Volatile traps (the kind of trap that slams down on the mouse, effectively killing the mouse upon impact) are difficult and dangerous to build. However it is very easy to build humane traps that will simply trap the mouse without killing it; you can even use everyday household objects. Use the following steps to learn how to build a mousetrap.
Materials needed:
A big basket with smooth insides so that the mouse can’t climb back out, duct tape, scissors, 2L soda bottle, peanut butter, some leftover cardboard.
1. Cut the bottom end of the soda bottle – about 5 centimeters in. You should have a big hole.
2. Dab some peanut butter (or any other sticky bait) to the edge of the cut bottle.
3. Then position and hold the bottle so that the narrow neck of the bottle is perched on the edge of the smooth basket with the cut inside of the bottle positioned over the basket. Find some leverage (cardboard structure, etc) that will hold the bottle in the place.
4. Apply the duct tape between the bottle and the edge of the basket at the outer side to function as a hinge system – the idea is that the weight of the mouse will collapse the bottle’s hinge as the mouse follows the end of the bottle to get to the peanut butter, making the mouse fall and trapped in the basket.
You may want to even add some counterweights to the neck of the bottle so that the trap will be more balanced – but be careful. Too heavy of a counterweight will result in mouse just getting away with the bait. Too light of a counterweight will result in a broken trap.
The placement of the trap is important as well. Try to put it in around area that you know the mice are active while the people around the area are inactive at certain times. Be patient and try new baits and spots as you hunt. You will want to test whether the trap works by gently placing your finger on the bottle near the bait to see if it falls.
Additional Help
If you feel like you need professional help on catching these annoying critters and advice on the best bait to use for mouse traps, TalkLocal can help with finding the correct local experts in this case, saving you time and energy in what may be a stressful situation.
