Abstract: A base has a transverse shaft secured thereto and a U-shaped jaw member is spring loaded on the shaft. A trigger mechanism is pivotally supported on the shaft and has a catch releasably engageable with a trigger arm which holds the jaw member in spring loaded position. The trigger mechanism has a forwardly extending bait bar which holds the trigger mechanism into engagement with the spring loaded jaw member when bait is disposed under the bait bar. Guards are provided on the trigger mechanism rearwardly of the bait bar to discourage a rodent from traveling to the bait bar from the rear of the trap.