Bait Cage case study

The problem:

  • Rodent infestations in areas occupied by people can lead to disease and compromised living conditions. Undesired rodent populations have historically and continue to be a major global health problem. Quick-kill rodent traps are the most-effective at controlling rodent populations with the least environmental concern.  Current quick-kill rodent traps, including snap-type traps, have physical placeholders for bait connected to some sort of trigger mechanism.  The placeholders for bait are not always effective in encouraging a triggering of the trap such that the rodents are successfully killed.  The prevailing complaints of quick-kill trap users include traps that have not triggered and the bait is gone, or traps that have triggered and the bait is gone.  Rodents, especially rats and mice, are notoriously clever at taking food without disrupting surroundings.  This makes the current quick-kill, or snap-type traps, questionable in their effectiveness of killing and ultimately controlling an undesired rodent population.

The solution:

  • There is no question that quick-kill rodent traps are exactly what they claim to be- a device that delivers a quick kill to loitering rodents. The delicate trigger release mechanism and very strong and quick strike bar is generally effective at resulting in a death blow to rodents that contact the traps. It is known that rats and other rodents have very poor eyesight but extremely sensitive physical receptors, robust senses of smell, and a voracious appetites.  It has been well-documented in the rodent bait world, especially for rats and mice, that peanut butter or hazelnut cocoa spread is an irresistible cuisine for rodents.  Knowing this, but unsuccessfully containing this bait on a trap such that the triggering mechanism is released while the rodent is still busy with the bait, is the problem my product solves.  I have developed a simple device that requires no tools to install and augments the most popular quick-kill rodent traps available in the market today.  The bait cage is proven successful in containing the most desired rodent bait resulting in very high pest kill rates.

Bait Cage invention claims:

  • 1.Design such that paste-type bait (e.g. peanut butter) can be pushed into cage through the perforations in outer structure after cage has been installed onto bait plate or into holder.  Using this method ensures bait is nearest to surface of cage, and the perforations provide adequate surface area to retain the bait without having to fill the entire cage cavity.

    2.Design such that solid bait (e.g. bacon, cheese) can be placed inside cage prior to installation of cage onto bait plate or into holder.

    3.The shape and size is gauged for the particular type of trap and type of rodent the trap is design to kill.

    4.The size of the cage ensures adequate bait volume to attract and entice rodents to access the bait.

    5.The bulbous shape and specifically sized and spaced perforations are such that bait scent is easily evacuated from cage.

    6.The bulbous shape and specifically sized and spaced perforations promote rodent access to the bait and encourage the rodent to vigorously attempt to access the bait.

    7.Perforations are sized and spaced such that rodent teeth can intrude into cage area to access the bait.  The rodent will then be more likely to create motion to the cage and plate releasing the trigger mechanism while in position for the strike bar to make the swift kill.  Furthermore, the rodent’s teeth are likely to become entangled with the cage delaying its possible retreat.

    8.Cage material is soft plastic, hard rubber, organic or mesh fabric material thus promoting confidence that the rodent can gnaw through the material and easily access the bait.  The material will be tough enough to force the rodent to create significant motion to the cage and plate causing release of the trigger mechanism.

    8a.Tooled pilot production parts molded in 80 Shore A nitrile rubber (NBR), color black.  Molding process requires special mold release such that parts do come out of mold odor-free and without oily film.

    9.The Bait Cage is installed and removed from the trap bait plate or holder without fasteners or special tools.

    10.The cage is designed for cost-effective manufacturing and mass production.

    11.The cage encapsulates the bait such that paste-type baits will remain preserved in their creamy, aromatic state longer should the trap remain set for several days prior to encounter with rodent.