Best Methods for Trapping Mice
- Mouse Trap Position: Mice prefer to stay close to walls or vertical surfaces. Place traps where you’ve noticed activity and position them perpendicular to the wall—not parallel—for maximum effectiveness.
- Humane Mouse Traps: Catch-and-release traps can work well if used correctly. Always release mice at least two miles away to prevent re-entry. Release them promptly so they can access food and water.
- Wear Gloves: Gloves protect you from direct contact and prevent human scents from transferring to the trap. If mice detect human smells, they may avoid the trap entirely.
Common Mouse Trap Mistakes
- Choosing faulty designs: Many traps are ineffective or easily avoided. Mice have evolved strong threat-avoidance behaviors that help them evade poorly designed traps.
- Incorrect placement: Traps placed in the middle of a room are unlikely to catch mice. Mice prefer areas where they can keep one side of their body touching a wall for security.
- Using the wrong bait: Cheese is not an effective bait. Peanut butter works best because it’s sticky and hard for mice to remove without triggering the trap.
- Underestimating mice: Mice are fast, cautious, and observant. It’s common to find a sprung trap with no mouse inside. Professionals are trained to place traps considering mouse foraging behavior and escape tactics.
How to Catch a Mouse When Traps Don’t Work
If standard traps fail, try these DIY methods:
- Bucket and spoon trap: Place peanut butter at the end of a spoon, tape the handle to a counter so the baited end dangles. Place a bucket beneath. Mice may fall into the bucket when reaching for the bait.
- Rolling bottle trap: Pierce a plastic bottle through the middle and lay it across a bucket. Cover the bottle in peanut butter. Set a ramp (like a wooden plank) leading up to the bucket. Mice will climb up, try for the bait, and fall into the bucket as the bottle rolls.
When to Call a Professional Exterminator
Mice can sometimes detect and avoid even the most carefully placed traps. If DIY methods fail, it’s time to consult a professional. Experienced exterminators understand mouse behavior and can develop a comprehensive rodent control plan to eliminate the problem efficiently.
Need help in the Windsor, Ontario region? Make sure to contact Pestward for an in depth inspection and rodent control program.