Roshield BLACK CAT RAT TRAP User manual

BLACK CAT RAT TRAP
INSTRUCTIONS
The Black Cat Rat Trap is a powerful trap for killing rats. It is important that this
trap is kept away from children and non-target species at all time as this trap can
cause significant damage.
We recommend placing the trap directly within the target rodent’s main
habitation area, this is normally an attic space or under floorboards. This will
significantly reduce third party access. Placing the trap in open areas should not
be undertaken without the use of an additional protection device to limit access.
Before undertaking any trapping, it is important that any competing food
sources are identified and removed as otherwise they may ignore alternative
foods placed within an otherwise safe environment.
This trap works differently to other traps and actually requires the bait on the
food hook to be lifted before activation of the hammer, the opposite of standard
rat traps. This results in a slightly longer process from acceptance to kill however
can result in significant more catches and the possibility of multi-kills at one time
when using in large infestation areas.
The type of bait used within the trap will vary depending on the individual however as a general rule for rats we recommend using
a piece of apple attached to the main food hook followed by a spread of oats or similar loose grain to the feeding cup.
Before placement of the traps survey the environment and look for signs of activity, these maybe holes under the flooring or
insulation in the attack. A suitable place to set a trap would be a couple of feet away rather than directly in front that may make an
unwelcome obstacle.
Setting the trap
1. Firstly, before you set the trap it’s important to place the bait on the food hook and the inner cup. It’s important that the
bait should not touch the trap body or prevent the upwards motion of the food hook.
2. Before setting the trap check that the hammer lock is in the correct position. The hammer lock should be in the forward
position as shown in figure 3 (see overleaf). If the hammer lock is in the upright position, press the rear trigger to release.
3. To lock the hammer, kill bar in the hook, lift the hammer as show n in figure 1. You should firmly hold the rear trigger
tower to prevent any unnecessary movement. The hammer bar will click on to the hammer hook and lock into a primed
position.
4. At this point its important not to place fingers within the kill radius of the hammer bar.
5. Carefully position the trap into the infestation area. Only hold the trap from the rear tower, with fingers away from the
hammer bar.
6. Once set place a small amount of bait approx. a few cm’s away and then some additional bait in a few locations adjacent
to any holes and nesting materials. This will catch the rats initial attention and help encourage further investigation.
7. Check the trap twice daily and remove the bodies as soon as possible to prevent trap shyness.
8. To unset the trap, press the trigger (see figure 2).
We recommend lubricating the hammer hook catch regularly (see figure 3) with olive oil.
Rats and mice are extremely cautious creatures and are wary of new items that appear in their environment and so it may take
several days before they will enter the traps. This is common and not a sign of a defective product.
Trapping programs should be implemented for at least four weeks before considering alternative options.
When the trap is no longer active and no signs of rat or mouse activity are present this is a good indication that the infestation has
been eradicated, at this point the trap should be removed or deactivated.

WARNING – DO NOT PLACE FINGERS IN SET TRAPS
Roshield recommends that traps are checked twice daily.
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3
Press the rear trgger to unset trap – we do not recommend dry
firing this trap due to the high impact caused to the plastic
frame. Keep fingers away from the kill zone at all times.
We recommend that you oil the hammer hook lock
periodically with olive oil
Hammer Hook (Lock)
Food Hook
Hammer / Kill Bar
Rear Trigger
Trap Column
Feeding Cup

