Maintenance of DétruiRAT traps
They require little maintenance, but they still need to be kept clean!
Here are the basics:
Even though the outside of your trap is less important, it is still advisable to clean it from time to time!
The electrocution cell must be kept clean to remain effective. Regular cleaning will prevent problems and the need for deep cleaning in case of accumulation!
It is essential to clean the trap tunnel; a simple spider web can cause a malfunction of the infrared sensors!
Dirt around and behind the tray will not improve the functioning of your trap... but will attract flies that can also cause a malfunction of the trap.
A clean tray will ensure proper functioning, even though it may seem obvious, it is often neglected. Flies can proliferate, lay larvae, and maggots will appear... unless you are a fisherman, it is best to avoid!
- Flies can disrupt the infrared sensors.
- Maggots can really get everywhere and leave behind mucus trails that damage the electronics.
The 12V DC 3A low voltage transformer ensures the proper functioning of your trap. A less powerful power supply will not allow your trap to operate correctly!
A power supply in good condition is essential. If it is damaged, if your cable is worn, this simple detail may cause your trap to malfunction or damage the electronics, which is obviously not covered by warranty!
Animals can chew the cable, pull it out, or damage the casing of your power supply, which can cause a short circuit and fry the electronic parts of your trap, rendering it unusable!
Wearing gloves
In case of intervention, it is recommended to wear gloves, but make sure they are not impregnated with any substances and do not emit any odour.
Avoid impregnating the traps with an odour that could make the rats suspicious.
Hygiene and safety instructions during maintenance
When maintaining or cleaning your DétruiRAT® trap, it isimperative to wear personal protective equipment.
Rodents can carry dirt, bacteria, and microorganisms that may be harmful to health.
We systematically recommend:
✔️ wearing protective gloves
✔️ wearing a protective mask
✔️ thorough hand washing after handling
These precautions help to limit any health risks and ensure safe maintenance.
Little maintenance
The DétruiRAT traps require little maintenance, but absolutely avoid placing them in areas exposed to rain or humidity.
In case of intervention, you are requested to disconnect any power supply to the trap. The trap is powered at 12 V, but a transformer raises the voltage to 6000 V!
If you do not follow the safety instructions, you could be at risk of electrocution.
It is obvious that in certain cases, cleaning is necessary! Regular maintenance prevents you from having to spend hours on it! In the following cases, it is logical that your trap shows signs of malfunction:
A little regular cleaning, and especially not leaving a dead pest in the tray, is essential!
Clean the slides
For the “DétruiRAT Vif”, “Mini Prise” and “Mort ou Vif” traps, if a door remains stuck, clean the slides and if the problem is due to the electromagnets, remove the two small screws inside the tunnel to take off the electromagnet cover and inject a minimum of WD-40 while operating the pivot of the electromagnet. Wipe off any excess!
For the Maxi-Prises, check that nothing is blocking the passage in the slides!
If there is dirt in the slides of your doors, your trap will no longer close properly. If you see that the slide is chipped or has been hit, straighten it. You can refer tothis video.
Avoid lubricant
Avoid applying any lubricant to the trap parts, as oil or grease may accumulate dust, hindering the closing of the doors and the mechanism, which could lead to premature wear. If dust accumulates in the slides despite the recommendations, carefully remove it using a cotton bud, a stick, or a plastic rod, ensuring not to scratch the slides and doors. The smell of certain lubricants may repel rodents and render the trap completely ineffective.
If the 1/4 turn of the locking lever and the on/off switch of the traps is oxidised, use WD-40 lubricant carefully. Place a cloth under the stuck part and inject the minimum necessary to free the part.
The infrared protection
Depending on the location of use of the traps and their environment, it is possible that dust or other elements may accumulate.
In the event of a continuous beep with the display IR1, IR2, or IR3 on the digital screenwhen you turn on the DétruiRAT traps, remove the obstructing element that is blocking the infrared barrier.
If the problem persists, clean the infrared protections by wiping them with a clean, unscented, slightly damp cloth, removing nests, cobwebs, and other dirt. A cleaning wipe will also do the job.
You can remove the infrared cover, which will allow you to clean them properly from the inside, including the infrared LEDs.
You will find more information about the infrared onthis video.
Electrocution problem, cleaning the electrodes.
For theMaxi-Prise trap, it is crucial that the number of electrocuted rodents matches the number displayed on the screen. Otherwise, an electrocution problem could occur. Disconnect the trap and clean the 4 electrodes with a brass wire brush or a metal sponge. Check the cable located beneath the electrocution cell on the left side.
To access the inside, disconnect the power from the trap and remove the tray. In the trap at the location of the tray, on the left, there is a half-moon shaped opening in the metal. There is a pivot that you can operate to make a half turn. By doing this, both doors and the electrocution cell open or close. This pivot also allows you to check if there is any stiffness in the trap mechanism. In the correct position, it will make it easier for you to clean the four electrodes. To do this work, please wear clean, odourless gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling dust. When brushing the electrodes, hold the back of the electrocution cell plate to avoid applying pressure on the mechanism's pivots.
For theMini-Prise and Live or Dead trapssimply disconnect the power from the trap, unlock the front face of the electrocution cell, open and clean the electrodes. Be careful not to damage the infrared sensors located inside the trap.