How to catch a mouse without deadly traps, poison, or the smell.
You are most likely aware of the common ways to catch a mouse. You can set mouse traps such as spring loaded traps or you can purchase sticky mouse traps. You can even purchase rat poison that will kill any rodent who consumes the poison.
Of course there are quite a few big disadvantages to these methods of catching mice and this article focuses on some more unique ways to catch a mouse. The advantages of the methods discussed here won’t kill the mouse, won’t leave strong odors, and is basically a clean and humane way to catch a mouse.
The biggest problem with traditional mouse trap and rat poison methods is that they may solve your mouse problem by trapping (and usually killing the mouse) but they don’t get rid of the whole problem.
Mice caught in traps may suffer a slow and painful death, which for you means you may hear screams from a dying mouse throughout your house. Another problem with traps is that even if they kill the mouse instantly, you’ll be left with a strong smell in the house unless you remove the mouse and trap quickly.
Rat poison presents an even greater problem because the mouse might not die for a few days. Chances are this mouse will go somewhere to die and in doing so, may end up in a hard to reach or find place. Your house will fill up with the stench of a dead mouse and the problem is compounded if the mouse dies in your vents, under the cabinets or stove, or any hard to reach location.
So here are some great ways to catch a mouse without all the disadvantages of the old school traps and poisons. Plus for those against killing mice, these tactics will keep the mouse alive and keep you happy with no mouse in your house.
The towel trap:
This is a fun trick I learned from years of living in dorm rooms and apartments. We tried traps and poisons and then one day we’d smell the odor but couldn’t find the mouse for days or even weeks.
Basically you set out bait for the mouse and while it does involve some waiting, it can be a fun way to catch the mouse. Place a desirable treat in a slightly open area (you want the mouse to feel the area is still somewhat secure) and wait. You’ll want to use something like peanut butter which works better then the stereotypical cheese.
Hold a large towel and stand or sit silently nearby. Don’t make noise and don’t move much. If the mouse is in the area it will slowly come out to check things out. Wait until the mouse is out in the open enough near the food before acting. Once the mouse is by the food quickly throw the open towel down over the mouse.
You’ll trap the mouse in the towel. Wrap up the towel carefully so you don’t drop the mouse. Take the towel outside away from your house or apartment and gently shake out the towel close to the ground. The mouse will fall out and be free.
A variation on the towel trap is to use a large cup, bowl, or box to throw down over the mouse. However these methods take a bit more agility and speed, plus it is harder to move the mouse quickly outside with these items.
The seal up:
If you know where the mouse usually is, such as the kitchen area, you can seal up as many exits as possible and trap the mouse. Then you can scare the mouse out of hiding and send it out the door.
Find all possible openings where the mouse may come and go from. Block or seal them off. Put towels in front of the openings under doors, counters, and appliances. Before blocking off any opening, make loud noises or bang on the area near the opening to make sure the mouse isn’t there.
Once you’ve left all but one possible exit, bang the cabinets, make loud noises, and basically scare the mouse into the open. When the mouse is in the open grab a towel or large item and use it to guide the mouse towards the remaining exit. As soon as the mouse is out, block that exit as well.
The mouse may or may not return, but be sure to keep most cracks and openings sealed to prevent more mice from coming in later on.
The drop in:
This one is a unique way to catch a mouse if you can’t wait around for the mouse. You can either use a deep bowl or box or you can use a deep sink.
For the sink option you’ll want to plug up the drain. Place some peanut butter in the bottom of the sink and go about your day. If the mouse is coming from your stove or kitchen top area it may wander across the counter and into the sink. The mouse will either go for the peanut butter and become stuck in the sink, or fall into the sink trying to get to it.
For the box or bowl option, you need to place it somewhere that the mouse can easily get to. One way to do this is to place the bowl or box one step below your flight of stairs. You can duct tape the bowl or box to the stairs to secure it.
Place peanut butter in the bowl or box. If the mouse is in the area above the steps, it will try to get the snack and fall down into the bowl or box. Make sure the box or bowl is deep enough so that the mouse doesn’t get out.
You can also place some crisco in the sink, bowl, or box to make it more slippery. The mouse will harmlessly be stuck inside until you come home and take the mouse outside.
Try some of these humane, clean, and even fun ways to catch a mouse. You might not catch them all, but you can get a few of them along the way.
