Trapping
Trapping is an effective control method for controlling house mice. Although time-consuming, it is the preferred method in homes, garages, and other structures, where only a few mice are present. Trapping has several advantages:
- It does not rely on inherently hazardous rodenticides;
- It permits the user to view his or her success; and
- It allows for disposal of trapped mice, thereby eliminating dead mouse odors which may occur when poisoning is done within buildings.
Simple, inexpensive wood-based snap traps are effective and can be purchased in most hardware and grocery stores. Traps can be baited with a variety of foods—peanut butter is the most popular because it is easy to use and very attractive to mice. Set the triggers lightly so the traps will spring easily. Leave traps unset until the bait has been taken at least once to reduce the chance of mice becoming trap-shy.
Multiple-capture live traps for mice, such as the Victor Tin Cat® and the Ketch-All®, are also available in many hardware and feed stores. They can catch several mice at a time without being reset, and therefore reduce labor requirements.
Set traps behind objects, in dark corners, and in places where evidence of mouse activity is seen. Place them close to walls so that mice will pass directly over the trigger. Traps can be set on ledges, on top of pallets of stored materials, or any other locations where mice are active.
Use enough traps to make the effort short and decisive. Mice seldom venture far from their shelter and food supply, so space traps no more than about 10 feet apart in areas where mice are active.
An alternative to traps are glue boards, which catch and hold mice that are attempting to cross them, in much the same way flypaper catches flies. Place glue boards along walls where mice travel. Do not use them where children, livestock, pets, or desirable wildlife can contact them. Glue boards lose their effectiveness in dusty areas unless covered. Extreme temperatures may also affect the tackiness of glue boards.