How do you catch mice using a bottle? - briefly
Place bait—peanut butter, cheese, or seeds—at the base of a clear bottle, tilt the bottle so the opening rests on the floor, and allow the mouse to enter; the smooth interior prevents it from climbing out. After capture, seal the opening with tape or a stopper and relocate the animal far from the property.
How do you catch mice using a bottle? - in detail
A bottle trap relies on the animal’s instinct to seek shelter and food. Choose a clear, sturdy container – a two‑liter soda bottle works well. Cut the neck off just below the shoulder, keeping the top part intact. Invert the cut section and insert it into the lower body, forming a funnel that leads into the bottle’s interior.
Bait the trap with items mice readily pursue: small pieces of cheese, peanut butter, or sun‑dried fruit. Place the bait at the far end of the funnel, ensuring the mouse must travel fully inside the bottle to reach it. Secure the junction with tape or a rubber band to prevent escape.
Position the trap along walls, behind appliances, or in areas showing signs of activity. Mice prefer routes adjacent to surfaces; aligning the funnel’s opening with these pathways increases capture probability. Check the trap frequently, preferably every few hours, to remove captured rodents and reset the bait.
If the bottle is transparent, the mouse may see the interior and hesitate. Adding a thin layer of opaque material (e.g., a piece of cardboard) around the lower half of the bottle reduces visual cues while preserving airflow. Ensure ventilation holes are small enough to prevent escape yet sufficient to avoid suffocation.
For repeated use, clean the container with hot water and mild detergent after each catch. Disinfect with a diluted bleach solution to eliminate scent traces that could deter future visits. Store the trap in a cool, dry place until needed again.