Frequently Asked Questions – RatLocker™

1. What is the RatLocker™?

The RatLocker™ is a heavy‑duty, lockable, multi‑catch rat trap box made of 15mm+ HDPE. It sits next to any existing garbage bin, dumpster, or compactor. Rats enter at ground level through a dark tube, pass a one‑way door, and drop into a removable cage. No poison, no electricity, no bin modification.

2. Why HDPE instead of stainless steel?

HDPE is chew‑proof, weather‑proof, UV stable, and requires zero maintenance. More importantly, HDPE has no scrap metal value – thieves are not interested. Stainless steel would make the unit valuable and attractive to robbers, which is counterproductive for public‑space installations. HDPE keeps the RatLocker™ on the job, not in a scrap yard.

Additionally, because we work with HDPE, we can engrave logos, text, or identification numbers directly into the box – permanent, vandal‑proof, and no stickers to peel off. Perfect for city fleet management, contractor branding, or custom instructions.

3. How is the RatLocker™ different from traps like TrapMan.co.uk or other low‑profile multi‑catch traps?

Most multi‑catch traps on the market (including popular models from TrapMan.co.uk and others) have a height of only 10–12 cm (4–5 inches). This is fine for mice, but far too low for adult rats. A rat forced into a 10 cm cage cannot stand, turn around, or groom itself – causing extreme stress and making other rats avoid the trap due to fear smells.

The RatLocker™ is designed specifically for rats:

Entry tube diameter: 15 cm – a natural burrow size
Holding cage height: 30–40 cm – rats can stand, move, and live humanely
Holding capacity: 15–20 rats per unit (not stacked on top of each other)

In short: most multi‑catch traps are mouse traps sold as rat traps. The RatLocker™ is a true rat‑sized solution.

4. Some traps claim to hold 20+ rats. Are they better than the RatLocker™?

Not necessarily. Many of those traps are tall and narrow. They may physically hold 20 rats, but only by stacking them on top of each other. Rats cannot stand, move, or turn around. This causes extreme stress, fighting, and even cannibalism – it is not humane and not a true multi‑catch solution.

The RatLocker™ gives rats floor space and height (15–20 rats with room to move). Our philosophy is quality of containment, not just a number on a box. For high‑infestation areas, we recommend multiple modular units – each humane, each effective, together catching 100+ rats without cruelty.

5. Do I need bait to attract rats into the RatLocker™?

Not necessarily. Rats are naturally drawn to dark, enclosed spaces – they see them as safe hiding spots. Our ground‑level, dark tunnel looks like a perfect burrow. This is especially true near garbage bins, where rats often grab food and then look for a secure, dark place to eat it undisturbed. Bait (non‑toxic, like aniseed oil or peanut butter) increases the catch rate, but the RatLocker™ works even without it. Rats simply want to go inside.

6. How is it different from an integrated bin trap?

You don't need to replace or modify your bins. The RatLocker™ works alongside any bin – fast‑food restaurants, highway rest stops, gas stations, city public bins. No interference with manual or mechanical emptying.

7. Where can I place it?

Next to any garbage bin or dumpster. Also available as a slim wall‑mounted version (RatLocker™ Slim) for narrow sidewalks, alleys, and other tight spaces.

8. Is it vandal‑proof (hufterproof)?

Yes. Thick HDPE housing, no exposed moving parts, a heavy‑duty lock, and optional mounting chain or bolt‑down brackets. Designed to withstand kicking, prying, and casual tampering. And because it's HDPE, it has no scrap value – vandals and thieves leave it alone.

9. How many rats can it hold?

The standard cage holds 15–20 rats. For high‑infestation areas, we offer a larger cage or dual‑cage configuration. The RatLocker™ is modular – you can install multiple units side by side around a large dumpster. Together, they catch well over 100 rats without any single unit becoming overcrowded.

10. How does it work?

Rats smell non‑toxic bait inside the unit (or simply seek dark shelter). They walk through a 15 cm dark tube at ground level, push through a one‑way metal door, and drop into a ventilated stainless steel cage. They cannot escape. New rats keep entering – no resetting needed.

11. How much does it cost?

The RatLocker™ is made of heavy‑duty HDPE – affordable, durable, and not attractive to thieves. Price depends on version (Standard or Slim), quantity, and optional add‑ons. Price is available on request – email us for a quote.

12. Do you offer a slim wall‑mounted version?

Yes – RatLocker™ Slim. For narrow sidewalks and alleys, it protrudes only 20 cm from the wall and bolts directly to the wall. Same multi‑catch, lockable, vandal‑proof HDPE design. Contact us for details.

13. How do I clean and empty it?

Open the lockable front door. Pull out the internal stainless steel cage. Hose it down or wipe with disinfectant. Insert a clean cage (spare cages available). No contact with trapped rats. The whole process takes 2–3 minutes.

14. Does it need power or poison?

No. Fully mechanical. We recommend non‑toxic bait (aniseed oil, peanut butter, dried fruit). No poison means no risk to children, pets, or wildlife.

15. How often must I empty it?

At least once a week (daily in some countries by law). The 15–20 rat capacity is designed for weekly service in most urban locations. For very high catch rates, check every 2–3 days.

16. Can rats chew through the RatLocker™?

No. The housing is 15mm+ HDPE – rats cannot chew through it. The entry tube is heavy‑grade PVC or stainless steel. All rat‑contact parts are chew‑proof.

17. Is it humane?

Yes. Rats are not harmed. They remain in a ventilated stainless steel cage with optional water access. They can be released elsewhere (if local laws allow) or humanely euthanized by a professional.

18. Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. From the Netherlands. For large city contracts, we can arrange direct delivery and local installation partners.

19. Do you offer maintenance and weekly rat removal contracts?

Yes. We offer full service contracts through licensed local contractors. They will:

Visit your locations weekly (or as agreed)
Empty and clean each RatLocker™
Remove trapped rats humanely
Inspect and reset the trap
Provide a service report

You never touch a trap or see a rat. Contact us for availability and pricing in your region.

20. Can I customize the color, logo, or text?

Yes – for bulk city orders, we can produce the HDPE housing in custom colors and with engraved logos, text, or identification numbers (permanent, no stickers). Minimum order quantities apply. Ask us for details.

21. How do I order?

Email info@ratlocker.com with:

Which version(s) you need (Standard / Slim / both)
Quantity
Your location (for shipping quote)
Any optional add‑ons (spare cages, custom colors, engraving, etc.)

We reply within 1–2 business days with a firm quote.

22. Do you hate rats? What happens to them after they are caught?

No – we don't hate rats. Rats are intelligent, social animals. They are only a problem because of where they live and what they carry. We believe in humane treatment at every step.

Let's be honest: 99% of people who catch rats kill them – by drowning, poison, snap traps, or glue boards. Most traps are designed to kill. That is the industry standard.

RatLocker™ is different. We do not promote or celebrate killing. When our service contractors empty a RatLocker™, they follow a strict protocol:

First option – relocation. If local laws allow, rats are released in a suitable rural area away from human habitation.
Second option – rehoming. We work with wildlife centers and sanctuaries where possible.
Last resort – humane euthanasia. Only when relocation is illegal or impossible (e.g., invasive species regulations). This is performed by a licensed professional using approved methods.

We do not drown rats. We do not use glue boards or poison. We believe pest control can be effective and compassionate.

If you only care about killing rats, we are not for you. If you want an effective, humane solution that respects the animal, you have found it.

Still have questions? We'd love to hear from you. Just email us at info@ratlocker.com.