haven’t exactly put this trap in a well hidden place either & still got joy.
This does require a bit of tweaking though, the cage door didn’t want to shutting initially & was catching on itself, which was scratching the side panels. But that was nothing a bit of oil/ WD40 couldn’t fix quickly. Also, for mine I had to make a minor adjustment to the baiting area (see photo) I bent the metal panel up; as I found the weight of the bait, kept prematurely triggering it. The best bait I’ve found is bird seed, monkey nuts, peanut butter. (just in case you wanted to know)
Tally
5x squirrels (wish i had a picture of the big one I caught, makes the squirrel in the picture look small)
1x Rat
1x Hedgehog 😀
Excellent trap , worked immediately
Set with a strawberry in it, caught the squirrel within 24 hours, won’t be going in my roof again, quick and humane dispatch , job done, excellent trap, people leaving feedback and videos showing / telling about releasing squirrels, please be aware your breaking the law in doing so and will face a hefty fine if caught , releasing caught grey squirrels back into the wild is a criminal offence
Excellent trap , worked immediately
Set with a strawberry in it, caught the squirrel within 24 hours, won’t be going in my roof again, quick and humane dispatch , job done, excellent trap, people leaving feedback and videos showing / telling about releasing squirrels, please be aware your breaking the law in doing so and will face a hefty fine if caught , releasing caught grey squirrels back into the wild is a criminal offence
Well made trap.
This is a well made trap which does not harm the trapped animal. I am trying to catch a rat in garden which turns up when we feed hedgehogs. No luck catching rat yet but have caught a hedgehog and released unharmed.
It works!
Easy to use, works terrific, good value and very robust.
great produc
bought this when the rat poison failed……..cought the rat within three days.
well mad and does the job.
Know your adversary.......
….catching rats requires patience…intelligent animals….very wary of anything new in their vicinity…..catch rate – slow but building……
……..trap easy to set …humane capture…..transport to new location is secure and straightforward….
Trapped
The product is certainly well made, and it was important that it had a flat metal plate across the handle area, to protect your hand whilst transporting.
It can be a bit fiddly setting the trap.
Easy to set up
After two evenings getting the rats used to feeding in and around the trap set the trap. Caught one rat that third evening. A second a few days latter. I did catch a young mouse but another mouse evaded capture by stretching across the spring device. So looking to use the Big Cheese mouse trap
Stainless box of incarceratio
Robust, good hand hold when something is inside, easy to reset.
I find myself disappointed though, so far I’ve only caught a cute mouse instead of the damned rat that sets off the motion sensor light at 0200.
Well worth investing in if you wish to humanely capture a pest animal.
Check gate runners are parallel
First one arrived had a bent gate runner so the gate would jam half way. Sent it back. Replacement is perfect. Keep it oiled and move it after each capture.
Check gate runners are parallel
First one arrived had a bent gate runner so the gate would jam half way. Sent it back. Replacement is perfect. Keep it oiled and move it after each capture.
Excellent purchase that served its purpose perfectly
A rat kept entering my garden from my neighbours house, it was a really large one which was quite a sight in my small garden. For a month I battled with it, trying to entice it with various baits, in the end I used a cooked chicken Tikka slice, placed at the very back of the trap with a bbq skewer – to ensure I didn’t leave any scent. Today I caught him, you can see how large he is in comparison to the cage size. Very happy with my purchase, a no brainier if you want to get the job done!
Excellent purchase that served its purpose perfectly
A rat kept entering my garden from my neighbours house, it was a really large one which was quite a sight in my small garden. For a month I battled with it, trying to entice it with various baits, in the end I used a cooked chicken Tikka slice, placed at the very back of the trap with a bbq skewer – to ensure I didn’t leave any scent. Today I caught him, you can see how large he is in comparison to the cage size. Very happy with my purchase, a no brainier if you want to get the job done!
Good construction easy to use and effective.
Had 2 large rats visiting our garden, caught them both ( separate days) and relocated them.
