How can I catch a mouse at home? - briefly
Place snap or humane live traps along walls, bait them with peanut butter or cheese, and inspect them daily to remove captured rodents. Seal entry points afterward to prevent re‑infestation.
How can I catch a mouse at home? - in detail
Capturing a mouse inside a dwelling requires a systematic approach: identification, preparation, placement, monitoring, and removal.
First, confirm activity by looking for droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting material. Concentrate efforts where evidence accumulates, such as along walls, behind appliances, or in cabinets.
Prepare traps that suit the situation:
- Snap traps: wooden or plastic bases with a spring‑loaded bar; load with a small piece of peanut butter, cheese, or dried fruit.
- Live‑capture cages: plastic or metal enclosures with a hinged door; bait similarly.
- Glue boards: cardboard strips coated with adhesive; reserve for areas where non‑lethal capture is not required.
Select bait based on mouse preferences: high‑fat foods (peanut butter, bacon bits) or strong scents (cereal, chocolate). Apply a pea‑sized amount to the trigger mechanism to avoid spillage that could deter the rodent.
Position traps perpendicular to the wall, with the trigger side facing the expected travel path. Place them 1–2 inches from the wall, as mice prefer to run close to surfaces. Deploy multiple devices at each hotspot, spacing them 6–12 inches apart to increase encounter probability.
Check traps daily. For snap devices, dispose of the carcass in a sealed bag and discard in an outdoor trash container. For live cages, transport the animal at least 100 feet from the residence, release it in a wooded area, and clean the trap thoroughly before reuse. Glue boards should be handled with gloves; seal the board in a plastic bag and dispose of it with regular waste.
Maintain a preventive environment: seal gaps larger than ¼ inch with steel wool and caulk, store food in airtight containers, and keep clutter to a minimum. Regular inspection and prompt trap replacement sustain control and prevent re‑infestation.