How do you make a trap for a mouse? - briefly
Cut a piece of wood for a base, attach a spring‑loaded bar with a trigger pin, and position food as bait to create a snap trap. For a humane alternative, set a bucket trap with a ramp that leads the mouse onto a baited platform that drops it into the container.
How do you make a trap for a mouse? - in detail
To build an effective rodent catcher, gather the following items: a sturdy wooden block (approximately 5 × 5 × 2 cm), a spring steel bar or a strong elastic band, a small nail or screw, a piece of thin cardboard, and attractive bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit.
- Cut a shallow notch on one side of the wooden block to hold the bait securely.
- Attach the spring steel bar to the opposite edge of the block with the nail, creating a lever that can snap shut when released.
- Position the cardboard piece as a trigger: pierce a small hole near its center, thread the lever through, and secure it so that the weight of the bait on the notch keeps the lever tensioned.
- Apply a thin layer of bait to the notch. The mouse’s attempt to reach the food will displace the cardboard, releasing the lever and closing the block rapidly.
Place the device along walls, behind appliances, or near known activity zones. Ensure the trap sits perpendicular to the wall, with the trigger facing the anticipated path. Check the mechanism daily; if a capture occurs, wear gloves, relocate the mouse to an outdoor release site or follow local humane‑kill guidelines. Reset the trap by re‑tensioning the lever and replenishing bait.
For increased safety, keep the trap out of reach of children and pets. Regularly inspect the spring for fatigue and replace the wooden block if cracks develop. This straightforward construction provides a reliable, low‑cost solution for controlling indoor mouse populations.