What should you use to catch a mouse at home? - briefly
A snap trap baited with peanut butter or cheese offers rapid, reliable control. For humane capture, a plastic live‑catch trap using the same bait enables safe release away from the home.
What should you use to catch a mouse at home? - in detail
Effective indoor rodent capture relies on selecting the appropriate device, bait, and placement.
Snap traps constructed from sturdy plastic or wood deliver rapid lethal action. They require a trigger mechanism calibrated to the mouse’s weight (approximately 20–30 g). Use a small amount of high‑fat food—peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit—as bait, placed directly on the trigger plate. Position traps along walls, behind appliances, and in concealed pathways, ensuring the trigger faces the wall so the mouse approaches from the side.
Live‑catch cages provide humane removal. Models feature a spring‑loaded door that closes when the animal enters to reach the bait. Bait the same as for snap traps, but use a larger quantity to encourage entry. Place cages in the same high‑traffic zones and check them at least twice daily to prevent stress or dehydration. Release captured mice at least 2 km from the residence, following local wildlife regulations.
Glue boards function as passive traps. They consist of a sticky surface mounted on a cardboard backing. Apply a thin layer of attractant—such as a dab of cheese or bacon grease—on the board’s edge. Secure boards perpendicular to walls, with the adhesive side facing upward. Monitor daily; dispose of trapped rodents in sealed bags to avoid secondary contamination.
Additional considerations:
- Safety: Wear gloves when handling traps or dead rodents to prevent disease transmission. Keep traps out of reach of children and pets.
- Cleaning: After each capture, clean the area with a disinfectant solution (e.g., 1 % bleach) to eliminate scent trails that may deter further activity.
- Prevention: Seal entry points larger than 6 mm, eliminate food debris, and store dry goods in airtight containers. Reducing accessible resources diminishes the likelihood of future infestations.
Choosing between lethal, live‑capture, or adhesive methods depends on personal ethics, local regulations, and the urgency of control. Each approach requires proper bait, strategic placement, and diligent maintenance to achieve reliable results.