In this article, we shall deal with how to catch a mouse. One of the biggest pest problems that house owners face is a mouse infestation. Not only are mice an annoyance, they also pose a health hazard. Wild mice and rats can be carriers of deadly diseases, like the plague. In addition, they are host to a number of other pests like fleas, ants, and mites. These parasites can spread to your pets if you have any.
Furthermore, mice can damage your home. If they make their way to the food, they can spread contaminants all over it. Hence, it is important to know how to eliminate the problem before they can multiply and overrun your home.
Methods to Catch a Mouse:
Most homeowners use rat/mouse poison to deal with these rodents as they see it as a quick and hassle-free solution. Unfortunately, it has come to light that these poison traps have a negative effect on the environment and eco-system. Once the rodent dies from this poison, they can be picked up and consumed by a predator. A decrease in the population of predators can cause an imbalance in the ecosystem and can lead to a boom in the rodent population. Most of all, this predator could be your own pet. Before you can get rid of a mouse, you would need to catch it first. This is an easy enough task. All you need to do is set a trap and wait for to catch it. But did you know there are many types of traps and various ways to catch a mouse? Read on to explore your options.
1.) Homemade Trap to Catch a Mouse
If you are certain that your rodent problem only comes from one or two mice, then you can make your own trap for catching the critter. This is a humane, as well as a less expensive way to do this. Follow these steps to create your own trap:
- You will need – Empty toilet paper or paper towel tube. A bucket or trash can. Bait for the mouse.
- Flatten one side of your tube. This is so that it can be balanced on the edge of a counter or table. It should be big enough to fit a mouse as well as be able to hold its weight.
- Place your bait on the inside of the tube. Make sure it is all the way on one end. Peanut butter is a good bait. It sticks well to the tube and mice are attracted to it.
- Then balance the tube from the edge of a table or countertop. Place it in a way that half of it is on the surface and the other half is hanging off the edge. Face the baited end off of the edge.
- Now place your bucket or trash can directly under the tube. It is important that the bucket is at least two feet tall or your caught mouse can jump out easily. Arrange this trap in a way that the tube will fall along with the mouse into the bucket.
- Check this trap frequently. If it does not lure the mouse in on the first night, do not worry. Mice are naturally cautious, so wait a few nights for this to work.
- Release the caught mouse as far as possible from your house. Otherwise, it could return to its nest.
2.) Plastic Snap Traps to Catch a Mouse
You are probably aware of the classic wooden snap trap. This product is symbolic of catching mice and even used to a great extent in cartoons and shows. Just think back to everyone’s favorite Tom & Jerry. But the reality is that the wooden traps are hard to set. In addition, they have a one-time use. Opposite to this, the newer plastic snap traps are hard, durable and easy to set. These traps are reusable.
- How it works: Most of these traps have a little cup-like bait area. In this, you place the bait to catch a mouse. Pull the metal lever back to a 90-degree angle. This ensures a faster snap to catch the mouse as opposed to the 180 degrees snap angle of the older model.
- Pros: It is easy to set, and release. The metal bar is very sturdy. Release bar is set in a way that you need not touch the dead mouse. Reusable trap. A quick and humane death for the mouse. Affordable cost.
- Cons: The dead mouse will be visible. This method is probably not the best for the squeamish.
3.) Catch a Mouse with Live Traps
If you do not want to deal with killing a mouse, one way to deal with your mouse problem is to use a catch and release trap. These traps are also called “live traps” as they capture the rodent without harming. For these kinds of traps, you must release the caught rodent outside, far from any human settlement. This is to prevent them from returning. This method is probably the most humane way to catch a mouse. There are a variety of live traps in the market. Some can catch one mouse at a time. Others can catch and hold multiple mice. Pick which is best suited to your needs.
- How it works: You can bait the mouse with something tempting like peanut butter, or a banana. Set the entry door of the trap open. Once the mouse comes and triggers the trap, the door snaps shut, catching the mouse inside.
- Pros: The mouse is not killed. It is a humane way to catch a mouse.
- Cons: You must take care to release the caught mice regularly. Do not let them stay in and starve. This trap requires close monitoring. Also, you will have to handle the trap with the live mice inside. Make sure to release them far away from your house otherwise, you risk them returning to their nest.
4.) Use Electric Mouse Trap to Catch a Mouse
This is a fast and effective way to trap mice. In addition, it is another humane way to kill off the mice. Thanks to how this trap works, the mice can have a quick and easy death. Usually, mice live in groups. So it is smart to get more than one of these traps. Also, it is more economical in the long run and these traps are reusable.
- How it works: Open the lid and use bait that is tempting for a mouse. For this type of trap, the baiting area is at the back so the mouse is usually forced to enter all the way inside. The mouse then triggers the sensor which snaps the door shut. Then a high volt electric current passes through the trap. This electrocutes the mouse quickly and painlessly. All that is left is for you to release the top, turn it upside down and empty the dead mouse outside.
- Pros: High success rate. Does not leave the mice injured. Similarly, the mice do not get away with the bait. It is reusable and can last for years. Since the unit is enclosed, you do not have to see or touch the dead mouse.
- Cons: It may be a little expensive for a one time use. But these are reusable and survives for the long run. Depending on the model, they will need to be recharged for use.
5.) Catch a Mouse with Plastic Enclosed Traps
This type of mouse trap is very effective to catch mice. In addition, these are safe to use around pets and children. This method is probably the cleanest way to trap mice. Moreover, this trap is excellent if you do not have a regular mouse problem. It is best for a one-time use.
- How it works: These traps are enclosed in a hard plastic shell that blocks you from seeing the trapped mouse. There is a compartment inside where you can set the bait. Make sure to use a tempting bait for a mouse. Set the mouse trap and leave it to catch a mouse. Finally, once the mouse triggers the sensor, the spring snaps the trap shut. Now all you need to do is throw the entire thing into the trash.
- Pros: Very clean catch. If you are squeamish, this is probably the best option for you. You do not need to see or touch the dead mouse. It is safe to use around pets and children. And as the entire trap is enclosed in plastic, they cannot trigger the snap trap and injure themselves.
- Cons: Not reusable traps. Can become expensive if mice infestation is large or a recurring problem. It is not ecological.