How to catch a white mouse? - briefly
Use a snap trap baited with peanut butter and position it along walls where the rodent travels, checking it regularly. For a humane option, set a live‑catch cage with the same bait and monitor it frequently.
How to catch a white mouse? - in detail
Capturing a white laboratory mouse requires preparation, appropriate equipment, and humane handling.
First, select a trap that suits the environment. Snap‑type devices are unsuitable for ethical reasons; opt for live‑capture cages with smooth interior walls to prevent injury. Ensure the cage size allows the animal to move freely—minimum dimensions 8 × 8 × 12 inches.
Second, choose an effective bait. White mice are attracted to high‑protein and carbohydrate foods. Common options include:
- Small pieces of peanut butter
- Sunflower seeds
- Bits of dried fruit
- Commercial rodent bait formulated for laboratory strains
Apply a pea‑sized amount to the trap’s trigger mechanism, positioning it where the mouse can reach without touching the release latch prematurely.
Third, place the trap strategically. Identify areas of frequent activity by looking for droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting material. Position the cage along walls or near known foraging routes, with the entry side facing the wall to encourage the mouse to run straight into the device.
Fourth, monitor the trap regularly. Check at least twice daily to reduce stress and prevent overheating. When a capture occurs, cover the cage with a cloth to calm the animal, then transport it to a holding container that provides ventilation, bedding, and a water source.
Fifth, release or relocate the mouse according to institutional protocols. If the goal is removal from a facility, follow quarantine and disposal guidelines to avoid disease transmission. If relocation is intended, choose a suitable habitat, release the animal at dusk, and provide initial shelter.
Finally, maintain cleanliness. Clean traps with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly between uses to eliminate scent traces that could deter future captures. Disinfect with a solution approved for laboratory use to prevent cross‑contamination.
By adhering to these steps—selecting humane equipment, using appropriate bait, positioning traps based on activity signs, monitoring captures, and following post‑capture procedures—one can reliably capture a white mouse while ensuring animal welfare and experimental integrity.