How to catch a mouse under the floor? - briefly
Locate the entry point and seal all other openings to drive the rodent toward a snap or live-catch trap positioned directly beneath the floorboard. Bait the trap with peanut butter, monitor it regularly, and remove the captured mouse promptly for humane disposal.
How to catch a mouse under the floor? - in detail
Capturing a rodent that has taken refuge beneath flooring requires a systematic approach. Begin by confirming the presence of activity: listen for scratching sounds, look for droppings, and observe gnaw marks on baseboards or insulation. Once verified, isolate the affected area to prevent the animal from escaping to other rooms.
Next, create access points. Remove a section of the floor covering—such as carpet, laminate, or tile—using a pry bar and a utility knife. Cut a small opening in the subfloor or underlayment, large enough to insert a trap but not so large as to allow the mouse to flee easily. Preserve the removed material for later reinstallation.
Select an appropriate capture device. Effective options include:
- Snap traps loaded with a suitable bait (peanut butter, cheese, or sunflower seeds). Place the trap directly in the opening, ensuring the trigger mechanism faces the expected travel path.
- Live‑catch traps, which contain a baited compartment and a one‑way entry door. Position the trap so the mouse must pass through the narrow gap to reach the lure.
- Glue boards, positioned against the wall or floor edge, useful for short‑term control but less humane.
Secure the trap by anchoring it to the subfloor with a few nails or zip ties, preventing displacement by the animal’s movements. Bait the device and set it according to manufacturer instructions.
After deployment, monitor the trap at regular intervals—every 2–3 hours during active periods (dusk to dawn). When capture occurs, wear disposable gloves and use a sealed container to transport a live specimen to an outdoor release site at least 100 meters from the building, or dispose of a dead mouse in a sealed bag placed in a trash receptacle.
Finally, seal all entry routes. Inspect the perimeter of the opened floor section, locate any gaps around pipes, vents, or wiring, and fill them with steel wool, expanding foam, or cement. Replace the removed flooring, ensuring a tight fit. Conduct a follow‑up inspection after a week to verify that no further signs of activity appear. Regular maintenance—keeping food storage sealed, eliminating clutter, and repairing structural cracks—reduces the risk of recurrence.