How can you make a mouse trap that kills the mouse? - briefly
«Snap trap» with a spring‑loaded bar delivers a rapid, lethal strike when the mouse activates the trigger plate. Place the device along wall edges and use a small amount of high‑fat bait to ensure contact.
How can you make a mouse trap that kills the mouse? - in detail
To build an effective lethal mouse trap, follow these stages.
Select sturdy components. A wooden base measuring 15 cm × 10 cm provides stability. Use a steel bar, 30 cm long and 0.5 cm thick, for the striking arm. Attach a spring‑loaded hinge to the base, allowing rapid movement. Install a sharp metal plate, 2 cm × 2 cm, at the tip of the arm to ensure fatal injury.
Prepare the bait station. Drill a shallow cavity in the base, 2 cm deep, and fill it with a strong attractant such as peanut butter or dried fruit. Position the bait directly beneath the arm’s resting point, so the mouse must step on a trigger plate to reach it.
Assemble the mechanism. Secure the hinge to the base with two screws, then insert the spring behind the arm. Adjust spring tension until the arm snaps shut within 0.05 seconds when released. Test the motion repeatedly without bait to confirm reliability.
Install safety features. Mount a protective shield, 5 cm high, around the trigger area to prevent accidental activation by non‑target species. Include a release lever that disengages the spring for maintenance.
Deploy the trap. Place the device along known rodent pathways, near walls or behind appliances. Check the trap daily; once a capture occurs, wear thick gloves, remove the rodent, and dispose of it according to local regulations.
Materials checklist:
- Wooden base (15 cm × 10 cm)
- Steel striking bar (30 cm × 0.5 cm)
- Spring‑loaded hinge
- Sharp metal plate (2 cm × 2 cm)
- Screws and screwdriver
- Bait (peanut butter, dried fruit)
- Protective shield (5 cm height)
- Release lever
Key points:
- Spring tension must be calibrated for a rapid snap.
- Bait placement directly under the trigger maximizes contact.
- Shield prevents unintended activation.
- Regular inspection ensures continued effectiveness and humane disposal.