Where are the dead rats?

Question

we have a rat infestation in our house. the last two times i set rat traps, we've caught at least one. I know we caught them because there is blood all over the floor. But, when we wake up, the rat is gone! Can someone tell me what is happening to the rats. are they eating each other?

Answer 1

no he has likely escaped and will die somewhere that you cant reach him, the smell will tell, buy bigger traps to kill them

Answer 2

There are traps that are like boxes and when the animal goes inside the door closes so it cant get out. Its cleaner and neater. Some kill and some are humane so you have your pick.  If you call a pest control company they will give you free advice over the phone usually and tell you where locally you can buy these traps.

Answer 3

Try the 'sticky paper' type trap.

Then you get to whack them with a shovel.

Answer 4

Rats are cannibals.  The first time, your rat probably was wounded by the trap, crawled behind the tv, and got chewed on by his companions.  

If you also found blood the second time, but no rat, that means the rat was again injured by the trap.  Either the injured rat will recover, or it will die.  If it dies in your house, you will probably smell its location.  

Are you sure you're using rat traps?  Mouse traps often do what you're describing.  They are too small to trap rats.  Victor makes good, strong rat traps, they cost around $1.35 each at Wal-Mart.  Wrapping thread 2-3 times around the bait and trigger helps prevent the rat from stealing the bait.  You'll get them for sure.  Good luck!