How can a mouse trap be made from a five‑liter bottle? - briefly
Trim the five‑liter container about 10 cm from the bottom, invert the neck to form a funnel, affix a bait platform on the rim, and connect a spring‑loaded lever that snaps shut when the mouse steps on the platform. The mechanism, often called a «bottle trap», confines the rodent without injury.
How can a mouse trap be made from a five‑liter bottle? - in detail
A 5‑liter plastic bottle can be transformed into an effective rodent catcher by following a series of precise steps.
First, clean the bottle thoroughly and remove any labels. Cut the bottle near the base, leaving a cylindrical section about 15 cm tall. Retain the cut edge; it will serve as the trigger platform.
Second, prepare a bait holder. Insert a small piece of cardboard or stiff paper into the cut opening, forming a narrow ledge that extends inward by 2–3 cm. Secure the material with adhesive tape so that it supports the bait without collapsing.
Third, assemble the trigger mechanism. Cut a thin, sturdy wire or a length of coat‑hanger material to a length of approximately 12 cm. Bend one end into a small hook that can latch onto the lip of the bottle’s cut edge. Attach the opposite end to the bait holder with a loop of tape, allowing the wire to pivot freely.
Fourth, position the bait. Place a morsel of food—such as a peanut or cheese cube—on the ledge. Ensure the bait sits directly under the wire’s hook, so that any movement of the bait will release the latch.
Fifth, set the trap. Tilt the bottle slightly forward, allowing the wire’s hook to rest on the lip of the cut edge. The weight of the bait will keep the hook engaged. When a mouse steps onto the ledge to reach the food, its weight pulls the bait downward, freeing the hook and causing the bottle to snap shut, enclosing the rodent inside.
Finally, place the assembled device along walls, behind appliances, or near known rodent pathways. Check the trap daily, and release captured animals far from the premises or dispose of them according to local regulations.