Mice are one of the most common pests homeowners face in the United States. Mice can be a problem for any type of house regardless of age or condition because they can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. When people first notice signs of a mouse infestation, they usually run to the hardware store to get traps. To help homeowners, we asked the division service manager Jason Leinneweber his advice on picking the best mouse trap.
What is most important to consider when buying a mouse trap?
The most important thing to consider is effectiveness. Some traps may be cheaper but could be less effective or considered less humane. On the other hand, some traps, like humane electrical traps, are more expensive but very effective. Traps can truly be a “you get what you pay for” deal. The exception to this rule may be the old-fashioned Victor-style traps (the ones with the wooden base). They only run a few dollars and there is a reason they have been around for 100 years, my only advice with this style of trap is to keep your fingers out of the way.
Homeowners need to assess their particular mouse infestation situation to discern what sort of trap is going to work best for them, based on how many mice they think are in the house, and their skill level of trapping along with the time commitment needed to solve the issue. It should be noted that traps are typically most effective if there are only one or two mice in the home; if you’re dealing with a larger quantity of mice, it is best to employ the services of a wildlife removal professional, who can handle your home’s mouse problem in a properly customized fashion.
What mouse trap type is most humane?
If you’re interested in a reusable trap that humanely handles your mouse problem, cage traps are most effective. These traps allow mice to enter from one end of the trap and then cannot exit, at which point the homeowner can release the animals outside, unharmed. The trap can then be put back into use right away, to collect any other mice still living in the home.
Watch a cage trap catch a rodent.
What should you consider when choosing a mouse trap if you also need to consider child and pet safety at home?
Although snap traps may be the most well-known and most common mouse traps for household use, their snapping component could be dangerous for pets and small children around the house. Pets may be drawn to the food used to bait the trap, while babies and toddlers could confuse it as a toy left on the ground and try to touch it, activating the snapping function and getting hurt.
If you have young children or pets, you may want to stick with cage traps that pose less of a physical threat to them.
What’s the best bait to use in a mouse trap?
While cheese may be the most famous bait for mouse traps, homeowners should know that mice prefer sweet foods. With that in mind, if you’re using a food-baited snap trap, your best bet for enticing mice to the trap is to bait it with peanut butter or some other light, sweet treat. Pay attention to what the mice are already eating if they have invaded the pantry. If you find a hole chewed in a box of cereal, use that as your bait.
How long does it usually take for a mouse trap to work?
Many mice may be averse to taking unnecessary risks, so even if you put a trap right in an area or path that they frequent within your home, they may remain skeptical of it for some time and choose to avoid it. They typically won’t approach it until they’re certain it doesn’t pose an immediate threat to them, which can take days or even weeks.
In some instances, that wait may not bother a homeowner, but each day that the mouse problem is not handled, is another day of your home and food potentially being contaminated by them. While they’re scurrying around, they may also chew on furniture and other fixtures in the house, as well as electrical wires, which could cause a fire. Not only that, but mice reproduce and multiply very quickly, so every passing day where the problem is not rectified is another day closer to the problem worsening.
If you feel the traps are not getting the job done in an economical amount of time, you ought to enlist the help of a professional wildlife removal service.
Jason Leinneweber started his career as a wildlife biologist in 2009. He was instrumental in growing the region first as a technician, then District Manager in Dallas-Fort Worth. He spent five years as the district manager before being promoted to region manager. Jason’s experience in excellent service earned him another promotion to Division Service Manager in 2021.