How can you catch mice in a plastic bottle? - briefly
Place bait at the bottom of a clean plastic bottle, cut a narrow funnel from the neck, and orient it so the mouse can enter but not exit. Secure the funnel opening with tape or a rubber band and check the trap each day.
How can you catch mice in a plastic bottle? - in detail
To construct an effective rodent trap from a clear plastic bottle, gather a 2‑liter soda container, a sharp cutting tool, strong tape or zip ties, a small piece of cheese, peanut butter, or dried fruit for bait, and a flashlight for monitoring.
- Prepare the bottle – Cut the top third off just below the neck using a scissors or utility knife. The cut should be clean to avoid sharp edges that could injure the animal or the handler.
- Create an entry funnel – Invert the cut section and insert it into the lower part of the bottle so that the opening faces downward, forming a cone. Secure the joint with tape or zip ties, ensuring no gaps.
- Add bait – Place a pea‑sized amount of attractant on a small piece of cardboard or directly on the interior wall near the base of the funnel. The scent should be strong enough to draw the mouse but not so large that it overwhelms the trap’s interior.
- Set the trap – Position the assembled device on a flat surface along a wall or near known mouse activity. Mice naturally travel close to edges; aligning the funnel’s entrance with the wall increases capture probability.
- Monitor and release – Check the trap at intervals of 30–60 minutes. When a mouse enters, it will move toward the bait and become trapped by the narrowing cone, unable to reverse direction. To release, wear gloves, transport the bottle outdoors, invert the funnel, and allow the animal to exit.
Safety considerations – Wear protective gloves when handling the trap to avoid bites and potential disease transmission. Dispose of any spilled bait promptly to prevent attracting other pests.
Maintenance – Clean the bottle with hot, soapy water after each use. Replace bait daily to maintain effectiveness.
By following these steps, a simple PET bottle becomes a reusable, low‑cost device capable of capturing mice without lethal force.