How can you catch mice using a plastic bottle? - briefly
Cut the bottle’s neck, invert the top to create a funnel, and secure it with tape; place a small amount of bait at the base and set the trap along mouse pathways. When a mouse enters through the narrow opening, it cannot navigate back out, allowing you to capture it.
How can you catch mice using a plastic bottle? - in detail
A plastic bottle can serve as an inexpensive, effective rodent trap when prepared correctly.
Materials required
- Empty PET bottle (500 ml or larger)
- Sharp knife or scissors
- Small piece of cardboard or stiff paper
- Bait (peanut butter, cheese, or seed mix)
- Tape or rubber band
Construction steps
- Cut the bottle near the top, leaving a 2‑3 cm lip to prevent the trap from collapsing.
- Invert the cut section so the mouth faces downward, creating a funnel that leads into the bottle’s interior.
- Secure the inverted piece with tape or a rubber band, ensuring no gaps remain.
- Attach a small platform of cardboard inside the bottle, positioned just below the funnel opening, to hold the bait.
Placement and operation
- Position the trap along walls, behind appliances, or near known mouse pathways; rodents prefer traveling close to vertical surfaces.
- Apply a thin layer of bait on the platform, enough to attract but not to spill.
- Check the trap daily; once a mouse enters, it cannot escape because the funnel’s angle and smooth interior prevent backward movement.
Removal and disposal
- Wear gloves when handling a captured mouse.
- Seal the bottle with its original cap, place it in a plastic bag, and dispose of it according to local regulations.
- Clean the area with a mild disinfectant to remove scent trails that might deter future captures.
Safety considerations
- Keep the trap out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not use toxic baits; they pose unnecessary risk and may contaminate the environment.
By following these precise steps, a simple plastic bottle becomes a reliable tool for controlling mouse activity in homes or storage spaces.