How is a mouse caught in a mouse trap? - briefly
A spring‑loaded trap contains a baited trigger; when the mouse touches the trigger, the spring releases a bar that snaps shut, pinning the rodent against the base. The rapid, calibrated force either kills or immobilizes the animal instantly.
How is a mouse caught in a mouse trap? - in detail
A snap‑type trap relies on a spring‑loaded bar that stores potential energy. When a mouse contacts the trigger, usually a small lever or treadle, the tension is released and the bar swings rapidly, closing the jaws around the animal’s neck or torso. The kinetic energy generated by the spring is sufficient to cause immediate fatal injury, preventing escape.
The sequence of events is as follows:
- Bait placement: a food item is positioned on the trigger platform to attract the rodent.
- Approach: the mouse investigates the scent and steps onto the platform, applying weight to the trigger.
- Activation: the trigger pivots downward, disengaging a holding mechanism that keeps the spring compressed.
- Release: the spring expands, propelling the snap bar forward at high speed.
- Capture: the jaws close on the mouse, delivering a swift, lethal force.
Design variations affect performance. A wooden base provides stability; a plastic base reduces weight. Adjustable trigger sensitivity allows the trap to respond to different body weights, from small field mice to larger rats. Some models incorporate a safety latch that prevents accidental discharge during set‑up.
Live‑catch traps operate on a similar principle but use a hinged door instead of a snapping bar. The door remains closed until the mouse removes the bait, triggering a release mechanism that opens the door and encloses the animal inside a compartment. A release latch can then be opened to free the captured rodent unharmed.
Glue boards function differently. A sticky surface coated with a non‑toxic adhesive captures the mouse when it steps onto the board. The animal’s paws become adhered, immobilizing it. This method does not involve a mechanical trigger; it relies solely on the adhesive’s viscosity and the mouse’s weight.
Effective trapping depends on proper bait selection, placement near known activity paths, and regular inspection to reset or remove captured specimens. Failure to maintain tension in the spring, to position the trigger correctly, or to replace stale bait reduces capture rates dramatically.