What should I do if a mouse gets caught in a glue trap? - briefly
Wear gloves and apply a few drops of vegetable oil or a commercial adhesive remover to the trap to release the mouse. If the animal is unharmed, set it free outdoors; if injured, arrange humane euthanasia or contact a pest‑control professional.
What should I do if a mouse gets caught in a glue trap? - in detail
When a rodent becomes ensnared in an adhesive trap, act promptly to minimize suffering and prevent contamination. First, protect yourself with disposable gloves; the glue can adhere to skin and the mouse may carry disease. Place the trapped animal in a shallow container lined with a disposable paper towel to catch any runoff.
Next, neutralize the adhesive. Apply a generous amount of a non‑oil‑based solvent such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, or a commercial adhesive remover directly onto the mouse’s paws and body. Allow the liquid to soak for 30–60 seconds, then gently coax the animal free with a soft brush or cotton swab. Avoid pulling or tearing limbs, as this can cause irreversible damage.
After release, rinse the mouse with lukewarm water to remove residual oil and glue. Dry the creature carefully with a soft cloth, then observe for signs of injury, distress, or impaired mobility. If any abnormality is evident, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian promptly.
Finally, dispose of the used glue trap and any contaminated materials in a sealed bag placed in the regular trash. Clean the area where the trap was set with a disinfectant solution to eliminate lingering scent cues that could attract additional rodents. Consider alternative, humane control methods—such as snap traps with quick‑kill mechanisms or live‑capture devices—to avoid repeated incidents.