Easy to use needed a little adjustment to “fine tune”, otherwise grea
Patience Required.
You will need patience, firstly to set the trap and secondly to await success. Skill in setting the trap improves with time. After nearly a month our adult rat has yet to be tempted but we have caught the less-clever young one.
Patience Required.
You will need patience, firstly to set the trap and secondly to await success. Skill in setting the trap improves with time. After nearly a month our adult rat has yet to be tempted but we have caught the less-clever young one.
Just needs the rats to cooperate
The trap is very well made – sturdy, easy to use and good value. Used for a week because of ‘visitors’ from a neighbour’s garden with a food rich compost heap. In that time trapped a blackbird (released) and a sparrow (RIP). However, as picture shows, rats enjoyed playing round the trap and eating grass seeds in preference to the feast set out inside the cage. After a week of this mocking we got the Local Authority ‘rat man’ in who dealt with the issue (although probably not humanely). Cannot fault the trap – just the uninspired rats.
Just needs the rats to cooperate
The trap is very well made – sturdy, easy to use and good value. Used for a week because of ‘visitors’ from a neighbour’s garden with a food rich compost heap. In that time trapped a blackbird (released) and a sparrow (RIP). However, as picture shows, rats enjoyed playing round the trap and eating grass seeds in preference to the feast set out inside the cage. After a week of this mocking we got the Local Authority ‘rat man’ in who dealt with the issue (although probably not humanely). Cannot fault the trap – just the uninspired rats.
Did the job quickly and easily
Caught 6 squirrels in 48 hours between this and a toolstation cage – this cage is pictured on the right hand side next to the basic toolstation cage with a super large Mumma Squirrel in.
Tip – if you catch a baby squirrel – bait Mum with a cage next door to it – she went in 2 minutes flat!
Found it easier to use than the basic toolstation one would recommend this one and if you have a squirrel problem het two cages – squish peanut butter to the food trap as pictured with the first pic of a baby squirrel, if for loft use place a flat bit of cardboard under the trap to catch squirrel wee and save your insulation/lift boards! It stinks!
If you get it right these work amazingly well
So purchased one of these less than a week ago, within the first hour we managed to trap our first squirrel, decided to purchase a second trap so we can set one up as my husband takes the first trap miles away to set the squirrel free. To date and with less than a week of use, we have trapped 8 squirrels (we have a lot in the garden and we think loft, based on the noise). We have found peanuts are the best to bait, we put a few on the mark and then drop a few outside and in the entrance, seems to lull them into a false sense of security and they slowly make their way inside. Another tip, if you can’t let them loose immediately, throw a blanket or towel over the trap, this makes them calmer and less likely to hurt themselves.
If you get it right these work amazingly well
So purchased one of these less than a week ago, within the first hour we managed to trap our first squirrel, decided to purchase a second trap so we can set one up as my husband takes the first trap miles away to set the squirrel free. To date and with less than a week of use, we have trapped 8 squirrels (we have a lot in the garden and we think loft, based on the noise). We have found peanuts are the best to bait, we put a few on the mark and then drop a few outside and in the entrance, seems to lull them into a false sense of security and they slowly make their way inside. Another tip, if you can’t let them loose immediately, throw a blanket or towel over the trap, this makes them calmer and less likely to hurt themselves.
Did the job quickly and easily
Caught 6 squirrels in 48 hours between this and a toolstation cage – this cage is pictured on the right hand side next to the basic toolstation cage with a super large Mumma Squirrel in.
Tip – if you catch a baby squirrel – bait Mum with a cage next door to it – she went in 2 minutes flat!
Found it easier to use than the basic toolstation one would recommend this one and if you have a squirrel problem het two cages – squish peanut butter to the food trap as pictured with the first pic of a baby squirrel, if for loft use place a flat bit of cardboard under the trap to catch squirrel wee and save your insulation/lift boards! It stinks!
It works!
