How to catch mice yourself? - briefly
Use snap or live‑catch traps baited with peanut butter, position them along walls and near droppings, and inspect them daily to remove captured rodents safely. Afterwards, seal cracks and gaps to block future entry.
How to catch mice yourself? - in detail
Capturing rodents without professional assistance requires preparation, appropriate equipment, and systematic placement. Begin by identifying entry points and high‑traffic zones; look for gnaw marks, droppings, and nesting material along walls, behind appliances, and near food storage. Seal obvious gaps with steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing to prevent new incursions while traps remain active.
Select traps based on environment and humane considerations. Common options include:
- Snap traps – steel bar mechanism, immediate kill, reusable.
- Live‑catch cages – wire mesh enclosure, allows release away from the property.
- Glue boards – adhesive surface, suitable for concealed areas, but cause prolonged distress.
- Electronic traps – high‑voltage shock, quick death, battery‑operated.
Choose bait that appeals to omnivorous rodents: peanut butter, dried fruit, small pieces of cheese, or commercial rodent attractants. Apply a pea‑sized amount to the trigger mechanism; excess bait may allow the mouse to feed without activating the trap.
Position traps perpendicular to walls, with the trigger end facing the wall. Place them at 2‑3 inches from the baseboard, where mice travel. Deploy multiple devices—at least one per identified pathway—to increase capture probability. Check traps daily; remove dead specimens promptly to avoid odor buildup, which can deter further activity.
After successful captures, inspect the area for additional signs of infestation. If activity persists after two weeks of sustained trapping, consider augmenting the strategy with baits placed in sealed containers or consulting a pest‑control specialist. Finally, maintain cleanliness: store food in airtight containers, eliminate water sources, and keep clutter to reduce shelter opportunities.