How to make a mouse trap? - briefly
Construct a snap trap from a small wooden board, a spring‑loaded bar, a nail, and bait, positioning the bar so it releases when the mouse pulls a trigger mechanism. Place the trap along walls or near entry points and inspect it frequently.
How to make a mouse trap? - in detail
A functional rodent capture device can be built from inexpensive components and deployed quickly.
Materials
- 1 wooden block (approximately 5 cm × 5 cm × 2 cm)
- 1 steel spring, 5 cm long, with a hook at one end
- 1 thin metal or plastic lever (about 10 cm)
- 1 piece of nylon string, 30 cm long
- 1 small piece of cardboard or plastic for the trigger plate
- Bait (peanut butter, cheese, or grain)
Tools
- Small drill with 2 mm bit
- Pliers
- Screwdriver or small nail
- Wire cutter
Construction steps
- Drill a hole through the center of the wooden block, 2 cm deep.
- Insert the spring into the hole, allowing the hook to protrude from the top surface.
- Attach the lever to the hook so that the free end rests on the trigger plate. The lever should be under slight tension, ready to snap back when released.
- Secure the nylon string to the lever’s free end, run it around the block, and fasten it to the opposite side of the block, creating a tensioned line that holds the lever in the cocked position.
- Position the trigger plate beneath the lever; when a mouse steps on the plate, the string releases, the spring drives the lever forward, and the animal is confined against the block.
Bait placement
- Apply a pea‑size amount of peanut butter to the center of the trigger plate.
- Ensure the bait does not obstruct the lever’s movement.
Deployment guidelines
- Place the trap along walls, behind appliances, or near known activity trails.
- Position the device with the lever facing the wall, as rodents prefer to travel close to vertical surfaces.
Safety and disposal
- Wear gloves when handling captured rodents.
- Release live catches outdoors, at least 100 m from the residence, or dispose according to local regulations.
- Reset the mechanism by re‑tensioning the string and re‑checking spring alignment.
Following these precise steps yields a reliable, low‑cost solution for controlling mouse infestations.