How can a mouse be retrieved from under a sofa? - briefly
Use a shallow trap or a small container placed at the opening, then gently coax the rodent toward it with a piece of food and slide a rigid board under the sofa to lift the trap without disturbing the animal. Once captured, release the mouse outdoors at a safe distance from the residence.
How can a mouse be retrieved from under a sofa? - in detail
When a rodent becomes trapped beneath a couch, immediate, systematic action prevents injury to the animal and damage to household furnishings.
First, isolate the area. Turn off lights in adjacent rooms to reduce escape routes. Close doors leading to other spaces, and place a towel or cardboard barrier at the sofa’s foot to block further movement.
Next, assess access possibilities. If the gap between the floor and the sofa is wide enough, a gentle hand‑over approach can be used; otherwise, employ tools that extend reach without causing harm. Recommended instruments include:
- A slender, flexible grabber with soft rubber tips, inserted slowly to locate the mouse and secure it by the hindquarters.
- A small, humane live‑catch trap positioned at the opening, baited with peanut butter or sunflower seeds, checked frequently.
- A thin cardboard sheet slid beneath the sofa to coax the creature onto a flat surface, then lifted carefully.
If manual extraction is chosen, wear thick gloves to protect against bites. Approach the mouse calmly, avoid sudden movements, and grasp the base of its tail or hind legs. Lift steadily, keeping the animal level to prevent spinal injury.
After successful removal, release the mouse at least 100 meters from the residence, preferably in a wooded or grassy area. Clean the exposed floor and sofa underside with a mild disinfectant to eliminate scent trails. Inspect the sofa’s legs and surrounding walls for gaps; seal any openings with steel wool or caulk to deter future incursions.
Regular sanitation, food storage in sealed containers, and periodic inspection of entry points constitute long‑term prevention.