How can you catch a mouse in the house?

Question

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How can you catch a mouse in the house? - briefly
Use snap or live‑catch traps positioned along walls and near food sources, baited with peanut butter, and inspect them daily. After removal, seal any gaps or openings to prevent re‑entry.

How can you catch a mouse in the house? - in detail
Mice infiltrate residential spaces in search of food, water, and shelter. Effective removal begins with identification of activity signs—droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting material—and proceeds to strategic placement of capture devices.

Inspection and exclusion

Seal gaps larger than ¼ inches in walls, floors, doors, and windows using steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth.
Repair damaged screens and install door sweeps.

Selection of traps

Snap traps: Stainless‑steel mechanisms provide rapid kill; load with ¼‑inch pieces of peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit.
Live‑catch traps: Wire cages with a hinged door capture without injury; bait similarly.
Electronic traps: Battery‑powered units deliver a lethal shock; require placement in concealed areas.

Bait placement and positioning

Position traps perpendicular to walls, with the trigger side facing the expected travel route.
Place bait at the back of the trap to ensure the mouse contacts the trigger.
Deploy traps along baseboards, behind appliances, and in dark corners where droppings are observed.

Monitoring and maintenance

Check traps daily; dispose of dead rodents in sealed bags and disinfect the area with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water).
Reset live‑catch devices promptly; release captured mice at least 2 miles from the residence, following local wildlife regulations.

Sanitation and deterrence

Store food in airtight containers; clean crumbs and spills immediately.
Remove standing water sources, fix leaky pipes, and keep garbage bins sealed.
Apply non‑toxic repellents—such as peppermint oil‑soaked cotton balls—near entry points to discourage re‑infestation.

By combining thorough exclusion, appropriate trap selection, precise baiting, and diligent upkeep, homeowners can reliably eliminate mouse presence while minimizing health risks and property damage.