How can I get rid of mice using mouse traps? - briefly
Place snap or electronic traps along walls, near known activity sites, and bait them with peanut butter or dried fruit; check and replace them daily until no sightings occur. Seal entry points afterward to prevent reinfestation.
How can I get rid of mice using mouse traps? - in detail
Effective rodent control with snap, glue, or electronic traps requires precise preparation, strategic placement, and proper disposal.
Select a trap that matches the environment. Snap traps provide rapid kill and are reusable; glue boards capture without killing but demand frequent checking; electronic devices deliver a lethal shock and reduce mess. Choose a model with a sensitive trigger and a secure housing to prevent accidental activation.
Prepare the bait. Peanut butter, small pieces of cheese, or dried fruit offer strong odor and adhesion. Apply a pea‑size amount to the trigger mechanism, ensuring the lure does not obstruct the spring. Avoid overly large portions that allow mice to feed without triggering the device.
Position traps along established pathways. Identify runways by looking for droppings, gnaw marks, or grease trails. Place traps perpendicular to walls, with the trigger side facing the wall, because mice travel close to surfaces. Install at a height of 2–4 inches from the floor, the typical cruising level for house mice.
Set traps securely. Pull the spring back until the safety latch clicks, then release the latch only after confirming the bait is in place. Test each device for proper function before leaving it unattended.
Monitor daily. Remove captured rodents promptly, wearing disposable gloves. Dispose of the carcass in a sealed plastic bag and discard it in an outdoor trash container. Reset the trap with fresh bait, or relocate it if no activity is observed after three days.
Implement preventative measures to sustain results. Seal entry points larger than ¼ inch with steel wool and caulk. Store food in airtight containers, and eliminate standing water. Maintain cleanliness to reduce attractants, thereby decreasing the likelihood of reinfestation.
Repeat the cycle until no further captures occur for a week, then remove all traps. Conduct a final inspection of the premises to verify that all potential ingress routes are blocked and that the environment remains inhospitable to rodents.