The best live traps, compared.
Top pick: Tcowoy 32-inch foldable cage Best value: Cardys rat cages, 2-pack – Two metal cages at about £14.95, 4.1 from 375 reviews, shorter at 22 cm, so better for mice than for a cautious adult brown rat. Updated October 2026.
A live trap is a cage or tunnel that shuts an animal in alive. In England, a householder who sets a glue trap for a rodent commits an offence unless a licensed pest controller holds a glue-trap licence. Plastic mouse tunnels here are about 17–30 cm long and under 9 cm high. Wildlife cages are 78 cm, 105 cm and 145 cm. A brown rat’s head and body is about 15–27 cm, so a tunnel about 6 cm wide is a mouse tool even when the title says rat. If you cannot check a trap at least daily, do not set it. Length, the door and the lawful end state are in the [live trap buying guide](/hub/traps/live-trap/sub/live-trap-buying-guide). A snap trap, a glue board and an electric kill box do a different job. A cage is the route that remains open.
A live trap is a cage or tunnel that shuts an animal in alive. In England, a householder who sets a glue trap for a rodent commits an offence unless a licensed pest controller holds a glue-trap licence.
42 products checked · 61 hrs invested · +22,800 readers
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Personal buying guide
Question 1 of 2
What are you trying to catch?
The 32-inch Tcowoy is a 78 cm foldable galvanised-steel cage aimed at squirrels, rabbits and cats up to 15 lb. Its 4.1 kg frame, folding body and claimed handle guard distinguish it from the smaller rat cages. The current 5.0 score looks impressive but comes from only two amazon.co.uk ratings, with just one review body available in this listing capture. That review calls it robust, yet such a small sample cannot establish consistent trigger or door performance. At £55.99 it should be chosen for its wildlife-cage dimensions, not its headline star score. It may fit a larger-animal job, but UK species and release rules must be settled before the trap is set.
Pros
Cons
Best for: A larger live-cage requirement where 78 cm dimensions and a guarded handle are appropriate.
Less suitable: Routine mouse or rat work, or buyers choosing solely from the 5.0 headline rating.
Specifications
Common questions
Can it be used for rabbits?
Yes. Rabbits are named in the bullets, with stray cats up to 15 pounds, raccoons and squirrels. Raccoon is not a resident UK species.
What is it made of?
The listing says rust-resistant galvanised steel. The details table gives 78 x 29 x 30 cm and 4.1 kg.
Is it easy to set up?
The listing says it is easy to install and folds flat. Only one UK review is on the listing, and it says excellent quality and robust.
The silver Anyhall two-pack is the top pick in this comparison for a rat-sized mechanical cage, combining 31.5 cm bodies with a 4.4 rating from 544 reviews. A large pedal and claimed auto-locking door provide the same practical format as the black sibling listing. Reviews indicate straightforward setting, while the £25.49 price covers two cages rather than one. The repeated drawback is that there is no carrying handle for an occupied trap. Its product details also say electric even though no voltage, plug or battery is listed, so it should be treated as a pedal-operated cage. Large squirrels are outside its intended use because the listing warns that they may chew the wire or break the trigger.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Households wanting two rat or mouse cages with the strongest established rating in this set.
Less suitable: Large squirrels, wildlife trapping or users who need a handle guard.
Specifications
Common questions
How is this different from the black Anyhall 2-pack?
This listing is silver, part AHUK-2RMS, 1.04 kg, with 4.4 from 544 reviews. The black pack is the same stated size at £25.49. The raw review texts overlap.
What is it made of?
The details line says iron. The size is 31.5 x 14.5 x 11.5 cm.
Can it catch squirrels?
The bullet says big squirrels and opossums can chew the wire or break the trigger, so it is not for them.
