Most of the problem with trapping rats is correct setup, and the trap used. You want the expanded trigger, a large plastic plate....rather than the metal tab. Always place your traps trigger against a wall, never just out on the floor at random. You will increase your kill a heck of a lot. I still like the old victor traps (wooden) with large plastic trigger, they are called the professional m-326 they are adjustable as far as sensitivity, where other traps are not. Where gloves when baiting, treat everything like you are deer hunting...scent control. Vanilla extract wiped on the wooden trap, then only a SMALL amount of bait placed as close to the trigger as possible you can also put bait under the trigger where it is much more difficult to rob ...again trigger against a wall.