Chloe Zhang
There are many ways to trap a mouse in plastic tubes, and they can be made at home using everyday items. One method is to use a cardboard tube that is at least 12 inches long, with one end closed off with tape or a cap. The tube is then flattened slightly so that it can sit on a surface without rolling, and bait, such as cheese, candy, or bread, is placed inside. The tube is then positioned on the edge of a countertop, with the baited end hanging over the edge, and a trash can placed underneath to catch the mouse when it falls into the tube. Another method is to use a plastic bottle, such as a one-liter water bottle, with a similar setup. The bottle is cut around its circumference about one inch from the taper, creating an opening for the mouse to enter. The bottle is then baited and placed in an area where mice are present, with a trash can placed underneath to catch the mouse when it triggers the trap.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Cardboard tube, plastic bottle, plastic bucket, wire coat hanger, paper or Styrofoam plate, sticks, trash can, plastic or metal coffee can, construction paper, string, pillow, soft cloth, jar lid, fishing line, wire, cardboard, wood, metal, plastic, cloth |
| Bait | Cheese, candy, bread, peanut butter, store-bought bait |
| Trap Mechanism | Tube trap, bucket trap, box trap |
| Trap Action | Trap and release, trap and drown, trap and kill |
| Trap Reusability | Reusable |
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What You'll Learn
Make a cheap homemade trap with a plastic bottle
Homemade traps are a cheap and effective way to catch mice without having to buy expensive mousetraps. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a trap with a plastic bottle:
First, obtain a one-litre plastic water bottle. A similar bottle will work, but one-litre bottles are ideal because they are long and narrow and often have flat sides, allowing them to sit undisturbed. Ensure the bottle is transparent and composed of thin, pliable plastic.
Next, cut around the bottle's circumference about one inch from where it starts to taper toward the cap. If the bottle were standing up, you would be cutting in a long horizontal line around its circumference. Make another cut about two inches down from the first cut. Keep the two large pieces, as these will be your trap.
Now, take the smaller top section (which will be the funnel) and cut some one-inch-long slices down it, starting from the end where you removed the thread/opening. Place the bottle neck aside to use in a future project.
To set the trap, place a small piece of bread, cheese, or candy in the bottle. Place the bottle in an enticing position, such as along a wall or a high-traffic area near a mouse hole. When the mouse enters the bottle to eat the bait, pull back on the string looped around the skewer sticking out of the bottle's bottom. The bottle will snap closed, trapping the mouse inside.
If you have a skittish mouse, you may need to modify the closing mechanism. Instead of pulling the looped string up from the skewer by hand, pull from a distance away with another length of string. This will increase the trap's effectiveness but will require more patience.
Check the trap frequently. When you see that the trap has been sprung, remove the bottle and, keeping it upright with the open end up, take it at least five to ten miles from your house, preferably in an area free of housing. Gently release the mouse in a field, meadow, or forest, allowing it to go free. Dispose of the bottle and gloves, if used.
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Use a cardboard tube and bait to trap mice
If you're looking for a cheap, creative, and effective way to trap mice, you can use a cardboard tube and bait. This method is perfect for trapping confident mice that scurry about brazenly. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Cardboard Tube:
Get a cardboard tube that's at least 12 inches long. You can use a paper towel roll or a poster tube. Close one end of the tube with tape or a cap. This closed end will be placed on a flat surface, so flatten the tube slightly along one edge to create a stable platform. You can do this by pressing creases into the tube and using a ruler to flatten the space between the creases.
Choose the Right Bait:
Choosing the right bait is crucial for the success of your trap. Mice are attracted to specific scents and tastes, so consider their preferences. Peanut butter, chocolate, seeds, cheese, candy, and bread are all enticing options. You can also use fat-rich foods, as mice are not picky eaters. Ensure the bait is lightweight so it doesn't affect the balance of the tube.
Set Up the Trap:
Place the flattened end of the tube on the edge of a countertop or table. The tube should be positioned so that about 40% of it, including the baited end, hangs over the edge. If you're using a single-story countertop, create a ramp with a cardboard box and place one end of the tube at the top of the box. Place a trash can or bucket beneath the tube to catch the mouse. The container should be wide enough to accommodate the tube and lined with something soft like a pillow or cloth to cushion the fall.
Lure and Release:
Place your chosen bait at the far end of the tube. The mouse will be attracted to the scent and venture onto the tube. As it crawls inside, the tube will tip over, dropping the mouse into the trash can or bucket below. Check the trap frequently. Once you've caught the mouse, take the tube at least five to ten miles from your house and gently release it into a field or meadow.
