How can you catch a mouse in a plastic bottle with oil? - briefly
Coat the inner walls of a clear plastic bottle with a thin film of oil, place a small food lure at the neck, and set the trap on a mouse pathway. The oil creates a slippery surface that prevents the rodent from climbing back out after it slips inside.
How can you catch a mouse in a plastic bottle with oil? - in detail
To capture a rodent using a clear bottle and a thin layer of oil, follow these precise steps.
First, select a bottle with a wide opening—preferably a 1‑ to 2‑liter soda or water container. Remove any label and wash the interior thoroughly to eliminate odors that might deter the animal. Dry the bottle completely.
Next, prepare the bait. Small pieces of cheese, peanut butter, or dried fruit work well because they emit a strong scent and are easy for a mouse to grasp. Place the bait on a small piece of paper or a thin wooden stick so it can rest on the bottle’s rim without falling in.
Apply oil to the interior surface just below the opening. A few drops of vegetable or mineral oil spread thinly with a paper towel create a slick area that prevents the mouse from climbing out once it enters. Do not saturate the bottle; excess oil can cause the animal to slip and injure itself, which defeats humane capture goals.
Position the bottle on the floor near known activity zones—along walls, behind appliances, or where droppings have been observed. Tilt the bottle slightly forward so the opening faces the bait. The mouse will investigate, step onto the rim, and lose footing on the oily surface, causing it to tumble into the bottle.
After capture, seal the bottle immediately with its original cap. Keep the lid tight to avoid escape. Transport the container to a release site at least 100 meters from the original location, preferably in a wooded or field area. Open the bottle on its side, allowing the mouse to exit onto natural cover.
Safety considerations include wearing disposable gloves when handling the bait and the trapped animal, and disposing of any used oil responsibly to prevent environmental contamination. If multiple captures are needed, repeat the setup with fresh bait and a re‑oiled surface each time.