How does a mouse trap kill mice? - briefly
A snap trap employs a spring‑loaded bar that snaps shut on the mouse’s neck or spine, delivering a sudden, lethal force. The impact fractures vertebrae or severs major vessels, causing instant death.
How does a mouse trap kill mice? - in detail
A snap‑type mouse trap operates on a spring‑loaded lever that stores potential energy when the device is set. The bait holder is linked to a delicate trigger mechanism; when a mouse applies pressure to the bait, the trigger releases the spring. The spring drives a metal bar forward at a velocity of several meters per second, striking the animal’s body within milliseconds.
The impact produces immediate, lethal trauma. The kinetic energy concentrates on the vertebral column and skull, causing spinal cord rupture and severe cranial injury. The rapid deceleration also results in massive internal hemorrhage, which precludes recovery. The combination of skeletal fracture and circulatory collapse ensures death within seconds.
Key components of the device:
- Spring coil calibrated for high tension
- Trigger plate sensitive to minimal weight (≈ 0.5 g)
- Steel strike bar with a sharp edge
- Bait platform for attraction
Alternative lethal traps employ different principles. Glue boards immobilize the rodent, leading to dehydration and eventual death, while electric models deliver a high‑voltage pulse that disrupts cardiac rhythm. All designs rely on swift, irreversible physiological failure to eliminate the pest.