There's a toll-free Customer Service number on the instructions. Try it, and hope you don't get zapped.

As to testing, I found this ...

http://www.derwenttraders.com.au/FAQRetrieve.aspx?ID=43506&Q=

Tells you how to kill a screwdriver.

Seems like even with good (but non-Lithium) batteries, the thing only works for a month. Why in the world is this thing run with batteries?? Maybe rats don't like extension cords?

Thanks Dan that was helpful. Mine is setup for 4 AA batteries not D's.

So I'm thinking it is the instructions on the label that are rwong.

Here is a pic of the label instructions.

Note: Step 4 says "Green Light" Step 5 = "Red Light".

4 AA Energizer Batteries - brand new.

I just got mine...directions are on the outside of my box. It says the green light tells you it's ready, red light is for when it has zapped something.

Look, this is getting silly. First of all a squirrel is never going to fit in this box. Secondly, it's a device for which the manufacturers are evidently clueless. Probably doesn't even kill rats. That second picture is YOUR batteries in the unit? Those aren't the batteries that the online instruction sheet says will work. They aren't Titanium or Lithium. Shocking.

A bit of background. Agrizap originated the RatZapper. It's now being marketed by Woodstream. Speaking of cluelessness, here's some dark history.

http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-federal-circuit/1447426.html

Now, it would appear that somehow Woodstream eventually got the rights to it but they're almost certainly now building them in China, who is plastering instructions on it that don't make sense. A little digging reveals that those online instructions I gave you the link to are actually from Agrizap. I have to assume that Woodstream doesn't want to tell you which batteries you really need or what lights you really have.

I guess paying $49 doesn't help anything really.

The instructions on the label are just a bit more detailed than what is on the box.

Dan you did a 180 on me. My instructions clearly do NOT mention any special batteries and certainly does NOT mention a D battery.

And where was all this wonderful information before we ordered?

btw - I am using mine for field mice which should have no problem at all getting into this contraption. I have a place out back where they stopped feeding on snap traps for some reason, could it be the high fatality? But I am resolutely certain a grey squirrel could fit also.

I'd like to know how big your squirrels are! A squirrel could easily fit in the one I got. Opening is 3" x 3"....squirrels are bushy looking, but if you've ever handled one, they are quite slender...I have seen rats with a lot more girth than squirrels.

3x3 inches? Ha! I have Fox squirrels. Total body length is about 2 feet, about half of which is tail. 1-2 lbs. One of them might get stuck in this box and die as a result, but that's about it. In fact, a Havahart medium trap is barely adequate. It might be interesting to put some peanut butter bait at the back of a 3x3 inch box, and see if one gets it. It might do so by tearing the box apart.

But let me know if you manage to kill a squirrel with it. Yes, it should be marvelous for field mice. Indeed, Grays are smaller than Foxes.

"And where was all this wonderful information before we ordered?"

Probably buried in a filing cabinet in China, where they are now manufactured. But the Agrizap info is still online, in a number of places. Did you try the screwdriver test? I'm really perplexed about why these things use batteries at all. If you're going to set it up along a wall, there's probably an outlet on that wall. Trying to get a hefty spark out of AA batteries is kind of hard to do.

I envy you, actually, for even being able to kill these beasts.

I did do the screwdriver test. I thought about trying something like this to see it work but didn't want to void the warranty.

It generated a bright white arc which I guess should give the rodent a heart attack, I think that is the idea.

Honestly now - who? in TX would complain should you kill a squirrel?

btw I've not found any ordinances anywhere that protects squirrels.

For any/all limits and regulations, in all game zones of South Carolina, with valid license:

Caveat: The SCDNR site does not mention trapping squirrel in this section, but fur trapping carries a whole other set of regulations that do not pertain to gun hunters.

One mouse down, a field full to go.

Two fer... my thanks to Joe.

Local city code. Go figure.

§ 3-2-4 - HUNTING AND TRAPPING WILD ANIMALS.

