Once you capture the Cedar Rapids rat in your trap, understand that this is just half of the entire process. You will still have to decontaminate your area and know the things that you need to do with the rat in the trap. Disposing the rat is a rather unpleasant task that no one wants to deal with. Remember that it is not advisable to handle any wildlife creature directly regardless if they are alive or dead. This is due to the fact that the rats are possible host of pathogens that can be transmitted to humans.

How to Catch the Rat Properly

In this article, we will add some of the things that you should do with the Iowa mouse once you successfully capture them. Follow this properly and you will realize how simple the entire process can be.

Disposing the Cedar Rapids Dead Rat

In case you chose a lethal trap, you will have to deal with the carcass of a dead Iowa rat. Again, wear protective gloves and HEPA-grade mask to avoid having a direct contact with the body of the dead rat. Spray the body of the dead rat and the area surrounding the trap with a disinfectant. You may also mix water with bleach if you don't have a cleaning solution in your house. 

Throw the body of the dead rat inside the garbage bag. Some people also choose to throw the trap together with the rat. Together with the dead body, add the nesting materials, droppings, contaminated objects, and leftovers of the rats inside the bag. Seal it and avoid pushing the air out of the bags since this may release the fungal spores that carry disease. Place the bag in another bag and seal it again. Throw the bag in the trash bin and wait for the garbage collector to collect it.

Releasing the Iowa Rat

For those who choose the live trap, the initial process is almost the same. Refrain from touching the rat directly since it may retaliate. Wear heavy-duty gloves to avoid any injuries. Familiarize yourself on the laws and policies that surround the releasing of the rat. In some cases, you are not allowed to release it in other places. In case you are allowed to relocate it, place the trap inside a box. You will need to transport it at around 2 miles away from your house. Place a barrier that separates your feet and the trap. Turn it over to encourage the rat to leave the trap. Be sure to clean the trap before storing it again.

If you are using the Cedar Rapids live traps, you need to know the best place where you can release the rat. You might want to look for an uninhabited area that is located at around 2 miles away from your point of origination. You should never release them on a private area or in places where they can cause problems. If possible, it should be a place filled with vegetation that allows them to hide themselves. Usually, the local jurisdictions will only allow you to release the rat outside of your house.