A rodent trap comprising a base (1), a hoop (2) pivoting relative to the base (1) having a first and a second position, a bias means (3), a retaining bar (4) pivoting relative to the base (1) and having a setting and a releasing position, a release means (5) comprising an over-centre pivotally mounted keeper (7) having a first and a second positions, the retaining bar (4) including a locking lip (16) to retain the hoop (2) in first set position when the retaining bar (4) is in the setting position, the release means (5) for mounting a bait (6) and release the retaining bar (4) when subject to upward force on the bait (6), the retaining bar(4) automatically set to the setting position by drawing the hoop (2) down onto the retaining bar (4) against the bias (3) the retaining bar (3) engaging a retaining lip (10) of the release means (5).
