How to make a simple mouse trap? - briefly
Use a small cardboard box, a wooden stick, a bait (peanut butter), and a trigger bar; place the bait on a platform inside the box, prop the lid with the stick so it tips when the mouse pulls the platform, and secure the box to prevent escape. This simple contraption catches the mouse without harming it.
How to make a simple mouse trap? - in detail
A basic rodent catcher can be assembled from inexpensive household items and works reliably when built correctly. The device relies on a spring‑loaded bar that snaps shut when a mouse triggers a lever, delivering a swift, humane kill.
Materials required:
- 1 × wooden base (approximately 10 × 6 cm, 1 cm thick)
- 1 × metal coat hanger or similar steel wire, 15–20 cm long
- 1 × small wooden dowel or toothpick (serves as the trigger)
- 1 × rubber band (medium strength)
- 1 × plastic bottle cap or small piece of cardboard (acts as the bait platform)
- 1 × adhesive tape or hot glue
- Optional: gloves for handling the trap after use
Construction steps:
- Cut a notch in the center of the wooden base, wide enough for the trigger piece to move freely.
- Bend the coat hanger into a “U” shape, leaving a short tail that will become the spring arm.
- Secure the long side of the “U” to the back edge of the base with tape or glue; the tail should rest on the front edge, free to pivot.
- Attach the rubber band between the tail and a fixed point on the base, creating tension that holds the tail in the raised position.
- Position the dowel or toothpick in the front notch so that when the mouse steps on it, the pressure releases the tail, allowing the spring arm to snap down.
- Place the bottle cap on the base as a platform for bait (peanut butter, cheese, or seed mix) and secure it with tape.
- Test the mechanism by gently pressing the trigger; the arm should close quickly and firmly.
Operational guidelines:
- Set the trap in areas where mouse activity is evident: along walls, behind appliances, or near food storage.
- Replace bait daily to maintain attraction.
- After a capture, wear gloves, lift the base, and dispose of the rodent in a sealed bag; reset the trap by re‑tensioning the rubber band.
- Store the trap in a dry location when not in use to prevent rusting of the wire.
The described construction provides a low‑cost, effective solution for controlling mouse populations without resorting to chemical poisons. Regular monitoring and proper sanitation complement the trap’s performance and reduce the likelihood of reinfestation.