How to catch a mouse in a garage? - briefly
Place snap or electronic traps along walls and near mouse pathways, baited with peanut butter or cheese, and seal all gaps that allow entry while eliminating food sources. Inspect traps each day and dispose of any captured rodents promptly.
How to catch a mouse in a garage? - in detail
Begin by locating the mouse’s activity zones. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and shredded insulation along walls, near stored boxes, and around entry points such as cracks, vents, and door gaps. Mark each site to guide trap placement.
Choose the appropriate capture method. Options include:
- Snap traps: steel bar mechanism, pre‑bored for quick assembly. Effective for immediate kill.
- Live‑catch traps: wire cage with a hinged door, suitable when removal without killing is required.
- Glue boards: adhesive surface, best for confined areas where non‑lethal capture is acceptable.
Select bait that appeals to rodents. Common choices are:
- Peanut butter – strong scent, adheres to trap.
- Sunflower seeds – high fat content.
- Small pieces of dried fruit – sweet aroma.
Place traps according to the following principles:
- Position each trap perpendicular to the wall, with the trigger end facing the wall.
- Set traps at least 2 inches from the surface to allow the mouse to enter fully.
- Deploy one trap per identified activity zone; add a spare trap a few feet away to increase capture probability.
Secure the garage environment to prevent re‑entry. Seal cracks larger than ¼ inch with steel wool followed by caulk or metal flashing. Install door sweeps on all exterior doors. Store food and pet supplies in airtight containers; keep the floor clear of clutter that could serve as hiding places.
Monitor traps daily. Dispose of captured rodents promptly: for snap traps, wrap the carcass in a plastic bag and discard in a sealed trash container; for live‑catch traps, release the animal at least ½ mile from the property, preferably in a wooded area.
Maintain sanitation throughout the process. Vacuum droppings with a HEPA‑rated filter, then disinfect the area with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Replace bedding or insulation that shows signs of damage.
Repeat inspection and trapping cycles until no new activity signs appear for two weeks. At that point, conduct a final sweep of the garage, reinforcing any newly discovered entry points. This systematic approach maximizes capture efficiency and minimizes future infestations.