How can a homemade mouse trap be made? - briefly
A basic trap can be assembled from a wooden spoon, a rubber band, and a small bait cup, with the spoon acting as a lever that snaps shut when the mouse pulls the bait trigger. Position the device along a wall near known activity, placing the bait at the lever’s pivot point for optimal capture.
How can a homemade mouse trap be made? - in detail
A compact device can capture rodents without chemicals, using inexpensive household items. The design relies on a spring‑loaded lever that snaps shut when a mouse triggers a pressure plate.
Materials required
- Sturdy wooden board (approximately 15 × 10 cm)
- Thin spring steel strip (5–7 cm long)
- Small piece of cardboard or plastic for the trigger platform
- Two nails or small screws
- Wire or strong thread for the latch
- Optional bait (peanut butter, cheese)
Construction steps
- Attach the spring steel strip to one end of the board with a nail, leaving the free end free to bend downward.
- Secure the opposite end of the board with a second nail, creating a pivot point.
- Position the trigger platform on the board, aligning its edge with the free end of the spring. The platform should rest lightly on the spring, allowing it to lift when weight is applied.
- Tie a length of wire around the free end of the spring, forming a loop that can be hooked onto a small nail fixed near the pivot. This loop acts as a latch, holding the spring in a tensioned position.
- Place bait on the trigger platform. Adjust the tension by bending the spring until the platform lifts easily under a mouse’s weight, releasing the latch and snapping the board shut.
Setting and maintenance
- Position the trap along walls, near known rodent pathways, with the trigger side facing the wall.
- Check the device every few hours; dispose of captured rodents promptly, wearing gloves.
- Reset the latch after each capture, inspecting the spring for fatigue and replacing if deformation occurs.
- Clean the board with mild detergent to remove residue that could deter future activity.
The described assembly provides a reusable, low‑cost solution for controlling mouse infestations, requiring only basic tools and materials. «Use caution when handling springs to avoid injury».