(A) Except as provided in Subsection (B), a person may not:

(1) knowingly shoot, kill, or hunt a wild animal; or

(2) use a steel-jawed spring trap or any other type of trap that could injure a trapped animal or person.

(B) Subsection (A) does not prohibit the use of conventional mouse traps to catch mice and rats.

In the city.... makes sense.

That's what I said. I'm in an urban environment. Interestingly, that seems to make the squirrels more of a PIA. They are urban squirrels, and they don't take no guff from anyone. They pay no attention to repellents (chili powder, cat pee, etc.), and will sneer at humans. They're tough and probably even kill each other! I wonder if they can get cited for that!

I'm going to try sprinkling some blood meal around my ornamental plants in the hopes of deterring chipmunks. I wonder what I will attract? (I know I'll have to keep my dogs away!)

Linda

Ironically I saw a chipmunk just yesterday so I guess I will have to give that a go.

It is shooting that is normally outlawed in urban areas not killing squirrels.

blood meal will attract fox, coyote, coons and skunks for sure..don't know what else.

Not to mention the increase of N which may be harmful and totally unnecessary.

Thanks guys! At least if the foxes come, they might eat the darned chippies while they are here!!!!

Hopefully the N won't be harmful. They say it is slow-release at least.....

Linda

This must be one of them protected TX squirrels?

Click - then hang on...
Squirrel swings on bird feeder.. Think you could last as long as this squirrel?

My 2 cents on the rat zapper. I've used one for over a year to control rodents. And yes they will kill grey squirrels.

Preferable to use NiMH rechargeable batteries such as eneloop or Duracell "pre-charged". This is because the NiMH "pre-charged" variety keep a steady 1.4-1.6 voltage. Alkaline starts at 1.7V but quickly drops with use. Regular rechargeable lose voltage after two weeks without being used at all. Lower voltage means it may only stun the larger rodents. And they will learn to never go back in. Recharge after every 5 kills. Recharge regular rechargeable batteries every week.

I have noticed there is a delay between closing the circuit and when the capacitor is discharged for electrocution. This may due to my unit being old and having gotten wet. I lose kills to this delay. The following is my remedy for this.

One modification I've done is drill two holes on the side walls near the back. I run a strip of aluminum wire used for my electric fence across it and attach to the rear metal grid/plate which is the electrical return. Peanut butter is smeared on the wire with a long stick and leftovers near the entrance. I make the rodent go deep and reach for the wire. The electricity will flow from center plate through rodent and out the wire or another body part touching the return.

That is good info. I use Eneloop and Energizer batteries. Energizers are in it now and besides the arc test and some arcing food following a foggy and humid execution have eliminated 4 or 5 field mice (I've lost count) rather flawlessly.

I have been relying on the power ON light test to let me know when the batteries need replacing. Thanks for the tip on the Eneloop batteries, I will try them next.

For those who don't know the Eneloop batteries while rather expensive are the very best rechargeable batteries I have used to date.

Eneloop batteries are available at Costco or Amazon (I believe). I normally wait until Costco has them on sale but they come complete with an excellent charger also. The newer ones come with a case and a quasi D and C insert for the AA an battery.

I called it <a quasi D and C insert for the AA an battery.>

This link calls them a spacer or an adapter.
https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Eneloop-Spacers-Rechargeable-Battery/dp/B00WF0V3YU/ref=sr_1_15_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467053081&sr=8-15&keywords=rechargeable+eneloop+aa

But I also found out if you Google Eneloop Battery they are for sale at many other places including Staples. Adapt AA size batteries for use where C-size or D-size batteries are required

Update on the Rat Zapper.

Mine is still getting mice before they eat the bait. Lost track of how many but the Energizer batteries are still working just fine.

One thing I have noticed - I use mine out in a trailer and/or in an old gas grill out back. So it's not out in the weather but after a rain or on humid days/nights the light blinks like something is in it. Turns out what happens is there is arcing between the plates and nothing I do will resolve it, so I have to wait until the air dries out.