Where to set the traps
When setting traps you will need to look for a regular run as rodents follow wall/floor junctions, particularly under kitchen cupboards,
under baths, etc. They will run along beams, ceiling joists in lofts and alongside floor joists beneath the floor. Runs can be identified
through the presence of greasy marks, droppings or flattened vegetation.
It is recommended that traps are placed in voids away from human habitation, such as under kitchen cupboards or in the attic
space rather than in open areas. This will significantly improve the rate of capture.
Safety when trapping
Rats and mice carry many pathogens and therefore it is important to ensure that anyone handling traps or working in areas where
rats and mice have been active manage this risk. This can be achieved by following the guidelines below:
•Avoid touching rats and mice or objects they may have contaminated.
•Always wear disposable gloves when handling bodies, traps or when cleaning soiled areas.
•Avoid stirring up and breathing dust in areas where rats and mice have been active.
•Wear a mask to avoid breathing dust particles contaminated by rats or mice.
•Use a disinfectant to dampen soiled nesting material and droppings before sweeping to reduce the amount of dust.
•Always wash your hands after working with rats or mice even if you have been wearing gloves.
Removal of dead rodents
Domestic: The trap design removes the need to handle captured bodies. Simply release the trap as shown below ensuring the rodent
drops into a double bag, which can then be disposed of in the general waste.
Commercial: Rats and mice bodies are treated as non-hazardous waste under code EWC 20 01 99.
What to do at the end of the trapping
Once control of the population has been achieved steps should be taken to prevent reoccurrence. Proofing of entry points is a
common tool used to help prevent reoccurrence, some common proofing examples are given below:
•Mice can gain access through a hole of approximately 5mm in diameter, rats slightly larger.
•Install wire wool or mesh to entrance gaps and pipe work in both internal and external locations.
•Bristle strips should be installed to door bases.
•Mesh guards should be fitted to ventilation bricks.
•Caps should be placed on the top of drainpipes to prevent rats accessing the pipes.
•Broken drains must be repaired where rats have used these to access building cavities.
•Cutting back ivy and other climbing plants to below soffit level will remove a common access path.

Cleaning of infected areas
Internal areas where rodents have been active may become contaminated and pose a risk of
transmission of bacteria and viruses associated with rodents. By using an appropriate cleaning
biocide spray such as the Roshield Sanitiser & Cleaner Spray these can be removed and the
risk reduced.
An alternative is our new Roshield Anti-bacterial room and void aerosol which removes 99.9%
off bacteria and viruses associated with rodents and their waste.
Always wear personal protective equipment including an appropriate mask when cleaning in
confined spaces or untreated environments.
Hints and tips
Rats and mice can be tricky to control and problems associated with trapping or rodenticide baiting are common and not a sign of a
defective product.
•Neophobia (fear of new things) can be a significant challenge with rats and mice and immediate capture overnight is
extremely unlikely. Roshield recommend that traps are laid down undisturbed for at least 1 week before considering moving
a trap to a different location.
•If the rodents are showing no interest in the traps this is often due to a competing, and safer food source which need to be
removed. If removal is not a possibility, Roshield recommend that you take steps to encourage rodents to the trapping area
by placing food in and around an unset trap, once the rodents are close to the trap then set the trap and limit the food to
around the trap itself.
•Bait being taken and the trap mechanism not going off is frustrating but not usually a sign of a defect with the trap and is
usually due to the rat or mouse being extremely cautious. Continuing to bait the trap regularly usually resolves this problem
as the rodent will slowly gain trust. Placing bait under the trigger paddle will encourage the rodent to take the bait.
•Defective traps are rare. Traps can easily be tested by setting the trap and using a soft object to press down on the trigger
paddle to set off the trap (keeping fingers well away from the moving parts). If you still believe there is an issue, please
contact us so we can investigate further. Traps should never be dry fired as this may damage the mechanism.
•If you are away for a weekend or on holiday, do not set the trap but leave it in position unset, the rodents will get accustom
to going, in and out. This may increase your trapping success when you return and also limit any risk of future trap shyness
or not removing any captures.
•Occasionally bait can be damaged by slugs and snails, this is particularly a problem when baiting externally or within damp
environments. Roshield would recommend lightly sprinkling salt around the box to stop further activity or repositioning the
trapping box.
•Trap shyness can complicate trapping programs, especially if the rodents have experience with previous trapping campaigns.
Persistence is the key; however, rodenticide options may have to be considered.
Fort Products Limited
Updated 10/9/2020