How can I catch a mouse using a bottle and oil? - briefly
Spread a thin coat of oil inside a clear bottle, insert a small piece of bait at the neck, and position the trap along a mouse pathway; the rodent slips on the oily surface and slides into the bottle. Once inside, seal the opening to retain the animal.
How can I catch a mouse using a bottle and oil? - in detail
A clear‑sided bottle, preferably a 2‑liter soda or juice container, serves as the trap. The interior wall must be coated with a thin layer of a low‑viscosity oil such as vegetable or mineral oil; this creates a slick surface that prevents the mouse from gaining traction.
The bait should be a small piece of high‑protein food—peanut butter, cooked egg, or dried insects—applied to the bottle’s opening. Secure the bottle upside down on a stable platform so that the opening faces upward. Place a lightweight rod or a strip of tape across the opening, positioned just enough to support the bait but to collapse when the mouse steps onto the oily surface.
When the rodent approaches, it grasps the bait, steps onto the oily interior, and loses footing. The supporting strip gives way, causing the bottle to tip forward and enclose the mouse inside. The lid can be sealed with tape or a rubber band to prevent escape.
After capture, relocate the bottle to a safe area, wear gloves, and release the animal or euthanize according to local regulations. Clean the bottle thoroughly before reuse.
Key considerations
- Use oil sparingly; excess can attract insects.
- Ensure the bottle is stable to avoid accidental tipping.
- Position the trap along walls or near known activity trails.
- Check the trap frequently to minimize stress on the captured mouse.
Follow these steps to achieve an effective, low‑cost rodent capture method using only a bottle and a lubricating agent.