How Mousetraps Work
Snap Traps for Mice
Traditional snap traps, also known as spring-loaded-bar mousetraps, are commercially available and widely used. Snap traps are placed along pathways rodents travel, and an attractant such as food or nesting material can be used. When the spring mechanism is triggered, a metal bar snaps and kills the rodent.
Glue Traps for Mice
Glue traps often are placed in similar locations as snap traps. After encountering the trap, mice are immobilized by an adhesive surface. Rodents trapped expire from hypothermia since they can't move and maintain their body temperature.
Humane Mouse Traps
Live-Catch Mouse Traps
Live-catch traps are also available commercially. These require that the homeowner release caught specimens into the natural environment and do not guarantee that mice will not return.
Live-catching mousetraps are designed for those homeowners who do not wish to kill mice. These traps also attract mice through the use of food baits, at which time a metal door will snap closed, capturing the specimen. Homeowners must then release the mice into the wild, and released mice often re-enter the home. It is important to note house mice are not native to the U.S. and are considered not only health and home risks but also highly destructive to native birds and wildlife.
Regardless of type, mousetraps are considered very effective in the capture and extermination of individual rodents. However, it should be noted that mouse populations grow rapidly and often require more extreme pest control measures.
A mouse's body shape allows it to squeeze through cracks and holes in foundations, walls, and floors.
Although mice-repellent sprays may temporarily irritate mice, there is no scientific proof that they're an effective method of mouse control.
Electronic mice repellents use high-frequency sounds to repel mice.
How to Get Mice Out of House Walls
Using food bait can help lure mice out of walls and crawlspaces.
Since a mouse infestation can pose a threat to your health, it may be best to rely on professional pest control services to get rid of mice efficiently.
While there are many mouse traps on the market, a serious mouse infestation may require professional pest control services.
Snap traps and glue boards for mice can usually be found in grocery and hardware stores.
How to Clean Up After Mice Infestation
Mouse droppings can be hazardous to our health so it's important to thoroughly clean your home after an infestation.