How to catch a mouse in an apartment at night? - briefly
Place snap or electronic traps with suitable bait along walls, behind appliances, and near known entry points, then leave them undisturbed throughout the night. In the morning, dispose of any captures and seal the openings to stop further intrusion.
How to catch a mouse in an apartment at night? - in detail
Capturing a nocturnal rodent inside a flat requires preparation, safe equipment, and systematic placement of traps.
Begin by identifying activity zones. Inspect walls, baseboards, and cabinets for droppings, gnaw marks, or shredded material. Follow the mouse’s likely routes from entry points to food sources, noting any concealed gaps behind appliances or under sinks.
Select traps that work reliably in low‑light conditions. Options include:
- Snap traps with a high‑sensitivity trigger; they act instantly and leave minimal mess.
- Electronic traps that deliver a quick, humane shock; they emit a faint click audible even in darkness.
- Live‑catch cages equipped with a secure latch; useful when removal without killing is required.
Prepare bait that attracts rodents during night hours. Effective choices are:
- Small portions of peanut butter or softened cheese.
- Bits of cooked ham or dried fruit.
- Commercial rodent attractants formulated for night use.
Place each trap perpendicular to the wall, with the trigger end facing the rodent’s travel path. Position traps 1–2 inches from the wall to align with the animal’s natural tendency to run alongside surfaces. Secure traps in areas where droppings are most concentrated, such as behind the refrigerator, under the pantry shelf, or near the garbage chute.
After setting, eliminate competing food sources. Store pantry items in sealed containers, clean crumbs from countertops, and empty trash bins before bedtime. Turn off unnecessary lights to maintain the rodent’s natural preference for darkness, but keep a dim night‑light near the traps to allow visual confirmation without disrupting activity.
Monitor traps after several hours of darkness. If a capture occurs, wear disposable gloves, dispose of the rodent according to local regulations, and reset the trap with fresh bait. For live‑catch cages, release the animal at least 500 feet from the residence, preferably in a wooded area, to prevent immediate re‑entry.
If no captures are recorded, reassess placement. Move traps slightly along the identified routes, increase bait size, or add additional devices. Continue the cycle of inspection, placement, and monitoring each night until activity ceases, then seal identified entry points with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh to prevent future incursions.