It works, but it took a couple of days. We have had two rats in the garden since we moved into our new house a few weeks ago, which have probably been here for ages. They were very bold (always out in the daytime) and very inquisitive. We thought they would go for the bait (chocolate) straight away, but they are highly intelligent animals and quite wary. The “trick” was to remove all the other obvious food sources (we had various bird feeders in the garden), so they wouldn’t have much choice. He went into the trap 3 or 4 times without setting it off (they are very clever!), but finally put some weight on to the platform and the door snapped shut. Safety released in open countryside six miles way. One down, one to go.
It works!
It works, but it took a couple of days. We have had two rats in the garden since we moved into our new house a few weeks ago, which have probably been here for ages. They were very bold (always out in the daytime) and very inquisitive. We thought they would go for the bait (chocolate) straight away, but they are highly intelligent animals and quite wary. The “trick” was to remove all the other obvious food sources (we had various bird feeders in the garden), so they wouldn’t have much choice. He went into the trap 3 or 4 times without setting it off (they are very clever!), but finally put some weight on to the platform and the door snapped shut. Safety released in open countryside six miles way. One down, one to go.
Easy to assemble and bai
Easy to use although the entrance would allow small hedgehogs to enter so we put bricks in front to make it smaller. Mice and small rodents can exit through the bars which we like. We have caught three rats, two rehomed but unfortunately one was dead in the trap. Uninjured so maybe from shock.
Easy to assemble and bai
Easy to use although the entrance would allow small hedgehogs to enter so we put bricks in front to make it smaller. Mice and small rodents can exit through the bars which we like. We have caught three rats, two rehomed but unfortunately one was dead in the trap. Uninjured so maybe from shock.
Success!
Caught 2 of the pest squirrels on the first day of getting this trap, that were creating havoc in my garden. Peanuts seem to work the best, make sure the bait is right at the back as I watched one squirrel lean right in and take the bait without stepping on the plate. Very well made.
Success!
Caught 2 of the pest squirrels on the first day of getting this trap, that were creating havoc in my garden. Peanuts seem to work the best, make sure the bait is right at the back as I watched one squirrel lean right in and take the bait without stepping on the plate. Very well made.
Not for rats
Very strong and well built cage. We bought to catch rats however we watched rats enter and eat food as they were to light to activate pressure plate. Probably best to use for squirrels
Quick catch, very sturdy
Caught a grey squirrel in my loft within under 24 hours. The first time the grey had managed to get the trap off without going in, reset the trap and within a coupe of hours it finally went in. Study trap and extrmemet helpful to have the roof plate to prevent any potential scratches from the squirrel claws.
Can’t recommend this enough
Loved seen squirrels in my garden especially my 2 year old until they managed to get to my loft through my neighbours overgrown trees.
Extremely annoying scattering noises between ceiling and the loft floor put us through nightmare as we couldn’t sleep properly for almost 4 weeks.
Before booking a pest controller I decided with low hopes to purchase one of these traps. I have to say it worked a treat. 4 squirrels caught in 1 week. It was family of four so can’t wait to get the 1 night off uninterrupted sleep.
Highly recommended. Cheaper than at any other retailers
Can’t recommend this enough
Loved seen squirrels in my garden especially my 2 year old until they managed to get to my loft through my neighbours overgrown trees.
Extremely annoying scattering noises between ceiling and the loft floor put us through nightmare as we couldn’t sleep properly for almost 4 weeks.
Before booking a pest controller I decided with low hopes to purchase one of these traps. I have to say it worked a treat. 4 squirrels caught in 1 week. It was family of four so can’t wait to get the 1 night off uninterrupted sleep.
Highly recommended. Cheaper than at any other retailers
I’ve now had mine about a month.
The cage is a bit rattly (no pun intended) – it’s not built to very tight tolerances, but the wire it’s made from looks strong enough for the purpose and all the fixings, hooks and welds look good and have held so far.
The wire seems to be chrome plated rather than galvanized as per the adverts/info (better maybe). It’s resisted being outside in the rain and being washed a few times with no signs of rust.
