How to make a mouse trap from a plastic bottle? - briefly
Cut the bottle lengthwise, invert the upper half to form a funnel, secure a baited trigger (e.g., a stick or cardboard flap) at the neck, and position the device in a mouse pathway; the animal enters the funnel, the trigger snaps shut, and the mouse is trapped.
How to make a mouse trap from a plastic bottle? - in detail
To build an effective rodent catcher from a disposable PET bottle, gather the following items:
- One 1‑liter plastic soda bottle, cleaned and dried.
- A pair of scissors or a sharp knife.
- A small piece of cardboard or thick paper.
- Two wooden or plastic skewers, each about 15 cm long.
- A thin rubber band.
- Bait such as peanut butter, cheese, or sunflower seed.
Step‑by‑step construction
- Cut the bottle near the base, leaving a 5‑cm section of the neck intact.
- Make a vertical slit along the side of the remaining body, approximately 8 cm long, beginning just above the cut edge.
- Insert one skewer through the slit, positioning it so the tip points upward inside the bottle and the opposite end protrudes outside the opening. Secure the external end with the rubber band, creating a hinge that can swing inward.
- Thread the second skewer through the same slit, aligning it parallel to the first but with its tip pointing downward. Fix its external end with the rubber band as well. The two skewers now form a V‑shaped gate that can snap shut when pressure is applied from inside.
- Fold the cardboard into a narrow strip, roll it tightly, and insert it into the bottle, resting against the inner wall just above the gate. This strip acts as a trigger: when the mouse steps on it, the strip pushes the gate shut.
- Apply a small amount of bait to the cardboard strip or directly to the interior wall near the gate.
- Place the assembled trap on a flat surface, ensuring the bottle’s open end faces upward so the mouse can enter easily.
Operation and maintenance
- Check the trap every 12 hours. If a capture occurs, wear disposable gloves, lift the bottle by the neck, and release the animal outdoors at a safe distance, or dispose of it according to local regulations.
- Clean the bottle with warm, soapy water and allow it to dry before reusing. Replace the bait and trigger strip as needed.
Safety considerations
- Use scissors or knives with caution to avoid injury while cutting the bottle.
- Keep the trap out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not use poisonous bait; the design relies on a mechanical capture mechanism only.
This method provides a low‑cost, reusable solution for controlling mouse activity in kitchens, basements, or storage areas without resorting to commercial traps.