How do you retrieve a mouse from its burrow? - briefly
«Place a live‑catch trap at the tunnel opening, baited with peanut butter or seed, and monitor it until the mouse enters». Once captured, transport the animal in the trap and release it at a suitable location away from the dwelling.
How do you retrieve a mouse from its burrow? - in detail
Removing a rodent that has taken shelter in an underground tunnel requires a systematic approach that minimizes stress to the animal and prevents damage to the surrounding structure.
First, locate the entrance and any auxiliary openings. Observe the activity pattern for several minutes to confirm the burrow’s use. Wear disposable gloves and a mask to avoid contamination.
Select a humane capture method. Options include:
- Live‑catch trap baited with high‑protein food such as peanut butter or cooked egg. Place the trap directly in the tunnel entrance, ensuring the trigger is sensitive enough for a small animal.
- Funnel‑style trap constructed from a PVC pipe, narrowed at the far end, with bait at the narrow point. The rodent enters, proceeds forward, and cannot retreat.
- Suction device consisting of a handheld pump attached to a flexible tube positioned at the opening; gentle negative pressure draws the animal into a containment chamber.
Implement the chosen method:
- Position the device so the entrance is fully covered, preventing escape.
- Secure the surrounding area with a temporary barrier to stop other animals from entering.
- Monitor the trap continuously; once the animal is captured, close the containment mechanism without delay.
After capture, transport the animal to a suitable release site at least 200 meters from the original location, selecting an area with natural cover and access to food. Release the creature by opening the containment chamber and allowing it to exit voluntarily.
Finally, clean the entrance with a mild disinfectant, fill the tunnel with soil or sand to eliminate the void, and inspect nearby structures for additional entry points. Install physical barriers such as steel mesh or cement patches to deter future incursions.
The described procedure provides a detailed, humane solution for extracting a mouse from its burrow while maintaining environmental safety and structural integrity.