The black Anyhall pack combines two 31.5 cm iron cages with a large pedal and a claimed auto-locking door. Its 4.4 rating from 541 amazon.co.uk reviews is one of the strongest combinations of score and sample size in this set. UK reviews commonly describe it as easy to set, which supports its use for mice and rats. The main practical complaint is the lack of a carrying handle once an animal is inside. The listing also marks the product as electric despite describing a mechanical pedal and giving no voltage, plug or battery information. It is a strong rat-cage option, but not for large squirrels that may chew the wire or damage the trigger.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Mouse and rat control when you want two well-reviewed mechanical wire cages.
Less suitable: Large squirrels or anyone who needs a protected handle for moving an occupied cage.
Specifications
Common questions
Can it catch squirrels?
The bullet says it is not for big squirrels or opossums, because they can chew the wire or break the trigger. A UK review reports slight chew damage from a squirrel.
Is it easy to set up?
UK reviews describe it as easy to set. A repeated complaint is that there is no handle for carrying a caught rat.
Is it electric?
The details line says yes. The bullets describe a pedal and a closing door, and no voltage, plug or battery is listed.
The MSR pair provides two 30 cm plastic tunnels for indoor or outdoor mouse control, with doors at both ends. Its 6.4 cm width and the listing’s own wording make this a mouse trap rather than a realistic rat cage. A 4.2 rating across 1,375 amazon.co.uk reviews gives it the broadest review base in this comparison. The included gloves and brush make handling and cleaning more straightforward. The listing advises checking every two to four hours, so it only suits a schedule that allows frequent visits. Choose it for mice, but do not rely on the generous length alone when the animal may be a rat.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Indoor or sheltered outdoor mouse runs where you can check the traps every few hours.
Less suitable: Suspected rats, squirrels or any situation where frequent checking is impractical.
Specifications
Common questions
Can this trap be used outdoors?
The listing says the design is weatherproof and names sheds and garages as well as rooms indoors.
Does it come with a cleaning brush?
Yes. The pack lists a washable brush and a pair of gloves.
Is it for rats as well as mice?
The listing says it is for mice and that a rat needs a larger trap. The cage is 30 x 6.4 x 8 cm.
The Jsdoin pack offers two washable ABS tunnels for £9.99, the lowest price in this set. Its one-way door and sensitive ramp are designed for mice, despite the title also mentioning rats. The listing itself gives two conflicting sets of dimensions, so the exact body size should be checked when it arrives. A 4.2 rating from 202 amazon.co.uk reviews is respectable for this price point. Plastic makes cleaning simple and the listing says the body can be used indoors or outdoors. Treat it as a compact mouse tunnel, not evidence that a full-sized rat will enter and turn safely.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Low-cost indoor mouse trapping where a compact, washable tunnel is suitable.
Less suitable: Adult rats, squirrels or buyers needing fully consistent dimensions.
Specifications
Common questions
Can it be used outdoors?
The listing says indoor and outdoor, and describes the ABS body as waterproof.
Is it easy to clean?
The listing says it is washable and that plastic does not hold odour the way wood does.
Does it require any assembly?
No. The listing says place bait, such as peanut butter, and open the spring door.
This Kwaiyole pack supplies two wire cages roughly 31 cm long for rats and mice. The sensitive-pedal format is easy to set according to UK reviews, although one reviewer found the instruction pictures too small. Its listing is internally inconsistent: the title and details give slightly different dimensions, while the material is described as both plastic and galvanised steel mesh. The 4.2 rating is based on 59 reviews, which is useful but still a modest sample. A bullet explicitly says the cage is not for squirrels, and reviews describe mesh or trigger damage when squirrels entered. It makes more sense as a paired rodent cage than as a general wildlife trap.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Two-location mouse or rat control after checking that the delivered cage matches the stated dimensions.
Less suitable: Squirrels, buyers needing unambiguous specifications, or heavy-duty wildlife use.
Specifications
Common questions
Does it work for squirrels?
The bullet says no, because a squirrel can bend the mesh. Some UK reviews still report squirrels, including one that pulled out the trigger pivot.
How big is the cage?
The title says 31 x 17 x 14 cm. The product-details line says 31 x 16 x 13 cm and 1.16 kg.
Is it easy to set up?
