What should you place a mouse trap on in the house to catch mice? - briefly
Position the trap along walls, behind appliances, or in dark corners where droppings or gnaw marks indicate activity, ensuring the bait side faces the wall. Secure it on a flat surface with a stable base to prevent tipping.
What should you place a mouse trap on in the house to catch mice? - in detail
Place traps where mice travel most often. Identify pathways by looking for droppings, gnaw marks, and greasy streaks along walls. Set devices directly in those routes, not in open rooms where rodents rarely pass.
Key placement zones:
- Behind appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers, where warm air and food residues attract activity.
- Inside cabinets, especially those storing dry goods, cereal, or pet food.
- Under sinks, both kitchen and bathroom, where pipes provide concealed routes.
- Along baseboards and in the corners where walls meet the floor, because mice prefer tight, concealed spaces.
- Near entry points: gaps around utility lines, vent openings, and foundation cracks.
- In attic or crawl‑space joist spaces, where rodents use the structural framework to move between floors.
When positioning a trap, align it perpendicular to the wall, with the trigger end facing the wall. Mice typically run close to surfaces; a trap placed too far from the wall reduces capture probability. Secure the device to prevent displacement by the animal’s weight or by household traffic.
Consider trap type:
- Snap traps: attach firmly with a small nail or adhesive pad; place the bait side facing the wall.
- Live‑catch traps: orient the entrance toward the wall, ensuring the door opens inward.
- Glue boards: lay flat on the floor or on a low shelf, directly in the identified pathway.
Maintain a clear area around each device. Remove clutter that could block access. Replace bait regularly, using strong attractants such as peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit, and rotate locations if no captures occur after several days.
Monitor traps daily. Dispose of captured rodents according to local health regulations, then reset or relocate the trap as needed. Continuous inspection of potential entry points and sealing of gaps will complement trap placement and reduce future infestations.