How can you make a mouse trap at home? - briefly
A basic homemade mouse catcher can be built from a wooden coat hanger, a strong rubber band, a small piece of cardboard for bait, and a fastener. Form the hanger into a U‑shape, attach the rubber band to create tension, secure the cardboard at the end, and release the trap when the mouse pulls the bait, causing the hanger to snap shut.
How can you make a mouse trap at home? - in detail
A practical solution for controlling rodents in a domestic environment involves constructing a simple, humane device from readily available items. The design relies on a spring‑loaded lever that snaps shut when a mouse applies pressure to a trigger plate.
Materials required:
- Stiff cardboard or thin plywood (approximately 12 × 12 cm)
- A wooden coat hanger or a sturdy spring steel strip (10–15 cm long)
- Two small nails or thumbtacks
- A piece of elastic band or rubber tubing
- Bait such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or cheese
- Scissors or a utility knife
- Pliers for bending metal
Construction steps:
- Cut the cardboard into a rectangular base and a shallow tray that will serve as the capture chamber. The tray should fit snugly on the base, leaving a narrow gap for the mouse to enter.
- Bend the coat hanger into a “U” shape, forming a lever with a short arm that will press down on the tray and a long arm that extends outward to act as the trigger.
- Secure one end of the lever to the base using a nail, allowing the short arm to pivot freely. Attach the elastic band between the long arm and a fixed point on the base; the band provides the restoring force that snaps the lever back after activation.
- Position the second nail on the base near the edge of the tray, creating a trigger plate. When the mouse steps on this plate, its weight pushes the long arm downward, releasing the short arm and closing the tray.
- Apply a small amount of bait to the far side of the tray, ensuring the mouse must cross the trigger to reach it.
Operation and safety:
- Place the trap along walls or near known mouse pathways, as rodents prefer moving close to edges.
- Check the device every few hours; when a capture occurs, wear disposable gloves, transport the sealed trap outdoors, and release the mouse at least 100 m from the residence.
- Reset the mechanism by re‑tensioning the elastic band and repositioning the bait.
Regular maintenance includes inspecting the lever for fatigue, replacing the elastic band as needed, and cleaning the base to prevent scent buildup that could deter future catches. This method offers an inexpensive, reusable alternative to commercial products while adhering to humane pest‑control standards.