How can you make a mouse trap? - briefly
A basic rodent catcher can be assembled from a shallow bucket, a wooden plank, a nail, and food bait; when the mouse steps onto the plank, the nail releases it, causing the plank to tip and drop the mouse into the bucket. Reset the device by lifting the plank and repositioning the bait as needed.
How can you make a mouse trap? - in detail
To build an effective rodent capture device, gather the following items: a sturdy wooden block (≈5 cm × 5 cm × 5 cm), a spring steel bar (≈10 cm long, 0.5 cm thick), a small nail or screw, a piece of thin wire, a trigger mechanism (e.g., a bent coat‑hanger piece), and bait such as peanut butter or cheese.
- Prepare the base – Drill a shallow recess in the center of the wooden block to hold the spring steel bar securely.
- Attach the spring – Insert one end of the steel bar into the recess, leaving the opposite end free to pivot. Secure the fixed end with the nail, ensuring the bar can snap back when released.
- Create the trigger – Shape the wire into a U‑loop that can hold the free end of the spring under tension. Position the loop so that a light touch from the bait platform releases the spring.
- Install the bait platform – Cut a small piece of cardboard, attach it to the trigger loop with a thin pin, and place the attractant on its surface.
- Test the mechanism – Gently press the bait platform down, observe the spring’s tension, and release to confirm a swift snap. Adjust the tension if the motion is too weak or overly aggressive.
For a live‑capture version, replace the snapping spring with a hinged door. Use a lightweight plastic container as the trap body, a pivoting lid held open by a trigger lever, and a release pin that drops when the mouse steps on the bait platform. The door closes automatically, confining the animal without injury.
Safety considerations: wear gloves when handling spring steel, keep the device out of reach of children and pets, and dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations. Regularly check the trap, refresh bait, and replace worn components to maintain reliability.