How can I catch a mouse using a glass bottle?

How can I catch a mouse using a glass bottle? - briefly

Place cheese or peanut butter at the narrow rim of a clean glass bottle, position it so the mouse can enter but cannot climb out because the interior is smooth. After entry, tilt the bottle and slide a rigid board underneath to secure the rodent for release.

How can I catch a mouse using a glass bottle? - in detail

Capturing a rodent with a glass container relies on the animal’s natural curiosity and the transparent barrier that prevents escape once the creature enters.

A suitable trap requires:

  • A clear glass bottle with a wide opening (e.g., a soda or juice bottle);
  • A small piece of soft food that the mouse prefers (cheese, peanut butter, or seed mix);
  • A piece of cardboard or thin wood to support the bottle’s neck;
  • A gentle adhesive strip or a rubber band to keep the bottle upright;
  • Gloves for handling the trap safely.

Preparation steps:

  1. Clean the bottle thoroughly; any residue may deter the target.
  2. Cut a small slit in the cardboard, slightly larger than the bottle’s neck, and insert the bottle so that the opening faces outward.
  3. Secure the bottle with the adhesive strip or rubber band, ensuring it remains vertical but can tip if the mouse pushes against the side.
  4. Place the «bait» on a small platform just inside the bottle’s mouth, positioning it so the mouse must enter fully to reach the food.
  5. Set the trap along walls, behind appliances, or in areas where droppings have been observed; mice tend to travel close to surfaces.

Monitoring and capture:

  • Check the trap at regular intervals, preferably every few hours, to prevent prolonged confinement.
  • When the mouse enters, its weight will cause the bottle to tilt, sealing the opening against the supporting surface and trapping the animal inside.
  • Once captured, approach the bottle with gloves, cover the opening with a lid or cloth, and transport the container to a release point far from the original location (at least 1 km) or to a humane disposal facility.

Safety considerations:

  • Avoid using toxic baits; the goal is a non‑lethal capture.
  • Ensure children and pets cannot access the trap.
  • Clean the bottle after each use to maintain effectiveness.