UK reviews say it is easy to set. One review says the instruction pictures are too small.
This Kwaiyole two-pack uses a 32.5 x 16.5 x 13.5 cm cage format aimed at rats and mice. The listing claims a touch-sensitive pedal and also names squirrels, although that claim is not backed by a substantial review sample. Its 4.2 score comes from only 49 amazon.co.uk reviews, so the evidence is much thinner than for the leading Anyhall cages. More importantly, the same page calls the material plastic in the details and galvanised steel in the bullets. One UK review says the cage was not strong enough for rats, which matters for its stated purpose. Consider it only if the dimensions and two-pack format suit you and you are comfortable verifying the construction on arrival.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Shoppers wanting two rat-sized cages who will inspect the material and trigger before setting them.
Less suitable: Anyone needing well-established durability evidence or a clearly specified squirrel cage.
Specifications
Common questions
What is this cage made of?
The product-details line says plastic. The bullets say heavy-duty galvanised steel and reinforced mesh. Both lines are on the same listing.
Can it catch large rodents?
The title calls it an extra-large rat and mouse trap. The listed size is 32.5 x 16.5 x 13.5 cm. One UK review says it was not strong enough for rats.
Is it safe around children?
The listing says it is chemical-free and glue-free, with no pinch mechanism. It does not give a check interval.
The Cardys pack is the best value metal option here at £14.95 for two 22 cm cages. A 4.1 rating from 375 amazon.co.uk reviews gives it a more useful evidence base than many low-cost alternatives. The bait-hook and spring-door design has caught both mice and rats according to the listing and review notes. However, reviews split between easy and fiddly setting, and one describes the door hook as flimsy. At 22 cm, the cage is notably shorter than the roughly 31 cm rat cages and a published UK rat-cage example of about 35 cm. It suits mice and smaller rodent jobs better than situations where an adult brown rat needs ample room to enter fully.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Budget mouse control or smaller rodent jobs where two compact metal cages are useful.
Less suitable: A cautious adult brown rat or anyone wanting a longer, more robust rat cage.
Specifications
Common questions
Can it catch mice?
The listing says yes, as well as rats. The cage is 22 x 11.5 x 11.5 cm.
What is it made of?
The details line says metal. Weight is 742 g for the set as listed.
Is it easy to set up?
The listing uses a bait hook and a spring. UK reviews split between easy and fiddly, and one calls the door hook flimsy.
The 57-inch Tcowoy is a very large 145 cm galvanised-steel cage designed around dogs, foxes and other animals up to 50 lb. It weighs 17.2 kg and includes a claimed handle guard, folding frame and adjustable trigger sensitivity. Those specifications place it in a different class from every mouse and rat trap in the comparison. The £180.99 price is also far above the smaller wildlife cages. Its 4.0 rating comes from a single amazon.co.uk rating, with no review text in this listing capture to confirm ease of folding or trigger behaviour. Buy only for a defined large-animal need and after checking the legal and welfare implications; it is not a premium substitute for an ordinary rodent cage.
Pros
Cons
Best for: A specific large-animal trapping requirement where the 145 cm size is justified and lawful.
Less suitable: Mice, rats, routine garden pests or shoppers seeking review-proven performance.
Specifications
Common questions
Is it easy to set up and fold?
The listing says it sets up and folds, with a handle guard. The listing does not include a review text.
How does the trigger work?
The listing says the sensitivity is adjustable and that a live plate door is used.
Is it safe to transport?
A handle guard and smooth inner edges are claimed. The listed weight is 17.2 kg. Coyote and bobcat on the listing are not UK species.
The Ratkil is a single 640 g aluminium cage listed for mice, rats and squirrels at £14.99. It arrives assembled and claims a sensitive plate with an automatic lock, which keeps initial set-up simple. Its 1,202 amazon.co.uk reviews provide a large evidence base, but the 3.6 average shows mixed results rather than dependable performance. Review notes include bait being taken without the trigger firing and a plate that may need a heavier step. The listing omits the cage dimensions, making it difficult to judge whether the body really suits each named species. The low price is attractive, but missing measurements and inconsistent triggering limit confidence.
