How can you make a mouse trap from household items? - briefly
Use a shallow bucket, a piece of cardboard as a ramp, and an attractant like peanut butter: place the ramp against the bucket, coat the far end with bait, and the mouse will climb and fall into the container, where it can be released later. Secure the bucket with a removable lid to prevent escape after capture.
How can you make a mouse trap from household items? - in detail
A functional rodent trap can be assembled with items most households already possess. The design relies on a simple lever mechanism that releases a snap when the animal triggers a trigger bar.
Materials needed
- A sturdy cardboard box or a plastic container with a lid
- A wooden coat hanger or a thin metal rod (approximately 30 cm)
- A small piece of elastic band or rubber band
- Two wooden skewers or thick toothpicks
- A piece of thick cardboard (about 10 cm × 10 cm)
- Tape (duct or packing)
- Bait (peanut butter, cheese, or seeds)
Construction steps
- Cut a rectangular opening (≈5 cm × 5 cm) near the top of the container. This will be the entry point.
- Attach the elastic band to the lid’s inner side so that it stretches across the opening when the lid is closed.
- Form a V‑shaped lever from the coat hanger: bend one end upward to create a hook and the other end downward to serve as a trigger. Secure the hook to the lid’s interior with tape.
- Insert the two skewers through the cardboard piece to form a small “U” that will hold the bait. Position this assembly on the floor of the trap, directly under the entry opening.
- Thread the elastic band over the downward end of the lever, pulling it taut so that the lever rests against the lid. When the mouse pulls the bait, the trigger releases the lever, allowing the lid to snap shut.
Operation
- Place a pea‑sized amount of bait on the skewers.
- Set the trap on a flat surface near known mouse activity.
- Check the trap every few hours. If capture occurs, wear gloves, lift the lid carefully, and release the mouse outdoors at least 30 m from the building. Reset the mechanism by re‑tensioning the elastic band.
Safety and maintenance
- Ensure the elastic band is not frayed; replace it if wear appears.
- Keep the trap away from children and pets; position it where only rodents can access the entry.
- Clean the container regularly to prevent odor buildup that could deter future catches.
By following these steps, a reliable mouse trap can be built without purchasing specialized equipment, using only common household supplies.