How can I catch a mouse in the house without a trap into a jar? - briefly
Put a smooth container (e.g., a jar or cup) with bait inside and smear petroleum jelly around the opening; the mouse will enter for the food and the slippery rim will prevent it from climbing out, allowing you to release it safely later.
How can I catch a mouse in the house without a trap into a jar? - in detail
Capturing a rodent indoors without a conventional trap requires a simple, humane device that lures the animal into a sealed container. The approach relies on the mouse’s natural curiosity and preference for concealed food sources.
Prepare the following items: a wide‑mouth glass jar with a lid, a piece of cardboard or stiff paper, a small amount of high‑protein bait (peanut butter, cheese, or sunflower seeds), and a rubber band or tape. Clean the jar thoroughly to remove any odors that might deter the mouse.
Create an entry funnel by cutting a cone from the cardboard, tapering it to a diameter slightly smaller than the jar opening. Poke a small hole at the tip of the cone, insert the cone into the jar so the narrow end rests just inside the rim, and secure it with the rubber band. Smear the bait on the inner side of the cone near the hole, ensuring the scent is visible but not obstructing the passage.
Place the assembled device along walls, behind appliances, or near known activity sites. Mice travel close to surfaces; the narrow entrance encourages them to follow the scent into the jar. Once the animal enters, the cone’s angle prevents easy retreat, and the lid can be closed swiftly.
An alternative uses a shallow cardboard box with a ramp made from a piece of wood or a thick book. Position the bait at the far end of the box, then prop the box against a wall so the mouse must climb the ramp to reach the food. When the mouse steps onto the box, quickly slide a flat lid underneath to trap it, then transfer the animal into a jar.
A third option employs a disposable plastic bottle. Cut the bottle near the base, invert the top portion to form a funnel, and attach it to a larger container with tape. Bait the funnel’s interior and set the assembly similarly to the glass jar method. The transparent material allows observation of the capture process.
After capture, transport the jar outdoors, release the mouse at least 100 meters from the residence, and seal the lid to prevent escape. Clean and disinfect all equipment, then seal entry points such as gaps around pipes, vents, and baseboards to reduce future incursions.