10 



HOW TO DESTROY RATS. 



and carnivorous mammals are persecuted almost to the point of 

 extinction. An enlightened public sentiment should cause the repeal 

 of all bounties on these animals and afford protection to the majority 

 of them. 



DESTRUCTION OF RATS. 



The Biological Survey has made numerous laboratory and field 

 experiments with various agencies for destroying rats. The results 

 form the chief basis for the recommendations set-forth in the follow- 

 ing pages. 



Traps. 



Owing to their cunning it is not easy to clear premises of rats by 

 trapping; if food is abundant, it is impossible. A few adults refuse 



Fig. 2. — Method of baiting guillotine trap. 



to enter the most innocent-looking trap. And yet trapping, if per- 

 sistently followed, is one of the most effective ways of destroying the 

 animals. 



Guillotine trap. — For general use the improved modern traps with a 

 wire fall released by a baited trigger and driven by a coiled spring 

 have marked advantages over the old forms, and many of them may 

 be used at the same time. These traps, sometimes called " guillotine " 

 traps, are of many designs, but the more simply constructed are 

 preferable. Probably those made entirely of metal are the best, 



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