Setting the trap mechanism is quite Heath Robinson – basically shift / adjust the retaining hook / bait plate hook a bit and then see how hard it is to set off by poking a twig through the bars.
Most of the reviews suggest you have to be very carefull about getting your smell on the trap by using gloves etc, but really, having used it and thinking on this, I got the trap to deal with rats attracted by the bird feeders I’ve had up for a few years now, and my smell on the bird feeders hasn’t deterred the rats at all, they’ve been crawling over the feeders and grabbing the food with their little hands most days for weeks now.
With the new trap, I left bait in the trap leaving the plastic tie that it shipped with in place to stop the mechanism from working. I let the furry friends get used to the scary new thing for a couple of weeks, and gave them a couple of easy free meals so they were really no longer afraid of it.
I then set the trap, removing the plastic tie so it could be triggered. For the first couple of weeks, something was just taking the bait and not setting off the trap. I kept adjusting the trap, trial and error really by moving the position of the big metal wire hook that sits on the edge of the bait plait, and the corresponding hook at the other end of the trap that holds the spring loaded door open.
You have to get the mechanism sensitive enough so that it goes off when a rat stands on the bait plate, but not so sensitive that it goes off due to a gust of wind, or before the rat even reaches the plate.
Took a couple of weeks to get it right, then I started catching a rat every day or so.
I’ve had no problem with catching other wildlife, the birds look interested, but I position the trap with the entrance at the edge of a bush and the other end in the open. The birds have a look, but don’t seem to like going under the bush near the trap. We get very few other mammals – haven’t seen a hedghog or mole for ages, the field mice/voles atc are probably too small to set the trap off and it’s still a bit early in the year for them given the bad weather so far (early May 21).
One of the rats cut his nose a bit – he was so agitated and desperate to get out, gnawing at the bars but he managed to stop every now and again to eat the bait (a bit of fatball – the same stuff he’s been eating off the bird feeders).
I (or others not too squeemish) do check the trap several times a day. Once the rat is caught, it’s best to cover the trap before you take them to a suitable release point (or dispatch them humanely – not my preference) a long way from human habitation, farm buildings etc. I put the trap complete with rat in the cardboard box it came in, with some newspaper at the bottom of the box. Once the box is closed ratty will likely settle down until you can release him/send him to rat heaven.
i found one rat dead in the trap, he could have only been there a few hours at most. Not sure why he died, he didn’t seem to be injured at all, maybe it was stress, or maybe he had already taken poison bait from somewhere nearby (there is a stables nearby and they might well use poison bait). He had nice food (the bait) and was not in the trap long enough for water to be a problem.
Anyhow, I found the Defender Rat and Squirell Trap Humane to work effectively, and it was reasonably priced for an effective trap that looks durable enough to last a few years. It is a bit of a fiddle to set the sensitivity of the mechanism so it will catch your rat etc, but once you have the hang of it it’s easy enough to use.
I’ve now had mine about a month.
The cage is a bit rattly (no pun intended) – it’s not built to very tight tolerances, but the wire it’s made from looks strong enough for the purpose and all the fixings, hooks and welds look good and have held so far.
The wire seems to be chrome plated rather than galvanized as per the adverts/info (better maybe). It’s resisted being outside in the rain and being washed a few times with no signs of rust.
Setting the trap mechanism is quite Heath Robinson – basically shift / adjust the retaining hook / bait plate hook a bit and then see how hard it is to set off by poking a twig through the bars.
Most of the reviews suggest you have to be very carefull about getting your smell on the trap by using gloves etc, but really, having used it and thinking on this, I got the trap to deal with rats attracted by the bird feeders I’ve had up for a few years now, and my smell on the bird feeders hasn’t deterred the rats at all, they’ve been crawling over the feeders and grabbing the food with their little hands most days for weeks now.
With the new trap, I left bait in the trap leaving the plastic tie that it shipped with in place to stop the mechanism from working. I let the furry friends get used to the scary new thing for a couple of weeks, and gave them a couple of easy free meals so they were really no longer afraid of it.