Pros
Cons
Best for: A budget single cage when you can verify its dimensions and test the trigger before use.
Less suitable: Buyers who need predictable sensitivity or confirmed sizing for rats or squirrels.
Specifications
Common questions
Can it catch squirrels?
The target-species line includes squirrel, and one UK review describes a loft squirrel. Other reviews say the plate needs a heavy step.
Is it weatherproof?
The title says all weather and the listing says indoor and outdoor. No IP rating is given.
Does it require assembly?
The listing says it arrives fully assembled. You bait it and set it.
The Thealyn is a 105 cm double-door metal cage intended for wildlife-sized catches rather than mice or ordinary rat work. At 6.66 kg it is substantial, folds for delivery and gives an animal two entry points. UK reviews discuss use with cats and foxes, while the listing also names squirrels and several animals that are not resident in Britain. Its 3.6 rating across 382 reviews is weakened by complaints about unclear instructions and doors that depend on a flat surface. The listing does not provide a clear trigger specification, so the review evidence matters more than the sales language here. It is a specialist large-cage option, not a general top pick for household rodents.
Pros
Cons
Best for: A large-animal scenario where a 105 cm double-door cage is appropriate and level placement is available.
Less suitable: Mouse or rat control, uneven ground, or buyers wanting a clearly documented trigger.
Specifications
Common questions
Does it have two doors?
Yes. The listing is a double-door cage with two entry points.
What animals does the listing name?
The details table says raccoon and squirrel. The bullets add cats, foxes, rabbits and several species that are not resident in the UK, including armadillo and skunk.
Is it easy to set up?
The listing says it arrives folded and is opened rather than built from parts. UK reviews call the leaflet unclear and say the doors need a flat surface.
The CD pack contains two 27 cm metal cages with trigger plates for mice and small rats. No power source is required, and the listed 14 x 12 cm cross-section is wider than the narrow plastic mouse tunnels. The product has no amazon.co.uk star rating or review body in this listing capture, so there is no independent evidence that the trigger closes reliably. The listing also does not explain the release step beyond calling it a live-catch cage. At £19.84, it costs more than the Cardys pair while carrying much less review evidence. Its specifications are plausible, but this is an unproven option rather than a recommendation based on owner experience.
Pros
Cons
Best for: A buyer willing to test an unrated two-cage set for mice or explicitly small rats.
Less suitable: Anyone who wants review-backed reliability or a clearly documented release mechanism.
Specifications
Common questions
Is it suitable for both mice and rats?
The target line says mice and small rats. The listed size is 14 x 12 x 27 cm.
Does the trigger activate easily?
The listing says the door closes when the rodent steps on the plate. There are no reviews on the listing to confirm that.
How do I release the rodent?
The listing says the cage is for live release. It does not describe the release step.
Shelf prices, stars and review counts are the amazon.co.uk figures stored for these twelve listings. They are not a live reload on 17 October 2026. The editorial score on each card is the 0–100 figure already stored for this set. It follows the star line and the review count, then keeps listing conflicts and review faults in the score. It is not a laboratory test and not a catch rate.
Species and body size
30%The animal comes before the brand. House-mouse droppings are about 4–8 mm and brown-rat droppings about 13–19 mm. A brown rat’s head and body is about 15–27 cm.
Length and opening
25%Internal length and the smallest opening, not the hero photo. Mouse tunnels here are about 17–30 cm and under 9 cm high. Rat cages are about 22–32.5 cm. Wildlife cages are 78 cm, 105 cm and 145 cm.
Door and trigger
20%Faults that already show in UK reviews: a stiff plate that lets bait be taken, a hook described as flimsy, doors that need flat ground, and a cage with no carry handle.
A check you can keep
15%If you cannot inspect at least daily, the trap stays unset. UFAW says at least every twelve hours for rodents. GOV.UK says at least daily for a fox cage.
