How can a mouse trap be made easily? - briefly
Use a small wooden plank, a spring steel coat‑hanger bent into a trigger, and a piece of food as bait; secure the hinge so the spring snaps shut when the rod is released by the mouse. Dispose of captured rodents promptly and reset the mechanism for reuse.
How can a mouse trap be made easily? - in detail
A practical mouse catcher can be assembled with items commonly found at home or in a hardware store. The design relies on a spring‑loaded bar that snaps shut when the animal triggers a lever.
Materials
- 1 × wooden or plastic base, approximately 10 × 5 cm
- 1 × spring (from a discarded pen or small hardware spring)
- 1 × thin wooden stick or stiff cardboard for the snap bar
- 1 × small piece of bait (peanut butter, cheese, or dried fruit)
- 1 × nail or small screw
- 1 × thin wire or strong thread for the trigger
Construction steps
- Attach the spring to one end of the base using the nail; the spring should protrude upward.
- Position the snap bar against the spring so that it rests under tension, leaving a small gap between the bar and the base.
- Secure the opposite end of the bar to the base with a hinge made from the wire, allowing the bar to pivot.
- Create a trigger platform by bending a short length of wire into a U‑shape and fixing it near the bar’s resting position.
- Place the bait on the trigger platform; the mouse’s weight will depress the platform, releasing the bar.
- Test the mechanism by gently pulling the bar back; it should snap shut when released.
Safety and disposal
- Wear gloves when handling the spring to avoid injury.
- Position the trap away from children and pets.
- After capture, release the mouse outdoors at least 50 m from the building, or dispose of it according to local regulations.
Tips for reliability