I then set the trap, removing the plastic tie so it could be triggered. For the first couple of weeks, something was just taking the bait and not setting off the trap. I kept adjusting the trap, trial and error really by moving the position of the big metal wire hook that sits on the edge of the bait plait, and the corresponding hook at the other end of the trap that holds the spring loaded door open.
You have to get the mechanism sensitive enough so that it goes off when a rat stands on the bait plate, but not so sensitive that it goes off due to a gust of wind, or before the rat even reaches the plate.
Took a couple of weeks to get it right, then I started catching a rat every day or so.
I’ve had no problem with catching other wildlife, the birds look interested, but I position the trap with the entrance at the edge of a bush and the other end in the open. The birds have a look, but don’t seem to like going under the bush near the trap. We get very few other mammals – haven’t seen a hedghog or mole for ages, the field mice/voles atc are probably too small to set the trap off and it’s still a bit early in the year for them given the bad weather so far (early May 21).
One of the rats cut his nose a bit – he was so agitated and desperate to get out, gnawing at the bars but he managed to stop every now and again to eat the bait (a bit of fatball – the same stuff he’s been eating off the bird feeders).
I (or others not too squeemish) do check the trap several times a day. Once the rat is caught, it’s best to cover the trap before you take them to a suitable release point (or dispatch them humanely – not my preference) a long way from human habitation, farm buildings etc. I put the trap complete with rat in the cardboard box it came in, with some newspaper at the bottom of the box. Once the box is closed ratty will likely settle down until you can release him/send him to rat heaven.
i found one rat dead in the trap, he could have only been there a few hours at most. Not sure why he died, he didn’t seem to be injured at all, maybe it was stress, or maybe he had already taken poison bait from somewhere nearby (there is a stables nearby and they might well use poison bait). He had nice food (the bait) and was not in the trap long enough for water to be a problem.
Anyhow, I found the Defender Rat and Squirell Trap Humane to work effectively, and it was reasonably priced for an effective trap that looks durable enough to last a few years. It is a bit of a fiddle to set the sensitivity of the mechanism so it will catch your rat etc, but once you have the hang of it it’s easy enough to use.
Easy to se
Excellent. Caught a rat on first outing. Not too big and i can put corn feed through top hole.
Patience!
Bought after we discovered a squirrel building a nest in our loft, seems our new neighbours thought it was cute and had been feeding it. Otherwise we only very rarely see them in our garden.
Disappointed at first since the squirrel wouldn’t go near it, despite being careful to handle only with gloves, still we left the trap set in our garden more out of hope than expectation. Three weeks of this and then all of a sudden the squirrel went in and POW, trapped! In the time between we’d tried rodent sprays and blocked access to our roof, but nothing would stop this very determined creature. Trapping was the only solution. Oddly peanut butter it didn’t go for, peanuts on their own it did.
Couple of notes, first night we left at on the ground and straight away caught a hedgehog instead (thank goodness it’s a non-lethal trap!), so we had to keep it off the ground after that. Secondly, if you want to be legal about it – as my partner perhaps rightly insisted – factor into the whole operation the 50 call out fee for your local pest controller to come humanly kill the thing.
Wasn’t easy to set the mechanism, took about 10 goes each time, but once set it generally stayed set. We put a plank and a heavy rock on top to prevent the squirrel from crawling around the outside too much and activating the trap before it went inside.
Patience!
Bought after we discovered a squirrel building a nest in our loft, seems our new neighbours thought it was cute and had been feeding it. Otherwise we only very rarely see them in our garden.
Disappointed at first since the squirrel wouldn’t go near it, despite being careful to handle only with gloves, still we left the trap set in our garden more out of hope than expectation. Three weeks of this and then all of a sudden the squirrel went in and POW, trapped! In the time between we’d tried rodent sprays and blocked access to our roof, but nothing would stop this very determined creature. Trapping was the only solution. Oddly peanut butter it didn’t go for, peanuts on their own it did.
