Snaptrap

Snaptrap is a spring-loaded device used in pest control to kill small vertebrates, most commonly rodents. The device consists of a base, a trigger mechanism, and a spring-loaded bar or lid that snaps shut rapidly when the trigger is disturbed. Bait is placed to attract rodents, and when a rodent interacts with the trigger, the spring releases, delivering a quick, forceful impact that typically kills or seriously injures the animal.

Designs vary, but many traditional snaptraps use a metal bar mounted on a wooden or plastic base. Modern variants may feature plastic bodies, pre-baited triggers, or simpler, disposable constructions. Snaptraps are praised for their low cost, immediacy of effect, and ease of use, making them a common choice in homes, farms, and warehouses for rodent control. They can be effective at rapidly reducing infestation levels when placed correctly, but they also carry risks to non-target animals, pets, and children if left accessible or misused.

History and usage have made snaptraps a familiar tool in urban and rural pest management. The basic principle—triggered, spring-driven closure—has remained largely the same, while materials and ergonomics have evolved to improve safety and convenience. In ethical discussions about animal welfare, snaptraps are frequently contrasted with non-lethal or live-trap options, and some jurisdictions regulate their use or require precautions to minimize accidental injury.

See also: mousetrap, rodent control, pest control.