How to catch a mouse using a bottle? - briefly
Place bait at the bottom of a clear bottle and create a gentle slope that leads the mouse into the opening, where the narrowing shape prevents it from climbing back out. Once the rodent reaches the base, close the bottle’s mouth with a lid or secure tape to complete the capture.
How to catch a mouse using a bottle? - in detail
To capture a rodent with a glass or plastic bottle, follow a precise sequence of actions.
Gather the necessary items: a clear bottle with a wide mouth (minimum 2 inches in diameter), a small piece of soft food as bait (peanut butter, cheese, or seed), a sturdy stick or wire for a trigger mechanism, and a towel or cardboard to protect the floor.
Prepare the bottle. Remove any label, clean the interior, and ensure the opening is unobstructed. Cut a thin strip of wire about 6 inches long, bend it into a “U” shape, and attach one end to the bottle’s rim with tape or a small nail. The other end should rest on the floor, positioned so that the bait placed on a small platform inside the bottle will keep the trigger lifted.
Place the bait. Spread a thin layer of the chosen food on a small piece of cardboard that fits inside the bottle near the opening. The weight of the bait will depress the trigger when the mouse steps onto the platform.
Set the trap. Position the bottle upright on a flat surface, ensuring the trigger is balanced: the bottle remains upright while the trigger supports the bait platform. When a mouse enters to reach the food, its weight will push the platform down, releasing the trigger and causing the bottle to tip and fall, sealing the animal inside.
Check the trap regularly, at intervals of 30 minutes to one hour. If capture occurs, approach calmly, cover the bottle with a towel, and slide a rigid board under the neck to prevent escape. Transport the bottle to a release site or humane disposal area, following local regulations.
Troubleshooting tips:
- If the bottle does not tip, adjust the trigger height or use a heavier bait.
- If the mouse avoids the bottle, relocate the trap to a known travel path or add additional scent trails.
- Ensure the floor surface is smooth; rough textures can impede the bottle’s movement.
By adhering to this method, a single bottle can serve as an effective, low‑cost device for safely securing a mouse.