How can a mouse be caught in an apartment without a trap, without killing it? - briefly
Set a shallow bucket or jar near the mouse’s activity area, bait it with a strong-smelling food such as peanut butter, and balance a lightweight cover so the rodent can push it aside to enter but cannot lift it out. Once captured, carry the container outside and release the animal away from the residence.
How can a mouse be caught in an apartment without a trap, without killing it? - in detail
Capture a mouse in a flat without employing a commercial trap and without causing injury by using improvised, humane devices and strategic placement of bait.
First, identify the mouse’s activity zones. Look for fresh droppings, gnaw marks, and grease trails along walls, cabinets, and behind appliances. Place a small, shallow container—such as a plastic yogurt cup, a disposable coffee mug, or a shallow dish—directly on the path. Secure the container with a smooth ramp made from a piece of cardboard or a thin piece of wood, angled gently toward the opening. The mouse will run up the ramp, fall into the container, and be unable to climb out because the interior walls are smooth.
Bait the trap with high‑energy food that mice prefer: a dab of peanut butter, a small piece of cheese, or a few grains of sunflower seeds. Apply a thin layer to the far side of the container so the mouse must reach into the interior to obtain it. Once the rodent is inside, the smooth interior prevents escape.
Check the container frequently, at least every two hours, to avoid stress. When a mouse is captured, approach calmly, cover the container with a lid or a piece of cardboard, and slide the lid to seal the opening. Transport the animal to a location at least 200 m from the residence, release it in a wooded or grassy area, and observe until it disappears.
To increase success, repeat the setup in multiple locations: near known entry points, behind the refrigerator, and along baseboards. Ensure all gaps larger than 1 cm are sealed after removal to prevent re‑entry. Use steel wool or caulk to close holes, and keep food stored in airtight containers to eliminate attractants.
If a container is unavailable, construct a live‑capture box from a cardboard box with a lid. Cut a small opening on one side, attach a piece of thin cardboard as a hinged door that closes when the mouse pushes through, and place bait inside. The mouse enters, the door shuts, and the box can be lifted and sealed.
These methods rely on simple materials, do not involve lethal mechanisms, and respect the animal’s welfare while solving the infestation problem.