Lawful end state
10%House mice are not under the grey-squirrel release ban. A grey squirrel must not be kept or released. An urban fox should not be moved into the countryside.
Start with the species, then the opening, then whether you can check the trap. A star rating does not tell you those three. The twelve listings below are amazon.co.uk pages, with the prices and review counts stored for this comparison, not a live reload on 17 October 2026. A cage that shuts an animal in still has to be inspected, and the end state has to be lawful.
A live trap shuts an animal in alive. A snap trap, a glue board and an electric kill box do a different job. In England, from 31 July 2024, the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 makes it an offence for a householder to set a glue trap for a rodent. A licensed pest controller can still hold a glue-trap licence. A cage is the route that remains open. Once the animal is under your control, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes unnecessary suffering an offence in England and Wales.
The MSR body is 30 cm long and only 6.4 cm wide, and the listing says mice. The Jsdoin title also says rat while the size lines sit around 17 cm. A brown rat’s head and body is about 15–27 cm. Read the smallest opening.
The black pack shows 541 reviews and the silver pack shows 544. The raw texts overlap. They are two listings of the same stated size at the same price, not one sample of more than a thousand reviews.
GOV.UK says that if you catch a grey squirrel alive you must kill it humanely. You must not keep it or release it. House mice are a different case. Drowning is not an accepted method.
Identify the animal from droppings or a clear sighting before you choose a brand. House-mouse droppings are about 4–8 mm. Brown-rat droppings are about 13–19 mm. A brown rat’s head and body is about 15–27 cm, and a published UK procedure describes rat cages at about 35 x 15 x 15 cm. Mouse tunnels here are about 17–30 cm long and under 9 cm high. Rat cages are about 22–32.5 cm. Wildlife cages are 78 cm, 105 cm and 145 cm. A 22 cm Cardys cage can suit mice.
UK reviews already name the faults that matter: bait taken from a stiff Ratkil plate, a Cardys hook called flimsy, Thealyn doors that need flat ground, and Anyhall cages with no carry handle. If you cannot inspect at least daily, do not set the trap. UFAW says at least every twelve hours for rodents. GOV.UK says at least daily for a fox cage. House mice are not under the grey-squirrel release ban. A grey squirrel must not be kept or released.
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
You want a washable tunnel and you can look at it several times a day. The MSR pair is 30 x 6.4 x 8 cm, about £18.99, with 4.2 from 1,375 reviews, plus gloves and a brush. The listing says mice, not rats, and it advises checks every two to four hours.
You want mesh near 31 cm, not a 6 cm plastic tunnel. The Anyhall silver 2-pack is the top pick at about £25.49, 31.5 cm, with 4.4 from 544 reviews. There is no carry handle, and the electric flag prints no voltage.
You need a double door or a cage of 78 cm or more, not a mouse tunnel. The Thealyn is about 105 cm at about £57.99, with 3.6 from 382 reviews. UK reviews say the doors need flat ground. Check a fox cage at least daily.
The top pick is the Anyhall silver rat cages, two 31.5 cm iron cages at about £25.49, with 4.4 from 544 reviews, for mice and rats when you can check at least every twelve hours. The best value is the Cardys 2-pack at about £14.95, 22 cm, with 4.1 from 375 reviews, for mice and smaller rodents. A plastic tunnel around 6 cm wide stays a mouse tool even if the title says rat. Wildlife cages at 78 cm, 105 cm and 145 cm are a different purchase, and a grey squirrel must not be released.
Cardys rat cages, 2-pack
Two metal cages at about £14.95, 4.1 from 375 reviews, shorter at 22 cm, so better for mice than for a cautious adult brown rat.
Editorial
Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
Public UK sources for glue traps, animal welfare, grey squirrels and fox cages. Listings are the amazon.co.uk captures for these twelve ASINs, not a live reload on 17 October 2026. Prices on amazon.co.uk move.
This page contains affiliate links to amazon.co.uk. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, stars and review counts come from those listings. We did not run a laboratory test. The scores rank a listing inside this set only.
