How can you catch a mouse without a trap using a bottle? - briefly
Place a shallow bottle on the floor, bait its opening with food, and set a gentle ramp so the mouse climbs in; once inside, tilt the bottle to prevent escape.
How can you catch a mouse without a trap using a bottle? - in detail
To capture a rodent with a bottle while avoiding a conventional trap, follow a method that relies on a simple funnel mechanism, appropriate bait, and careful placement.
Materials required
- A clear glass or sturdy plastic bottle (500 ml to 1 L)
- A small piece of flexible tubing or a thin strip of stiff cardboard
- Attractive food (peanut butter, cheese, seeds)
- Tape or rubber band for sealing
Construction steps
- Remove the bottle’s cap and clean the interior thoroughly.
- Cut a circular opening in the bottle’s neck, leaving a margin of at least 2 cm to maintain structural integrity.
- Insert the tubing or cardboard strip to create a narrow, sloping passage that leads from the opening toward the bottle’s interior, forming a one‑way funnel.
- Secure the passage with tape or a rubber band, ensuring no gaps remain.
Bait placement
- Apply a thin layer of high‑fat food to the interior base of the bottle, directly beneath the funnel entrance.
- Position the bait so the mouse must enter through the funnel to reach it.
Deployment strategy
- Place the assembled device along known rodent pathways, near walls, behind appliances, or close to food sources.
- Ensure the bottle rests on a stable surface; a slight incline can encourage entry.
Monitoring and retrieval
- Check the bottle at regular intervals, preferably every few hours, to avoid prolonged confinement.
- When a mouse is observed inside, cover the bottle with a lid or cloth, then transport it to a release location far from the original site.
Safety considerations
- Wear gloves when handling the bottle to prevent disease transmission.
- Avoid using toxic baits; choose edible attractants that do not harm the animal.
By constructing a funnel‑type capture device from a common bottle and applying these precise steps, a mouse can be trapped effectively without employing a traditional snap or glue trap.