How can you catch a mouse at home? - briefly
Use snap traps or humane live traps baited with peanut butter and position them along walls, near droppings, or in concealed corners; inspect and reset them frequently. After capture, seal cracks and gaps to block future entry.
How can you catch a mouse at home? - in detail
Catching a rodent inside a residence requires a systematic approach that combines identification, preparation, and execution. Begin by locating activity zones: droppings, gnaw marks, or fresh food containers indicate travel paths. Place traps along these routes, ensuring they align with the mouse’s natural tendency to follow walls.
Select trap types according to safety and effectiveness:
- Snap traps: steel bar delivers instantaneous kill; position baited side toward wall, set trigger just before contact.
- Live‑capture cages: hinged door closes when animal enters; use strong attractant and release outside a safe distance.
- Electronic devices: deliver high‑voltage shock; require power source and periodic cleaning.
- Glue boards: adhesive surface immobilizes; reserve for secondary use as they cause prolonged suffering.
Bait formulation influences success. Preferred attractants include peanut butter, small pieces of cheese, or a mixture of oats and dried fruit. Apply a pea‑size amount to the trigger mechanism; excess bait may allow the mouse to feed without activating the trap.
Maintain a clean environment to increase trap efficacy. Seal entry points with steel wool or caulking, store food in airtight containers, and eliminate water sources. Regularly inspect traps, discarding captured rodents promptly and resetting devices with fresh bait.
If multiple individuals are present, coordinate placement to avoid overlapping zones. Rotate trap locations every few days to prevent habituation. In cases of heavy infestation, consider professional pest control for comprehensive sealing and monitoring.