The point is if you are away and this happens it renders the Zapper ineffective until it is reset.

But overall I am pleased with it. No squirrels yet just field mice, but I like to get them outside before they try to come inside.

Rat Zapper works. I got 8 chipmunks so far. It's not for use in wet weather though. I use NiMh rechargable batteries.

+14 or more here... lost count.

Defintely worth the money IMO. When the batteries were strong I was getting arcing which shut the thing off when it got humid out like today or when it rained. But that didn't happen today and boy it is nasty humid out.

It is too humid and heavy dew here so I don't think the rat zapper will work for me. I would like to try the Hav a Hart trap but I am confused about all the different styles. I am trying to get rid of chipmunks. What would you suggest. Small trarp. One of two doors. Standard set or easy set.

I've used the Zappers in the past for ground squirrels but don't any more. It would kill smaller ground squirrels & mice but twice I found larger fat (probably female) ground squirrels still alive inside the Zapper, but they were so stunned and partially paralyzed that I'm not sure if they survived. Yes, I let them go and they crawled back to the nearest hole. After it went thru that 'torture' , I didn't have the heart to kill it. I retired my zappers after that and since the neighbors started baiting them the number of ground squirrels has gone down considerably.

If you choose to use the zapper, make sure the batteries are strong, otherwise it's a slow death or injury.

Yolos..........choose a trap that fits the size of what you're trying to catch. If it's too large you end up catching raccoons, cats, etc. One door should suffice for release since a second door is good for adding food/water. Also have a sheet/cloth ready to throw over the trap after you've caught the chipmunks, or whatever. It prevents a lot of stress and injury.

My Zapper is still working on the same batteries 2+ months later. The Zapper is outside inside an unused gas grill out back.

After catching 1 mouse a nite for many weeks it has now slowed down. The last mouse was two days ago. I expect the batteries will have to be replaced any time now.

I use rechargable NiMh batteries. They last a LOT longer than alkalines in everything.

It depends on the state and county you're in. In Dutchess county N.Y. we can trap red squirrels but not grey ones. I never see red ones but we have lots of greys. They don't bother my stuff though so ....

Too bad for those in Charleston I am sure but does that also apply to homeowners?

Question 2: Just how would you attract a red squirrel but not a gray?

"Question 2: Just how would you attract a red squirrel but not a gray?"

I don't think you could really target one or the other. So I don't target those. I only target Woodchucks, Chipmunks, mice/rats. Luckily there are no rats here where I am or it's very rare to see one.

<"Question 2: Just how would you attract a red squirrel but not a gray?"> <I don't think you could really target one or the other.>

Exactly what I was thinking.

I believe most of our garden nuisance pests are controlled by state laws. Squirrels and groundhogs are covered my small game laws, not sure about chipmunks. You need a hunting license to hunt squirrel and groundhogs in New York and New Jersey during the season but it is unsafe to discharge a fire arm in residential areas. In upstate ny your neighbors will thank you for pumping hit lead in a groundhog. Nj however, has too many animal lovers making the garden state difficult to garden. Also squirrels can be taken with an air gun. 22 caliber 30 pound pump action will do the job. But air guns of that power are not silent, just a little quieter.

On the subject to rat zapper, snap traps, and conibear traps for groundhogs, the typical gardener probably won't have the necessary permits and licenses, so just be discreet.

Other options for control are exclusion from the garden with fences and electric fences. I have personally slayed 10 birds for every chipmunk that was found fried on my fence. On the bright side there are less nests in my gutters. I have heard wrapping tree trunks with sheet metal keeps squirrels from climbing them. Just note that the vermin can still jump to it from adjacent structures.

<I believe most of our garden nuisance pests are controlled by state laws. Squirrels and groundhogs are covered my small game laws, not sure about
chipmunks. You need a hunting license to hunt squirrel and groundhogs in
New York and New Jersey during the season but it is unsafe to discharge
a fire arm in residential areas. In upstate ny your neighbors will
thank you for pumping hit lead in a groundhog. >

Could be my garden pest simply can't read? So they prob aren't aware of state laws governing their behavior. I am not aware on any state laws in CT regarding trapping or even hunting them. Squirrels are certainly plentiful and found flattened all over the roads here.

