Mice are one of the most common pests in the United States and are reviled for contaminating food and spreading dangerous diseases. As such, a wide variety of traps and baits used to control their populations are commercially available. Lethal traps and live traps are the most common types of mouse control as trapping is usually preferable to toxic baits, especially in situations where pets or small children are present.
Types of Mouse Traps
The most commonly available traps are snap, cage traps, glue traps, and electric traps.
Snap Traps
Snap traps are cheap, and practical, and usually consist of a spring-loaded metal bar attached to a wooden plank. Mice activate the trigger by nudging a piece of food used as bait.
Cage Traps
These devices are unique in this list in that they do not kill the mouse; rather, they simply hold it until you can release it elsewhere. A conveniently reusable live trapping option, multiple catch traps can capture up to 30 mice in one use. Mice enter a small hole on the exterior of the trap but are unable to exit back through the same way.
There are two main versions of live catch traps: metal cages, and plastic tubes, both of which are outfitted with trigger-operated doors. Metal cage traps are preferred as they are large enough that the captured mouse likely won’t get overly stressed out in the time it is detained.
Electric Traps
Electric traps are expensive but quickly and humanely kill mice with a sharp jolt of electricity. They are also engineered to include a no-see, no-touch disposal procedure, and a light to indicate when a mouse has been caught. They are also designed to ensure that humans and pets cannot be shocked.
Glue Traps
Glue traps are one of the cheapest trapping solutions and are most successful when placed in areas of frequent activity, such as routes between nests and food sources. The mouse attempts to cross it and is then caught up on the sticky surface, where it dies due to lack of water and food. Then the card is thrown away. We do not recommend glue traps. Temperature extremes and dusty areas can make them less effective. Most importantly, they are not an ethical mouse control method.
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Mouse Baits
When used correctly, baits can be the most effective way of dealing with mouse problems. They are typically slow-acting, requiring up to four days and multiple doses to kill a mouse. Baits should not be used if there is a risk of inadvertently coming into contact with pets or small children.
Why You Need a Professional
Small populations of house mice can be eliminated with simple traps or baits, but anything more than a few rodents typically requires the expertise of wildlife removal professionals. Without knowledge and experience, homeowners’ best efforts can prove ineffective or even make problems worse. Individuals facing mouse issues should contact the experts at Critter Control, who can identify and execute the best removal methods.
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- Baby Mice
- Dead Mice
- House Mouse Nest
- How to Get Rid of Mice
- Mice Behavior in the Winter
- Fear of Mice
- How to Catch a Mouse
- Life Cycle of a Mouse
- Mice in Attic Removal
- Mice in Crawl Space
- Mice in the House
- Mice in the Walls
- Mice in Yard
- Mice Problems
- Mouse Poop & Droppings
- Mice in Pantry
- Mouse Noises
- Mouse Repellent
- Mouse Tracks
- Mice vs. Rats
- Types of Mice
- Diseases That Mice Carry
- Mouse Appearance
- Where Do Mice Hide?
- White Footed Mouse Habitat