How can you catch a mouse in an apartment using a bottle? - briefly
Set a baited bottle trap on a flat surface, tilt it just enough for a mouse to slip inside but not climb out; the animal’s weight will cause the bottle to tip further, sealing the opening and preventing escape.
How can you catch a mouse in an apartment using a bottle? - in detail
A glass or plastic bottle can serve as an effective trap when a small rodent is present in a living space. The principle relies on a one‑way entry: the mouse can climb inside but cannot escape because the opening becomes a barrier once the creature is inside.
Materials needed
- 2‑liter soda bottle or similar container with a wide mouth
- Small piece of cardboard or thick paper
- Bait (peanut butter, cheese, or dried fruit)
- Tape or rubber bands
- Scissors or a sharp knife
Construction steps
- Remove the bottle’s label and clean the interior.
- Cut the bottle near the base, leaving a 2‑inch lip around the opening.
- Puncture a small hole in the side, just above the cut, large enough for the mouse to pass.
- Insert the cardboard piece through the hole, forming a funnel that narrows toward the interior. Secure it with tape so the funnel cannot be displaced.
- Apply a thin layer of bait on the inner wall of the funnel, near the opening.
- Place the trap on a flat surface close to walls, behind furniture, or along known mouse pathways.
Operational guidance
- Position the trap where droppings or gnaw marks are evident.
- Check the device every few hours; a mouse will enter to reach the bait, then become trapped as the funnel collapses under its weight.
- Once captured, cover the bottle with a lid, slide a piece of cardboard underneath, and slide the whole assembly outside. Release the animal at least 100 meters from the building, or dispose of it according to local regulations.
Safety considerations
- Wear gloves when handling the trap to avoid disease transmission.
- Keep the bait away from children and pets.
- Ensure the bottle is stable; a tipping trap may allow escape.
Maintenance
- Replace bait daily if no capture occurs.
- Clean the bottle after each use to prevent odor buildup, which could deter future attempts.
By following this method, a simple container becomes a reliable, low‑cost solution for controlling a rodent in a residential setting without resorting to poisons or complex devices.