How to Catch a Mouse

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Pin ItArticle EditDiscussDo you have a mouse or a rat (or a few of them) living with you? This article will tell you how to catch your rodent housemate, whether you don't mind using traditional traps or you'd prefer to use a more humane method.

Edit Steps

Using a traditional trap

Mouse traps come in many types, including traditional spring-loaded traps, electric traps, and glue traps. You can purchase these traps at most hardware stores and online. The traps vary in their method of execution, but you will use them each in pretty much the same way. Glue traps are widely considered the least humane, and occasionally the rodent will chew off its own feet and escape, only to die later in an unknown location.

1Locate the traps where you think the mice will be. This could be in a cupboard or a drawer, wherever you found evidence that the rodent is in your house.

2Place multiple traps. One will often not be enough to catch the mouse, and you may be able to catch multiple mice at a time with multiple traps.

3Bait the traps. Many types of bait will work. You can purchase specially designed mouse bait from a store, or you can use food from your home. Peanut butter will work and it is easy to use because it can stick where you need it to.

4Check the traps every day. You don't want the mouse to rot. This can be dangerous for house residents as mice can harbor lots of dangerous bacteria.

5Remove the mouse. When disposing of the mouse, be sure to wear protective gloves (and maybe even a breathing mask) to prevent yourself from contact with any dangerous bacteria. Dispose of the mouse outside of your home for sanitation purposes.

Using a humane trap

If you want to catch a mouse without killing it, there are traps you can use that will catch the mouse live. You can purchase a live trap and use it similarly to other traps, or you can use this guide to easily make a live trap yourself.

1Get a toilet paper or paper towel tube. It must be from a finished roll without paper on it. You could use something similar, but make sure it is big enough for a mouse to fit inside and flimsy enough that it won't support the mouse's weight.

2Flatten one side of the tube. This is done so that it can balance on the edge of a counter or table.

3Bait the tube. Place your bait on the inside of the tube all the way on one end. Peanut butter works great because it will stick well to the inside of your tube.

4Balance the tube off the edge of a counter or table. It must be on an edge that is a few feet from the ground with some floor space next to it. Place the tube so that it is half on the surface and half off the edge, with the end that is baited off the edge. If you're having trouble getting the tube to stay still or balance, you can tape it lightly to the table or counter, but be sure the tape is not holding too tight.

5Get a bucket or trashcan. Make sure it is empty. This is where you will catch your mouse. The bucket must be at least two feet tall or the mouse could jump out after it is caught.

6Place your bucket directly underneath the tube. It should be placed so that once the mouse goes into the tube, it will fall into the bucket.

7Check your trap frequently until the mouse is caught.

8Release the mouse far from your home. You must take it at least a mile away if not farther or it will find its way back to your house.

9Clean and disinfect surfaces where the mouse has been. These surfaces could have dangerous bacteria on them and should be cleaned thoroughly.

Edit TipsIf you do not have a table or counter that will work, you can build a ramp up to the top of the bucket. You can use a number of objects for your ramp, including cardboard or stacked wood, just make sure that your ramp is one that a mouse could climb and that you can balance your tube on top.Keep your house tidy to prevent further infestations. Pay special attention to making sure food is in sealed containers and not left out overnight.Put oil in the bottom of the trash can so the mouse won't jump out.Larger mice may jump out of your trap, if you know you have a large mouse, use a larger bucket.If you use a store bought trap, electric traps are more effective than mechanical traps.

Edit WarningsDo not use rat poison. This can cause the rodent to die in your walls, which can be very unsanitary while it decomposes.Do not seal mouse holes you find until you are sure all of the mice have been removed. They will either tear a new hole that you will need to find or die inside your walls.

Edit Things you'll needTraditional trap method:Trap of your choiceBaitHomemade humane trap method:Toilet paper rollBaitBucket or trashcan

Edit Related wikiHowsHow to Get Rid of Mice NaturallyHow to Get Rid of Fruit FliesHow to Get Rid of RoachesHow to Deal With a Snake in the HouseArticle Info

Categories: Rodent Control

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