How can you lure a mouse out from under a sofa? - briefly
Use an attractive food bait—such as a dab of peanut butter, cheese, or chocolate—placed on a snap trap or a live‑catch cage just beyond the sofa’s edge, and keep the area quiet to encourage the mouse to emerge. Ensure the bait is fresh and the trap is positioned where the rodent can easily access it without feeling threatened.
How can you lure a mouse out from under a sofa? - in detail
A small rodent hiding beneath a couch can be coaxed out by manipulating its need for food, safety, and a clear escape route.
First, clear the area around the furniture. Move lightweight items away, vacuum debris, and seal cracks in walls or baseboards to prevent the animal from finding alternative shelters.
Select an attractive lure. Peanut butter, dried fruit, or a piece of cheese placed on a shallow dish works well because the scent penetrates the cramped space. Position the bait directly under the cushion edge where the mouse is likely to travel, ensuring it does not touch the floor to avoid spillage.
Deploy a capture device. A snap trap fitted with the chosen bait should be set perpendicular to the couch leg, with the trigger facing the expected path. For humane purposes, a live‑catch cage with a single entry hole works equally, allowing later release far from the residence.
Create a gentle disturbance to motivate movement. Lightly tap the sofa legs, produce low‑frequency vibrations with a handheld massager, or shine a narrow beam of light toward the bait. These stimuli signal a change in the environment, prompting the rodent to seek the food source.
Monitor the setup at intervals of 15–30 minutes. Once the mouse engages the trap or enters the cage, approach calmly, remove the device, and, if using a live trap, transport the animal outdoors at least 100 meters from the building.
Finally, inspect the sofa for droppings or gnaw marks, clean with a disinfectant solution, and consider installing deterrents such as steel wool in gaps or ultrasonic repellers to discourage future incursions.