Rodents such as mice are an extremely common household problem, whether in city apartments or country homes. They cause damage, contaminate food, and even spread disease. However, these little creatures are merely doing what they can to survive, which is why many homeowners seek to remove them from their homes using humane, or ‘live’ traps that do not harm the animal. In this article, we will be talking about ways to trap mice humanely.
The first thing you need for humane mouse trapping is the right type of trap. Live-catch traps are readily available in many shopping outlets or online. These devices are designed to catch the mouse without causing physical harm and come in different types. The most popular is the metal cage type, but there are also plastic tunnel traps that close when the mouse enters, or box traps that drop a door behind the mouse once it’s inside. When buying a trap, ensure you choose one with proper ventilation so the mouse can breathe while contained.
Choosing the right bait for your trap is also vital. Mice are fond of food with high sugar content. Some popular choices include peanut butter, chocolate, and any form of sweet fruit. It’s also important to choose a bait that is somewhat sticky or hard for the mouse to carry away. This increases the likelihood of the mouse triggering the trap rather than merely stealing the bait. You can also use cotton balls or feathers as bait, particularly if you suspect that the mice are gathering nesting materials. However, you’ll need to check these traps more frequently as mice caught in their search for nesting materials may not have food supplies and are at greater risk of dehydration or stress.
Placement of the trap is just as important as the bait and trap type. Mice usually run along walls and rarely roam in open areas, so the ideal place for your trap is close to the wall with the trap entrance facing the wall. If you’ve seen the mouse, place the trap in that area. If droppings are concentrated in one area, that’s another good location for your trap. Mice have a strong sense of smell, and washing your trap will remove any scent of caught mice that can deter new mice from entering.
Another critical aspect of humane trapping is checking the traps regularly. Once a mouse is trapped, it can quickly become stressed, dehydrated, or even die due to fear or a lack of food and water. Therefore, you should check your traps at least twice a day, morning and evening. When a mouse is trapped, you should release it as soon as possible. It’s recommended to release the mouse a reasonable distance from your home to avoid it coming right back. Be sure to release it in a safe, natural environment away from predators and have food and water resources nearby.
In conclusion, the most humane and ethical way to deal with a mouse problem is through live trapping and subsequent release. Remember that mice are often simply trying to survive. By following these strategies for humane trapping, you can help keep your home clean and safe from these pests without causing unnecessary harm. However, it is equally important to take steps to prevent mice from entering your home in the first place by sealing entry points and ensuring food waste is adequately covered and removed. If you follow all the steps mentioned above correctly, there are high chances that your home will be mice-free.