I personally really haven't had any issues with pack rats. I've actually used it when targeting pack rats for bait (have caught enough to fill two 5 gallon buckets) and it didn't help that much. With that said I believe the guys that say they are having issues with it. Don't know why the different results.

Pawnee, that might make a difference I couldn't say. I caught plenty of fur using it like I said. What I liked most about it was how cheap it is. (I always just bought it at Walmart) and how fast a set goes using it. Put it under the pan and set the trap. Have used fiberglass insulation too. They work about the same for me.

I like polyfil. Never had a problem with it. I think most people use too much.
I use a ball about the size of a large marble. I stretch it out so that it makes a sort of "donut" just to make a barrier for the outside of the pan. If dirt can't get under the pan, you don't need polyfil there.

Thanks danny. I’ve used wax paper since the early nineties. I tried some peat last year. Still not sure what I think of it. I’m looking forward to giving poly a try. Long ways from the inner tub pan covers I used my first few years.

I like it...

I've tried just about everything you could think of and always end up back at polyfil. We have pack rats, regular rats, field mice, etc. Never had any issues with them dragging it out if it was buried. I've also heard people talk about it freezing under the pan..I just never understood how. I agree with the above posters the people having problems use entirely too much. It doesn't need to be packed under the pan just enough fluff to cover the gaps. I had a $2 bag from Wal-Mart that had lasted me four seasons up until I moved this June. There was still a 3/4 bag left but I was in a pitching mood with a dumpster out front.

Good to know. Thanks Wade. I’ve been nervous as heck about using it. I hate trying new things. I’ve been getting the sam hamburger at Wendy’s for 30 years lol

Most trappers use 10X more than they need. A ziplock sandwich bag full of poly will last for 100's of sets.
All I use.

Idk. Maybe pipe insulation a better option.

Furnace filter. Cut it into pan sized pieces. Soak it in water and put in freezer for an hour... press on it and it will flatten. It won't absorb water and so it won't freeze.

I was referring to you in my post on the first page, and was hoping you would chime in. Thanks

When you think about it, we want the pan to fall smooth and crisp. Why do we put something under the pan? And yes I’ve used it for years but have switched back to filters over the top. All said and done, everyone should experiment a little and figure out what works the best for you.

I used poly for a long time. Never had a freezing, wet, stiffness, problem at all. Like Mark said, it only takes a little. Just enough to stop dirt from getting under pan. I bought a bag 6 years ago and have about half left.

The biggest key with polly is 2 fold. As Mark stated it takes very little and make darn sure not one fiber is sticking out beyond the pan edges or coon, pac rats etc. will find it. Another way to use polly is to fill dirt holes before big snow. And for subtle flagging. Only takes a few fibers to get attention.

Alright. Makes alot of sense now. Just get a small wad and loosen it up. I was probably using too much. Thank you

I caught a coyote today and I had used polyfil under the pan. In fact I just dragged a trap out of the tote from last year with no prep work and stuck It In the ground. Maybe all this power washing and dying and waxing Isn't all that necessary.

All solid points.

I switched to poly years ago because it allows me to bed dirt inside and outside the trap jaws, something not feasible with pan covers. That way... let 'er rain. Get those dogs up and moving. Other methods don't take as much rain and such and that's when to really catch the numbers!

Just a pinch is all ya need.

I don't understand why not?

Danny,

The simple online answer is because you can't press very hard on an object connected "over" the pan on a pan-tripping device or it'll snap.

There is no continuity over the pan on poly or similar setups, so you can press firmly to bed tightly to hold longer in bad, bad weather my friend. You won't snap the trap unless you press the jaws by accident.

What about underalls? Yes , I know there more expensive. But I tried them about 3 years ago . I was battling wet weather that was more monsun than rain. I tried polyfil , it keep getting washed up toward the dogs on MB-550s. I worried about traps Not firing with poly. So I now run underalls. Cons of underalls are = My quess is in cold freezing weather, they would freeze much easier than , poly. But I never trap in freezing weather.