How can I catch a mouse using a plastic bottle? - briefly
Cut the bottle’s neck off, invert it over a baited base to create a funnel leading into the container, and secure the seam with tape or a rubber band so the mouse can enter but cannot exit. Check the trap regularly and release the captured mouse far from your home.
How can I catch a mouse using a plastic bottle? - in detail
To capture a mouse using a clear plastic bottle, follow these steps.
Gather a 2‑liter soda bottle, a pair of scissors, a small piece of cardboard or stiff paper, a length of thin wire or strong thread, and an attractive bait such as peanut butter, cheese, or a seed mix. Ensure the bottle is clean and free of residue that could deter the rodent.
Cut the bottle near the base, just above the bottom seam, creating a wide opening that will serve as the entry point. Preserve the top portion, including the neck and cap, for the escape route. Make a small rectangular flap from the cardboard that fits snugly into the cut opening and can be lifted when the mouse pushes against it.
Apply a thin layer of bait to the inner side of the bottle, near the bottom. Place the baited bottle on the floor where mouse activity has been observed, positioning it against a wall or along a known travel path. Insert the cardboard flap into the cut opening so that it rests flush against the bottle interior, allowing the mouse to push it aside to reach the bait.
Tie one end of the wire or thread to the bottle’s neck and secure the other end to a stable object, such as a piece of furniture or a hook on the wall, leaving enough slack for the bottle to tip forward when the mouse enters. The tension should be low enough to permit entry but sufficient to cause the bottle to pivot and trap the mouse once the flap is displaced.
Check the trap at regular intervals, preferably every few hours. When a mouse is captured, approach the bottle calmly, cover it with a cloth to reduce stress, and transport it to a release site at least 200 meters away from the building. Gently tilt the bottle to allow the animal to exit, or, if euthanasia is required, follow local regulations for humane disposal.
Safety precautions include wearing gloves to avoid direct contact, keeping the trap out of reach of children and pets, and disposing of any leftover bait to prevent attracting additional rodents. If the trap fails to capture, verify that the flap moves freely, the bait is fresh, and the placement aligns with known mouse pathways. Adjust the wire tension or reposition the bottle as needed.