How can I catch a mouse in the house at home? - briefly
Place snap or humane live traps along walls, bait them with peanut butter or cheese, and inspect them frequently. Seal entry gaps and remove accessible food to stop additional rodents from entering.
How can I catch a mouse in the house at home? - in detail
Capturing a house mouse requires a systematic approach that combines sanitation, exclusion, and trapping.
First, eliminate food sources. Store pantry items in airtight containers, clean crumbs and spills immediately, and keep pet food sealed when not in use. Reducing available nourishment forces the rodent to seek shelter elsewhere, making it more likely to encounter traps.
Second, block entry points. Inspect walls, floors, and foundations for gaps larger than a quarter‑inch. Seal cracks with steel wool followed by caulk or use expanding foam for larger openings. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens to prevent re‑entry.
Third, select an appropriate trapping method. Options include:
- Snap traps – positioned perpendicular to walls, with the trigger end facing the wall. Bait with peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit. Check daily and replace promptly.
- Live‑catch traps – placed along known runways, baited similarly. Release captured mice at least one mile from the residence to avoid re‑infestation.
- Electronic traps – deliver a quick, humane shock. Require batteries and periodic cleaning of the carcass compartment.
- Glue boards – generally discouraged due to animal welfare concerns but may be used in concealed areas such as under appliances.
Place traps where mouse activity is evident: near droppings, gnaw marks, or along baseboards. Deploy multiple devices—three to five per room—to increase capture probability. Space traps 1–2 feet apart, aligning them parallel to the wall.
Fourth, monitor and adjust. After each capture, relocate traps to fresh locations, rotate bait types, and ensure no new food sources have appeared. Continue the cycle for at least two weeks after the last sighting to confirm eradication.
Finally, maintain preventive measures. Conduct quarterly inspections of the building envelope, keep clutter to a minimum, and reinforce sanitation habits. Consistent application of these steps eliminates the immediate problem and reduces the risk of future invasions.