How can you make a mouse trap that does not kill mice? - briefly
Build a live‑catch trap with a secure box, a ramp, and a simple trigger that shuts the door when a mouse steps on it, then release the captured rodent outdoors away from the property. Use soft bedding inside and avoid lethal mechanisms or poisons.
How can you make a mouse trap that does not kill mice? - in detail
Design a humane mouse capture device by focusing on three components: trigger mechanism, containment chamber, and release protocol.
The trigger must activate without delivering a fatal force. A spring‑loaded latch or a lightweight lever can be calibrated to close a door when the mouse applies minimal pressure, typically 0.5 – 1 N. Use a low‑friction surface such as polished acrylic to ensure smooth operation.
The containment chamber should prevent escape while providing ventilation. A clear plastic box of 10 × 10 × 15 cm offers enough space for a single mouse. Include a small inlet hole (≈5 mm) for entry, and seal the opposite side with a hinged door that snaps shut when the trigger is released. Line the interior with a removable, washable pad to maintain hygiene.
Release protocol involves safe handling and prompt relocation. Attach a sturdy handle or a loop to the chamber’s exterior, allowing the user to lift the entire unit without direct contact. Transport the mouse to a suitable outdoor habitat within one hour of capture. Open the hinged door, allow the animal to exit voluntarily, and close the trap immediately afterward.
Materials and assembly steps:
- Materials: spring steel strip, small hinge, transparent acrylic or polycarbonate box, rubber gasket, nylon thread, adhesive.
- Assembly:
- Cut the box to the specified dimensions; drill the entry and exit holes.
- Install the hinge on the rear door, connect the spring strip to the latch arm.
- Position the rubber gasket to create a tight seal when the door closes.
- Attach the handle loop to the top of the box.
- Test the trigger with a weight equivalent to a mouse; adjust spring tension as needed.
Maintenance includes cleaning the interior after each use, inspecting the spring for fatigue, and replacing the gasket annually. This configuration captures mice alive, minimizes stress, and facilitates ethical relocation.