How to Set Up a Mouse Trap

Dealing with a mouse infestation is never a fun problem. Rodents can damage your property and pose health risks, not to mention that mice can be unsettling visitors in your home. Fortunately, there are several ways to catch and remove mice from your home. In this article, we’ll explore types of mouse traps and provide tips on how to set them up properly. This Old House landscaping contractor Roger Cook demonstrates in the video above and compares different mouse trap options available.

Understanding Mouse Behavior

Knowing why mice enter homes and how they behave will help you place traps more effectively. Mice enter homes for many reasons, but mostly because they’re looking for food, shelter, or nesting materials, especially during the winter.

Mice tend to follow specific patterns when moving through a space. They prefer to travel along walls and in corners, using the same pathways repeatedly. They can also squeeze through openings as small as a quarter of an inch. Understanding these patterns will help you place traps in high-traffic areas where mice are most likely to travel.

Types of Mouse Traps

There are many types of mouse traps available, each with pros and cos.

Metal Pedal Mouse Trap

The metal pedal mouse trap is the most common type because it’s simple, effective, and cheap. These traps can be tricky to set, and some people worry about accidentally snapping their fingers. However, these are highly effective when placed correctly. To set up a metal pedal mouse trap, follow these steps:

1. Pull back the metal arm.
2. Place a small amount of peanut butter on the metal pedal using a toothpick or knife.
3. Pull the kill bar back and latch the metal arm bar into the metal pedal.
4. Place the trap perpendicular to the wall where you’ve noticed mice activity.

Plastic Mouse Trap

Plastic mouse traps are a modern version of the classic trap. They work similarly to metal pedal traps but are easier to set and clean. These traps are just as effective and better for those who prefer a more user-friendly design. Here’s how to set up a plastic mouse trap:

1. Press down on the spring-activated lever.
2. Place a small amount of peanut butter in the bait area.
3. Position the trap along walls or in corners where mice are likely to travel.

Kill and Contain Mouse Trap

Kill and contain traps are better for those who prefer not to see the captured mouse. These traps conceal the mouse after capture, making disposal easier and less unpleasant. To set up a kill and contain mouse trap, do this:

1. Place peanut butter in the bait cup and close it.
2. Pull the trap set lever.
3. Place the trap parallel to the base of the wall.

Electronic Mouse Trap

Electronic mouse traps use battery power to deliver an electric shock to mice that enter the trap. While effective, some users may find these less humane than other traps. To set up an electronic mouse trap, take these steps:

1. Insert batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Place bait in the designated area.
3. Position the trap along walls or in corners where mice are active.

Live Animal Cage

For those who prefer a nonlethal option, live animal cages allow you to capture mice without harming them. In some areas, it’s illegal to release captured mice on someone else’s property, so you should check local regulations before using this method. To set up a live animal cage:

1. Place attractive bait, such as peanut butter or cheese, inside the cage.
2. Set the trap according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Position the cage in areas with high mouse activity.

Effective Mouse Trap Placement

Proper trap placement is important for successfully catching mice. Place traps along walls and in corners where mice are likely to travel, setting multiple traps in these areas and where you’ve noticed mice activity. Position the traps two to three feet apart and check and reset traps regularly.

Mouse Baiting Tips

Choosing the right bait can make a difference in the effectiveness of your traps. Use small amounts of peanut butter as bait, as too much could prevent the trap from triggering. Change the bait regularly to prevent ants and maintain its freshness and appeal. Other baits that may work include chocolate, bacon, or nuts.

Preventing Mouse Entry

While trapping is a quick way to deal with existing mouse problems, prevention is important to long-term success.

Sealing Entry Points

Mice can enter through surprisingly small openings. To prevent entry, inspect the exterior of your home for cracks and gaps, sealing openings larger than a quarter-inch with a combination of foam sealant and wire cloth. For smaller gaps, stuff steel wood into cracks and crevices.

Maintaining a Clean Environment

Keeping your space clean can discourage mice from entering your home. Store all food in airtight containers, clean up crumbs and spills as soon as you notice them, and secure your trash cans with lids. Keep any outdoor areas surrounding your home free of debris and overgrown grass or plants where mice may hide.

Using Repellents

Repellents can also be an effective way to deter mice without causing harm. Consider using natural or commercial repellents in areas that are more prone to mouse activity.

Safety Considerations When Dealing With Mouse Traps

When dealing with mouse traps and infestations, you should wear gloves when handling traps or disposing of mice. Keep all traps out of the reach of children and pets and follow local regulations for disposing of captured mice. For infestations that cannot be resolved with a few traps, consider hiring professional pest control services.