How can I lure a mouse out of its burrow? - briefly
Place a small amount of high‑protein bait such as peanut butter or seed mix at the burrow entrance and wait quietly, letting the scent draw the mouse out. Alternatively, set a live‑capture trap with the same attractant and release the captured animal outdoors.
How can I lure a mouse out of its burrow? - in detail
Mice reside in concealed passages that connect to surface routes. Effective extraction requires understanding of their foraging habits and strategic placement of attractants and capture devices.
Identify all visible openings and trace the most frequently used pathway. Ensure the area is free of hazards that could injure the animal or compromise the trap. Choose a capture method that matches the intended outcome, whether relocation or extermination.
Bait selections that stimulate strong feeding responses include:
- Peanut butter applied in a thin layer
- Sunflower or millet seeds
- Small pieces of dried fruit
- Soft cheese, limited to a pea‑sized portion
Capture devices fall into several categories:
- Live‑catch cages equipped with a single‑door trigger, allowing humane removal
- Snap traps with a calibrated spring, positioned for rapid kill
- Adhesive boards, useful for secondary confirmation but not primary luring
- Bucket traps: a ramp leads into a shallow container, preventing escape
Placement guidelines:
- Position baited traps directly in line with the identified tunnel entrance
- Align the trap on the mouse’s natural travel corridor, typically a low‑lying wall or floor edge
- Secure the trap to prevent displacement by vibrations or other animals
- Apply a light dusting of powdered chalk or talc near the entrance to highlight the pathway without deterring the mouse
After setting, monitor the traps at intervals of 15–30 minutes during peak activity periods (dusk and early morning). Upon capture, handle the mouse with gloves, release it at a distance of at least 100 meters from the original site, or dispose of it according to local regulations. Reset traps promptly if the target remains undetected, adjusting bait type or placement as necessary.