Build a Mouse Trap

You just found that mouse on the move again! Well, If you hate mice, Here are some ways to build the best mouse trap. That mouse will be gone in no time! Just follow these simple instructions.

Steps

  1. Gather the necessary equipment.
  2. Secure the coffee can lid on the empty coffee can with some sort of glue or contact cement.
  3. Drill a hole large enough for the dowel rod in the center of coffee can lid as well as the center of the bottom of coffee can. This should allow the coffee can to spin freely once the Dowel Rod is inserted through the holes in the can.
  4. Drill a hole in the side of the {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} bucket a couple of inches from the rim.
  5. Drill another hole in the {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} bucket directly opposite the first.
  6. Insert the Dowel Rod into one hole of the {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} bucket, then through the hole in the lid of the coffee can, then out the bottom of the coffee can, then finally through the opposite hole on in the {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} bucket.
  7. Fill the {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} bucket up with antifreeze so that there is about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of antifreeze in bottom.
  8. Coat the outside of the coffee can with peanut butter.
  9. Set the ramp up to the rim of the {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} bucket.
  10. Locate the coffee can so that it is in middle of the dowel rod in the center of the {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} bucket.
  11. Leave it and clean it out as necessary.



Tips

  • If you're concerned about kids getting into the antifreeze, water works in place of the antifreeze.
  • To make this a humane trap and avoid drowning the mouse you can also simply not put any liquid in the bucket. Be sure to check the bucket regularly so as not to starve the animal and to empty the bucket at a good distance from your house to avoid the mouse finding its way back.
  • Set the ramp in such a way that is not too steep for a mouse to walk up.
  • The idea here is that the mice walk up the ramp and jump onto the coffee can in an attempt to get to the peanut butter. When they land on the coffee can, it spins and they fall into the bucket of antifreeze. The reason for the antifreeze is that it seems to preserve the mice so they don't smell. Works great in locations where you are not able to clean it out frequently.
  • Be sure the holes in the coffee can are large enough to allow the coffee can to spin freely.
  • Powdered limestone (about 1/3 of the bottom of the bucket) also works - it kills relatively quickly and absorbs the body without any smell. It is good for long durations when no one can empty the trap for months (i.e. winter/summer home).

Warnings

  • Keep out of reach of children!
  • Use Plumbing or RV antifreeze. It's non-toxic and won't hurt your kids and pets.
  • Antifreeze is both attractive and toxic to most household pets. If you foresee this being a problem, substitute a different liquid.

Things You'll Need

  • {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} bucket
  • Empty Coffee Can (with lid)
  • Peanut Butter
  • 1/4" Dowel Rod or something similar (a little longer than the diameter of the 5 Gallon Bucket)
  • Antifreeze (get at any grocery or automotive store)
  • Something to make a ramp that will reach the top of the {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} Bucket

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