How can I make a mouse trap? - briefly
Place a baited trigger (e.g., a small platform with cheese) under a lightweight lid secured by a simple lever, and position the lever so the mouse’s weight tips it, causing the lid to fall and capture the rodent. Use a sturdy box or container and ensure the mechanism releases quickly for effective trapping.
How can I make a mouse trap? - in detail
To construct an effective rodent capture device, gather the following components: a sturdy wooden or plastic base (approximately 10 × 6 cm), a thin spring steel strip (about 15 cm long), a small piece of cardboard or plastic for the bait platform, a trigger lever, a strong adhesive, and a humane killing element such as a snap bar or a live‑catch cage.
- Cut the base to size and smooth the edges.
- Bend the spring steel into a V‑shape, leaving one end anchored to the base and the opposite end free to move.
- Attach the trigger lever to the free end of the spring using the adhesive; the lever should pivot upward when released.
- Secure the bait platform on the base directly under the lever’s resting position.
- Position the snap bar (or cage door) so that the lever’s release forces it to close rapidly, delivering a lethal blow or sealing the entrance.
- Test the mechanism by pulling the lever back and releasing it; the snap bar must strike within 0.2 seconds.
Load the bait platform with attractive food (peanut butter, seeds, or grain). Place the assembled trap along walls, behind appliances, or in areas showing gnaw marks, ensuring the entry point aligns with the rodent’s natural travel routes. Check the device daily; dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations and reset the trap for continued use.