Couple of notes, first night we left at on the ground and straight away caught a hedgehog instead (thank goodness it’s a non-lethal trap!), so we had to keep it off the ground after that. Secondly, if you want to be legal about it – as my partner perhaps rightly insisted – factor into the whole operation the 50 call out fee for your local pest controller to come humanly kill the thing.
Wasn’t easy to set the mechanism, took about 10 goes each time, but once set it generally stayed set. We put a plank and a heavy rock on top to prevent the squirrel from crawling around the outside too much and activating the trap before it went inside.
Excellent. Already paid it's way
We used peanut butter and it worked a treat. Already paid it’s way.
It works!
This actually worked after a week of it being in the garden. It trapped the squirrel! Easy to use (after looking at online video) and works!
Worked grea
Worked great, had a squirrel in the loft, tried all kinds to no avail bought this as a last resort less than 24hrs problem solved
Rat trapping
Took a while to get it set up as the instructions on the cage are not very clear but the video made it simple. Set up, put hate out (our friend liked soap) and 3 hours later he was caught. Husband set him free on a field. Hope there was only one but good to know it works if he had a family
Great good quality trap, that definitely does the job
I used this trap to catch squirrels. I used to enjoy watching them in the garden feasting on the bird food, but unfortunately they soon lost their appeal, when I heard some running around in the attic. I bought two traps, one for the garden and one for the attic. I caught one in the garden on day two. It took about five weeks to catch the one in the attic. Then I caught another one in the garden. The traps are very easy to set. I just bated mine with a piece of the fat ball, that I used to feed the birds. Squirrels love them. Have a bit of patience though. Some of the squirrels are very wise to the traps. They’ll go beside it, behind it but not always inside it. Depends how young greedy or inexperienced they are. All in all a very well made product. They’ve been out in all weathers and haven’t rusted.
Great good quality trap, that definitely does the job
I used this trap to catch squirrels. I used to enjoy watching them in the garden feasting on the bird food, but unfortunately they soon lost their appeal, when I heard some running around in the attic. I bought two traps, one for the garden and one for the attic. I caught one in the garden on day two. It took about five weeks to catch the one in the attic. Then I caught another one in the garden. The traps are very easy to set. I just bated mine with a piece of the fat ball, that I used to feed the birds. Squirrels love them. Have a bit of patience though. Some of the squirrels are very wise to the traps. They’ll go beside it, behind it but not always inside it. Depends how young greedy or inexperienced they are. All in all a very well made product. They’ve been out in all weathers and haven’t rusted.
Does the job
Got this to catch some squirrels in my loft. Cought the first one in under two hours. 24 hours later and two squirrels captured. It was very easy to set and release. Would definitely recommend this item. 5 stars ask round
Really works!
My daughter’s pet rat escaped when one of our inconsiderate dogs nudged the back door open during cage cleaning… and ratty decided to check out the garden. The garden is pretty well enclosed, but hardly escape proof, and full of bushes and pots and all kinds of hiding places. Leaving food out enticed ratty back, but she was fast as lightning if she heard something approaching in her new jungle and was uncatchable. I ordered this on prime that same day, and hoped neighbourhood foxes and cats wouldn’t get her overnight. The trap arrived late afternoon the following day. I baited it with peanut butter, armed it, and put it near where I’d last seen ratty. Two hours later, and the fugitive is back indoors! Phew!
Really works!
My daughter’s pet rat escaped when one of our inconsiderate dogs nudged the back door open during cage cleaning… and ratty decided to check out the garden. The garden is pretty well enclosed, but hardly escape proof, and full of bushes and pots and all kinds of hiding places. Leaving food out enticed ratty back, but she was fast as lightning if she heard something approaching in her new jungle and was uncatchable. I ordered this on prime that same day, and hoped neighbourhood foxes and cats wouldn’t get her overnight. The trap arrived late afternoon the following day. I baited it with peanut butter, armed it, and put it near where I’d last seen ratty. Two hours later, and the fugitive is back indoors! Phew!
