How can you make a mouse trap that won’t kill the mouse? - briefly
Use a live‑capture trap—such as a snap‑free box baited with peanut butter or grain—and position it along known mouse pathways. After capture, transport the mouse to a safe outdoor location at least 100 meters from the building and release it promptly.
How can you make a mouse trap that won’t kill the mouse? - in detail
A humane mouse catcher can be built from readily available materials and designed to release the animal unharmed. The essential components are a trigger mechanism, a containment chamber, and a release system.
First, construct a lightweight frame using wood or sturdy plastic. Attach a small platform that serves as a landing pad for the mouse. Connect the platform to a spring‑loaded lever that snaps the door shut when the mouse steps on the pad. The lever should be calibrated so the force is sufficient to close the door quickly but not to crush the animal.
Second, line the interior of the chamber with smooth, non‑slippery surfaces such as polished acrylic or coated cardboard. This prevents injuries caused by rough edges. Add a ventilation opening covered with fine mesh to maintain airflow while keeping the mouse inside.
Third, incorporate a simple release mechanism. A hinged latch on the opposite side of the door can be opened remotely with a thin rod or a string attached to a pull handle placed outside the trap. When the latch is lifted, the door swings open, allowing the mouse to exit without contact.
Materials and steps:
- Gather a shallow box (≈15 cm × 10 cm × 5 cm), a small wooden or plastic platform, a spring, a thin metal rod, a hinge, mesh, and a pull cord.
- Cut an opening on one side of the box for the platform; secure the platform with a pivot pin.
- Mount the spring behind the platform, linking it to the door latch.
- Install the hinge on the door and attach the latch to the spring assembly.
- Fit mesh over the ventilation hole and secure all edges with non‑abrasive tape.
- Thread the pull cord through a small hole in the box wall, attach it to the latch, and test the release motion.
Placement of bait (e.g., a small piece of peanut butter or sunflower seed) on the platform increases capture probability. Check the trap frequently—ideally every few hours—to minimize stress. Once the mouse is captured, pull the cord to open the latch, guide the animal toward the exit, and release it at a safe distance from human habitation.
By following this design, the device captures rodents without inflicting lethal injury, complies with humane pest‑control standards, and can be assembled with minimal cost and effort.