How can you catch a mouse at home using a bottle? - briefly
Put a small amount of bait at the base of a clear plastic bottle and create an entry funnel by cutting the top off another bottle and inserting it upside‑down so the mouse can get in but not out; when the mouse enters, tilt the bottle gently and slide a stick under it to tip the trap and guide the animal into a release container. Then transport the container outdoors and set the mouse free.
How can you catch a mouse at home using a bottle? - in detail
To capture a house mouse with a bottle, gather a clear plastic or glass container (500 ml–1 L), a length of thin wire or sturdy string, a small piece of food as bait, and a pair of disposable gloves. The bottle must have a smooth interior surface to prevent the animal from climbing out once inside.
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Prepare the trap
- Cut a 2‑inch opening near the bottle’s neck, leaving enough space for the mouse to enter but not to turn around.
- Attach the wire or string to the bottle’s cap, forming a loop that can be pulled quickly.
- Secure the bait (e.g., a peanut butter‑coated cracker) on a small piece of cardboard placed at the far end of the container, ensuring the mouse must travel the full length to reach it.
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Set the device
- Place the bottle on a flat surface near known rodent activity—behind appliances, along walls, or in pantry corners.
- Position the bait so the mouse must step onto a narrow platform that triggers the release mechanism when its weight shifts the bottle’s balance.
- Tension the string so that a slight push from the mouse causes the cap to snap shut, sealing the entry point.
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Monitor and retrieve
- Check the trap every few hours; avoid leaving it unattended for more than 24 hours to prevent stress or injury to the captured animal.
- When the mouse is inside, wear gloves, cover the bottle with a lid, and transport it to a release location at least 200 m from the residence, or dispose of it according to local regulations.
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Safety and hygiene
- Disinfect the bottle and surrounding area with a mild bleach solution after each use.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling the trap, even when gloves are worn.
The method relies on the mouse’s natural curiosity and attraction to food, combined with a simple mechanical closure that activates under minimal force. Proper placement, regular inspection, and humane disposal complete the process.