This DIY trap is a cost-effective and imaginative way to deal with a mouse problem while ensuring the safety and humane treatment of the mice.
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Make a repeating trap with a bucket, plate, and wire
Making a repeating trap with a bucket, plate, and wire is an effective way to catch mice without having to reset the trap frequently. The materials you will need are a paper or Styrofoam plate, a wire coat hanger, a couple of sticks, and a five-gallon plastic bucket.
First, drill two small holes on opposing sides of the bucket, just under the rim about halfway across the opening. Cut the straight and longest section from the bottom of a wire coat hanger and insert one end of it into one of the drilled holes. Turn the plate upside down and position it so that it's over the opening of the bucket, with one edge resting on the rim halfway between the drilled holes. Poke the end of the coat hanger through the plate about an inch from its edge. Run the coat hanger under the plate and through the opposite side, about an inch from the edge, and then thread the end through the remaining drilled hole.
To set the trap, add two or three inches of water to the bucket. If you prefer a humane trap, you can leave the bucket empty or add some bedding material. Prop a stick or two on each side of the bucket to provide an easy entrance for the mice. Spread peanut butter on the plate over the water, and then flip the plate and bait the other side in the same area. Be careful not to add too much peanut butter, or the plate will tip vertically. You want the non-baited part of the plate to rest on the rim of the bucket.
Once a mouse crosses the point where the coat hanger passes through the plate, the balance of the plate will change, dumping the mouse into the bucket. The water prevents them from escaping. When the plate tips and dumps the mouse, it flips all the way over and rests on the opposing side of the bucket. Because you baited both sides of the plate, the trap is now reset and ready for the next mouse.
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Buy a reusable plastic mousetrap
If you're looking for a reusable plastic mousetrap, the Harris Reusable Plastic Mouse Trap is a great option. It comes in a pack of four, so you can place them in multiple locations or have backups ready. These traps are easy to use and effective—simply bait and press to trap those pesky mice. With these traps, you can avoid using chemicals, which is a safer option for your family and pets.
The Harris Reusable Plastic Mouse Trap is also a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly choice. Unlike single-use traps, you can wash and reuse these traps multiple times. This not only saves you money but also reduces waste. The traps are made of sturdy plastic, making it difficult for mice to chew their way out.
Another popular option for a reusable plastic mousetrap is the Tomcat Press 'N Set Mouse Trap. This trap is spring-loaded and features a sensitive trigger mechanism. The trap is designed to reduce the risk of pinched fingers during setting, making it safer to use. Its plastic build ensures that it can be washed and reused multiple times.
The Snap-E Mouse Trap is another reusable plastic mousetrap worth considering. It features a sturdy plastic body and a strong metal-and-plastic kill bar that delivers a powerful snap. This trap is easy to set up and use, making it a convenient option for getting rid of mice.
When choosing a reusable plastic mousetrap, consider factors such as ease of use, effectiveness, safety, and environmental impact. Reusable traps offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to single-use traps, so you can save money and reduce waste while tackling your mouse problem.
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Use a plastic mousetrap box
Plastic mousetrap boxes are an effective and humane way to catch mice. They are also cost-effective, eco-friendly, and reusable. Here is a step-by-step guide to making and using a plastic mousetrap box:
Materials and Preparation:
- For the box, you can use plastic, cardboard, wood, or metal. Plastic is lightweight, cheap, and sturdy. Cardboard is also cost-effective and sturdy enough to hold the weight of the box and the mouse.
- Cut your chosen material into a square or rectangular shape that is large enough to fit a mouse.
- You will also need a stick, thin wire, and a cloth to disguise the trap.
- Peanut butter is an excellent bait, but you can also use cheese, bread, candy, or store-bought bait.
Setting Up the Trap:
- Make two holes in the sides of the box: an entrance hole (1-2 inches in diameter) and an exit hole (4-5 inches in diameter).
- Place the bait inside the box to attract the mice.
- Place a stick or pole inside the box, with one end resting on the bait and the other end on an empty can or jar lid. The can or lid should be upside down and placed at one end of the box.
- Thread a piece of string, fishing line, or wire through both holes and tie it around the stick. When pulled, this will knock over the can or jar, trapping the mouse inside.
- Cover the box with a cloth to make the inside dark, and place it in an area where you have spotted mice.
After Catching a Mouse:
Once a mouse is trapped, close the cage and release the mouse far away from your home, preferably in an area without housing. Do not release it on someone else's property, as this may be illegal.
This type of trap is ideal for catching mice without harming them and can be easily reused or adapted with different materials.
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