Decent trap if a little fiddly to set. After some practice it worked fine
Worked fine after a few days. No other squirrels caught since then. Will persevere to stop them climbing into the roof space. At least it is quieter and less worrying since we caught number one – perhaps he hadn’t got round to telling his pals where he had hidden his nuts!
Sturdy Constructio
Purchased this item to trap squirrels, which it successflly accomplished. The trap was smaller than I expected but was well made and sturdy in construction. The lever to activate the trap is very sensitive and was activated by small birds meaning that it is essential that it is constantly monitored. Using it overnight must have attracted mice as the result was the trap was activated but there was nothing inside. Care needed when dealing with a captured squirrel due to the small size of the trap meaning that an angry squirrel can be close to fingers – best to tie a length of cable to the trap prior to setting up so as to maintain distance whrn carrying it. Setting up requires a little practice, and ideally, it should have a quick release mechanism. Overall, works well with practice.
Sturdy Constructio
Purchased this item to trap squirrels, which it successflly accomplished. The trap was smaller than I expected but was well made and sturdy in construction. The lever to activate the trap is very sensitive and was activated by small birds meaning that it is essential that it is constantly monitored. Using it overnight must have attracted mice as the result was the trap was activated but there was nothing inside. Care needed when dealing with a captured squirrel due to the small size of the trap meaning that an angry squirrel can be close to fingers – best to tie a length of cable to the trap prior to setting up so as to maintain distance whrn carrying it. Setting up requires a little practice, and ideally, it should have a quick release mechanism. Overall, works well with practice.
Quick and easy setup
Quick and easy setup. I caught the pesky squirrel within 24 hours.
Safe and simple to use
These traps are easy and safe to set. Lightweight but effective in their capturing ability. Managed to catch a troublesome rat the first day of using.
Works a Treat!
Being a bit dubious, but needing to get rid of the squirrels we have been plagued with, I ordered one of these. The reviews were good and the only thing I had to lose was a few . But hey – it has been a huge success! I followed the advice on a few reviews and baited it with peanut butter… and in 2 days, we have trapped 2 squirrels! The trap itself is well made and very easy to set up, and all for a very reasonable price!
Works a Treat!
Being a bit dubious, but needing to get rid of the squirrels we have been plagued with, I ordered one of these. The reviews were good and the only thing I had to lose was a few . But hey – it has been a huge success! I followed the advice on a few reviews and baited it with peanut butter… and in 2 days, we have trapped 2 squirrels! The trap itself is well made and very easy to set up, and all for a very reasonable price!
Trappy
Traps rats and squirrels, and that makes it easy to despatch them with a .22 pellet to the swede.
Really effective rat trap
This trap has worked really well. We live in a rural area and feed birds daily and hedgehogs during their active months. Noticed some excavations by our back fence and a camera out at night confirmed at least one rat. Unfortunately had to stop feeding the birds as we noticed the rat on the bird table and underneath etc. Tried baiting this trap with some tinned mackerel at first, thinking it was strong smelling etc. But it looked like the rat was able to pull this off the bait plate and not set it off. So then put loose kibbled peanuts down figuring they would be eaten whilst in the cage. Bingo! Seven rats in five days. So yeah, we had/have rats in our back garden. Recommended and effective.
Really effective rat trap
This trap has worked really well. We live in a rural area and feed birds daily and hedgehogs during their active months. Noticed some excavations by our back fence and a camera out at night confirmed at least one rat. Unfortunately had to stop feeding the birds as we noticed the rat on the bird table and underneath etc. Tried baiting this trap with some tinned mackerel at first, thinking it was strong smelling etc. But it looked like the rat was able to pull this off the bait plate and not set it off. So then put loose kibbled peanuts down figuring they would be eaten whilst in the cage. Bingo! Seven rats in five days. So yeah, we had/have rats in our back garden. Recommended and effective.
Easy set up
Quick delivery. Easy to set up although comes assembled. Haven’t caught the little nuisance yet but fingers crossed. Would definitely recommend