How can I catch a mouse indoors? - briefly
Place snap or humane live traps near walls, baited with peanut butter or cheese, and inspect them regularly; seal entry points afterward to prevent recurrence.
How can I catch a mouse indoors? - in detail
Capturing a mouse inside a residence requires a systematic approach that addresses identification, placement, bait selection, and safe removal.
First, confirm activity by looking for droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting material. Concentrate efforts near walls, behind appliances, and in dark corners where rodents travel.
Next, choose an appropriate trap. Options include:
- Snap traps – rapid kill, reusable, require precise placement.
- Live‑catch traps – humane capture, allow release far from the property.
- Glue boards – adhesive surface, best for short‑term use in confined areas.
Select bait that appeals to rodents. Effective choices are:
- Peanut butter mixed with oats.
- Small pieces of cheese or meat.
- Commercial rodent lures containing grain and soy.
Apply a pea‑sized amount of bait to the trigger mechanism. Position the trap perpendicular to the wall, with the trigger end facing the wall, because mice prefer to run along baseboards.
Set multiple traps along established pathways, spacing them 2–3 feet apart. Check traps daily; replace any that have been triggered or become inactive.
For live‑catch devices, wear gloves when handling captured mice. Release the animal at least one mile away from the building, preferably in a wooded area, to prevent re‑entry.
After successful captures, seal entry points. Use steel wool or copper mesh to fill gaps, then cover with caulk or expanding foam. Repair damaged screens, and install door sweeps to block new ingress.
Maintain cleanliness to reduce attractants: store food in sealed containers, clean crumbs promptly, and keep garbage bins closed. Regular inspection and trap rotation will keep the rodent population under control.