How to Catch Mice Using Mouse Traps

Mice are annoying little pests that jeopardize the health and safety of yourself and your family. According to the CDC, mice and other rodents can carry diseases like Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Renal Syndrome, and the lovingly named Rat-Bite fever.

But you don’t have to let mice live in your home rent-free! To combat these tiny vermin, you’ll need to build a better trap.

Here are a few tips on how to catch mice successfully using a mousetrap.

Look for Activity

Before you can catch the diminutive culprits, you’ll first need to do some scouting. Pay attention and scope out the areas in which mice seem to be most present.

Often, these are places like the kitchen or your pantry where mice can find small bits of food. However, they may also sneak into your garbage.

For the most part, mice are active during the night. However, you may be able to see your furry foes before breakfast if you get up early enough.

If you manage to see in one action, watch where it scurries off to. That way you’ll have a better idea of where to place the trap.

Choose a Mousetrap

Next, set out to buy the best mouse trap. Of course, ‘best’ can mean different things depending on your preferences, the size of the mice, and your budget.

You can expect to pick between one of four types of trap:

Electrical trap
Snap trap
Humane trap
Glue trap

For what it’s worth, humane traps work as well as lethal traps, but they may be a few dollars more expensive.

Play to Their Sense of Smell

Mice have keen eyesight. But their strongest sense is their sense of smell. It’s likely the delectable scent of home cooking that brought mice into your home in the first place.

Once you’ve picked a trap, place one (or more if you’re dealing with a nest) around the most active areas.

Now you’ll want to choose some bait. There are plenty of foods that attract mice, though cheese isn’t your best bet. Instead, use bacon, oatmeal, or peanut butter and they should scurry to the trap in no time.

Look for Nests Outside

While you wait, be sure to check the exterior of your home for any signs of activity. Mice have strong teeth capable of chewing through most wall materials, so most nests should become immediately visible.

If you find any signs of nesting near your home, consider placing a few traps on the outside of your house, too. Then, once the mice are caught, you can repair the wall.

How to Catch Mice Without Losing Your Mind

There’s no doubt about it, finding out that your home is infested with mice is among the grossest things a person can hear. But keep these tips on how to catch mice in mind and you shouldn’t have any more unwelcome house guests to deal with.

And don’t forget, we have tons of great content like this! Make sure to check back with our blog for all sorts of helpful hints.