Using a firearm for any reason near homes is just reckless. I do know some towns also have ordinances prohibiting air rifles tho I am not aware of one in my town but they can also be dangerous and richochet.

<On the subject to rat zapper, snap traps, and conibear traps for
groundhogs, the typical gardener probably won't have the necessary
permits and licenses, so just be discreet.>

fwiw - groundhogs won't fit into a rat zapper and I haven;t been able to get a squirrel or a chipmunk to go in either.

What I have had success with is a Havahart trap of the size for the targeted animals followed by a swimming trip for the rodent so no dangerous weapons are involved.

I have had a field mouse/day for most of the summer in the rat zapper under the cover of an unused gas grill located on the perimeter of the woods.

I have been fascinated lately by using a wildlife cam to see exactly what goes on out there after dark.

Your County or state DEC will list animals that you can freely trap and those that require a local or federal permit. Rat zappers work very well on Chipmunks. For woodchucks/groundhogs I use a 110 conibear trap, they work extremely well.

<Rat zappers work very well on Chipmunks.>

What are you using for bait?

Peanut butter works on chipmunks and squirrels. I believe it works on all rodents. Chipmunks in my area love it so much they will ignore the dead chipmunk to eat the peanut butter. Squirrels are more wary. Try leaving it under a tree they frequent.

For chipmunks I use bird seed with sunflower seeds. Mice also go for that. They say a piece or 2 of dry dog food also works. I don't use anything moist in a rat zapper.

<Peanut butter works on chipmunks and squirrels. I believe it works on all rodents.>

I agree it does. I have used peanuts in the shell and put a dab of peanut butter on the nut or under the trip lever (in snap traps) which worked fine on field mice for a long time (a few yrs). Then for some reason the mice stopped feeding on that.

Enter the rat zapper using the same 2 peanuts since I put it to use and as mentioned a mouse/day since - no one getting the peanuts in either the snap traps or the rat zapper.

But the chipmunks or the squirrels won't go near the rat zapper, period, which is why I asked.

As mentioned it seems most often that peanut butter is irresistible to most rodents and ants. So if ants are a problem use unsweetened or natural peanut butter.

I would just take them out with a .22, but I can't get past the whole "know your target, backstop, and beyond" thing. We are in a rural area, but I do have neighbors not too far away and the squirrels are usually on my fence or something else I wouldn't want to shoot up. Maybe I will try the zap it thing.

Not only are the houses too close here but I would worry that someone will call the police. NIMBY Neighbors can be funny animals.

My closest neighbors are always shooting snakes and there is hunting land near us. No worries of cops being called here. My husband told me just not to miss lol.

Could be location. I have a stack of 3-4" PVC in the yard along with some bricks. I find that chipmunks seem to enjoy living in them. Perhaps they are too lazy to burrow. However I've wiped out a dozen chipmunks this year by setting up near the stack. When empty I set up near holes I see around my house.

Update: I found a gray squirrel in my rat zapper the other day so I guess that removes all doubt. He squeezed right in there and done.

I have not had a mouse (or squirrel) get away with the bait yet.

btw the Energizer batteries work just fine.

Saw on the news that a baby squirrel was rescued from the Houston flood waters. I think the plan was to relocate it to the sanctuary city of Austin where they are protected? Hopefuly I heard them wrong.

Also saw where the fire ants make a raft to float in the water taking the queen and eggs with them. When they find a dry spot they have a ready made colony. This is the time to exterminate the colony while they are all together and helpless.

EDIT: This is an interesting link and worth the read https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/08/30/the-terrifying-science-behind-floating-fire-ant-colonies-and-how-to-destroy-them/

They suggest using soap to kill the fire ants but the soap will also kill beneficial insects too. I would give a propane or welding torch a try, the problem is you have to get close with either method.