What should you put in a mouse trap? - briefly
Place a strong-smelling bait such as a dab of peanut butter, a piece of cheese, or a bit of chocolate at the trigger point of the trap. The scent attracts rodents and ensures rapid activation.
What should you put in a mouse trap? - in detail
Effective bait selection determines the success of a rodent trap. Choose items that activate the mouse’s strong sense of smell and taste, and that encourage quick entry.
First‑generation food attractants include:
- Peanut butter: strong aroma, high fat content, easy to apply in small amounts.
- Soft cheese: potent scent, readily consumed, adheres to trigger mechanisms.
- Sunflower seeds or cracked nuts: natural diet component, fits snugly on the trigger plate.
- Chocolate or caramel bits: sweet taste, high palatability, minimal mess.
Second‑generation attractants focus on novelty and texture:
- Small pieces of cooked bacon or ham: strong odor, protein‑rich, quick to bite.
- Marshmallows or gummy candy: soft, sticky, triggers rapid chewing.
- Fresh fruit slices (apple, banana): sweet scent, moisture attracts rodents.
For specialized situations, consider:
- Commercial rodent lures: synthetic pheromones combined with food oils, formulated for consistent release.
- Oily spreads (e.g., bacon grease, fish oil): intense odor, effective in cold environments where other baits lose potency.
Application guidelines:
- Apply a pea‑sized amount of soft bait to the trigger platform; excess can cause the mouse to avoid the trap.
- Ensure the bait adheres securely to prevent displacement when the mouse attempts to extract it.
- Replace bait after each capture or if it dries out, as diminished scent reduces efficacy.
- Store unused bait in airtight containers to preserve aroma and prevent spoilage.
Combining a high‑fat, aromatic food with a small, easily grasped piece maximizes attraction while minimizing the chance of the rodent escaping with the lure. Adjust bait type according to local mouse preferences and seasonal availability for optimal results.