How can a mouse trap be made at home using a bottle? - briefly
Cut a plastic bottle in half, invert the upper section so the neck points downward, and attach a baited trigger (such as cheese on a small stick) that releases the lid when the mouse pulls it. Place the device on a flat surface; the mouse enters, the bait activates the trigger, and the bottle snaps shut, trapping the rodent.
How can a mouse trap be made at home using a bottle? - in detail
A plastic beverage container can serve as an effective rodent catcher when assembled correctly.
Materials
- One‑liter clear soda bottle, cleaned and dried
- Scissors or a sharp knife
- A sturdy stick or wooden dowel, about 15 cm long
- Thin wire or a strong elastic band
- Peanut butter, cheese, or dried fruit for bait
- Tape (optional)
Construction
- Cut the bottle near the base, leaving a 5‑cm section of the neck and a 10‑cm wide opening.
- Invert the cut neck so the funnel points downward; insert it into the remaining bottle body, forming a trap entrance.
- Secure the junction with tape or a rubber band to prevent leakage.
Trigger mechanism
- Poke a small hole near the rim of the bottle body, large enough for the stick to pass.
- Insert the stick through the hole, allowing it to rest on the bottle’s interior edge, creating a lever that holds the inverted neck open.
- Attach a length of wire or elastic to the stick’s free end and anchor it to the bottle’s outer wall.
Bait placement
- Apply a thin layer of attractant on a small piece of cardboard or directly on the bottle’s interior floor.
- Position the bait just beyond the neck opening, ensuring the mouse must push the neck to reach it.
Operation
- Release the stick so the neck remains propped open.
- When a mouse enters and attempts to obtain the bait, its weight forces the neck to collapse, pulling the stick inward and sealing the entrance.
- The wire or elastic tightens automatically, preventing the animal from escaping.
Placement and maintenance
- Set the device along walls, near known droppings, or close to food sources.
- Check daily; dispose of captured rodents promptly, wearing gloves.
- Clean the bottle thoroughly after each use to maintain hygiene.
This method utilizes basic household items to create a reliable, low‑cost solution for controlling indoor mice without chemicals.