DIY: How to Make a Homemade Mouse Trap

Are you tired of dealing with pesky rodents in your home but don’t want to spend money on expensive traps? You’re in luck because making a homemade mouse trap is both easy and affordable. With just a few simple materials and some basic know-how, you can make an effective trap that will help you get rid of mice in no time.

When making a homemade mouse trap, it’s important to keep in mind that mice are intelligent creatures. They’re unlikely to go for a trap that looks suspicious or is placed in an obvious location. As such, the key to making a successful trap is to make it inconspicuous and tempting. In this article, we will cover some simple yet effective ways to make a homemade mouse trap that will help you catch those tricky critters. So, let’s get started!

1. What You’ll Need for a Homemade Mouse Trap

Before you start making a homemade mouse trap, you need to have all the necessary materials to get the job done. These include:

a) A Plastic Bottle

The first thing you need for a homemade mouse trap is a plastic bottle. The size of the bottle is not so important, but you want to ensure that it’s large enough to trap the mouse. A 2-liter plastic bottle would be an ideal size.

b) Bait for the Trap

Your homemade mouse trap needs to have bait inside it to attract the mouse. You can use cheese, peanut butter, nuts, seeds, or anything else that has a strong smell and is appetizing to the mouse.

c) Scissors or a Knife

You will need to use scissors or a knife to cut the plastic bottle, creating the entry and exit points for the mouse.

d) Tape or Glue

To keep the mouse trap together, you’ll need tape or glue. The type of tape or glue you use is not important, but it needs to be strong and durable.

e) A Piece of Wire

The wire will be used to create a trigger that springs the trap shut when the mouse enters. A coat hanger is perfect for this.

f) A Clean Cloth

You will need a clean cloth to cover the trap, ensuring that the mouse stays inside.

g) A Container

To dispose of the mouse, you will need a container. Use a plastic container with a lid that is large enough for the mouse.

h) Peanut Butter or Cheese

After catching the mouse, you will need something to bait the trap again. Peanut butter or cheese will work well for this.

i) Gloves

If you don’t like handling mice, put on gloves when setting up your homemade mouse trap. This will ensure that you don’t come into contact with the mouse or its droppings.

j) A Suitable Location

Finally, you need to choose a suitable location to set up your mouse trap. This could be in a pantry, behind the fridge, or in an area where you’ve seen mice before. Be sure to keep the trap out of reach of children and pets.

2. How to Make a Homemade Mouse Trap

Now that you have all the necessary materials, it’s time to make your homemade mouse trap. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Cut the Plastic Bottle

First, cut the plastic bottle in half using scissors or a knife. Cut it about one-third of the way down from the top.

Step 2: Create an Entry Hole for the Mouse

Next, make an entry hole for the mouse. Use scissors or a knife to cut a small hole on the side of the bottle, near the bottom. This hole should be just big enough for the mouse to fit through.

Step 3: Create an Exit Hole for the Mouse

Create an exit hole for the mouse on the other side of the bottle. This hole should be larger than the entry hole, approximately the size of a quarter.

Step 4: Create a Trigger Mechanism

Now, create a trigger mechanism for the mouse trap. Cut a piece of wire from the coat hanger and bend it in half. Then, bend one end of the wire into a hook shape.

Step 5: Attach the Trigger Mechanism

Attach the trigger mechanism by threading the bent end of the wire through the hole in the bottle cap and then bending it to hook onto the other side of the bottle. The wire should be placed at a slight angle, so it doesn’t interfere with the bait inside.

Step 6: Add Bait to the Trap

Add bait to the trap. A small dollop of peanut butter or cheese works well.

Step 7: Cover the Trap with a Clean Cloth

Cover the trap with a clean cloth, ensuring that the mouse stays inside.

Step 8: Place the Trap in a Suitable Location

Finally, place the trap in a suitable location where you’ve seen mice before or where you suspect they are residing. Check the trap regularly and dispose of any mice you catch.

10 Homemade Mouse Trap Ideas

If you’re tired of dealing with pesky mice in your home, there are a variety of options for homemade mouse traps that can be both effective and cost-efficient. Here are 10 different ideas to try:

1. Bucket and Ramp Trap

One option is to create a trap using a bucket and a ramp. Simply set up the bucket on its side and place a ramp leading up to the top of it. Add bait to the top of the bucket, and the mouse will climb up the ramp to get to it, only to fall into the bucket and be unable to escape.

2. Paper Tube Trap

Another simple trap uses a paper tube, like a toilet paper roll, as the base. Cut one end of the tube into flaps and fold them inward, creating a place to add bait in the center. When the mouse enters the tube to reach the bait, the flaps will collapse, trapping it inside.

3. Bottle Trap

With this trap, you can use a plastic bottle to create a cylinder-type trap. Cut a hole in the side of the bottle and attach a wooden dowel or stick to the top of the bottle. Add bait to the stick and wait for the mouse to be caught by trying to reach it, causing the bottle to tip over and trapping it inside.

4. Tin Can Trap

Another cylinder-shaped trap can be made using a tin can. Cut a hole on one end, and attach a long wooden dowel or stick to the other end, securing one end of the stick to the can and the other end to a wall or flat surface with duct tape. Add bait to the inside of the can, and wait for the mouse to enter the trap, causing the can to tip over and trapping the mouse inside.

5. Sticky Trap

A sticky trap is a piece of cardboard smeared with a sticky adhesive substance like glue or peanut butter. When a mouse walks on the cardboard, it will get stuck in the adhesive and be unable to free itself.

6. Simple Mousetrap

This is one of the easiest methods for creating a mousetrap. You can make it by setting a wooden snap trap on a piece of cardboard, placing it in areas where mice are often found and adding bait. The mouse will trigger the trap when trying to reach the bait, and be caught by the snap.

7. Homemade Electric Trap

To make an electric mouse trap, you’ll need a cardboard box, two aluminum plates, a battery, and wires. Place one aluminum plate on the bottom of the box and attach one end of the wires to it. Place the second aluminum plate on the top of the box, connect the battery and the other end of the wire to it. Add bait to the inside of the box and wait for your next catch. When the mouse enters and touches both plates, it will complete the circuit and be electrocuted.

8. Humane Trap

If you prefer a more humane approach, you can make a live trap using a cardboard box, sunflower seeds, and a string. Cut a small hole in one side of the box, add seeds in the middle and tie a string to the other side, with the string going through the hole. When the mouse enters the box to reach the seeds, gently pull the string to close the hole from outside and release the mouse into the wild.

9. Poison-Free Mouse Repellent Trap

A poison-free repellent trap can be made using a plastic bottle filled with water to create a partially submerged ramp. Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the top of the ramp, so the mouse will try to reach it, only to drown in the water.

10. Cat Litter Dust Trap

Another mouse repellent can be found in cat litter dust. Simply place some dust around the areas where mice frequent. The dust will stick to the mouse’s legs and fur, making it uncomfortable and unlikely to return.

Overall, there are many different ways to make homemade mouse traps, and it’s up to you to decide which to try. However, be sure to use all traps with caution and follow all necessary safety protocols to avoid injury or damage to your home.

Building a Homemade Mousetrap: The DIY Guide

Now that we’ve helped you understand the many reasons why homemade mouse traps are the way to go, let’s dive into the steps involved in building one yourself. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

Step 1: Collect your Materials

The first step in the process is to gather all the necessary materials. Here is what you will need:

Step 2: Preparing the Trap

To prepare the homemade trap, begin by sanding the wooden plank to ensure it is smooth. You can then place the bucket underneath.

Next, drill a hole towards the top of the can and add some wire through the opening. This wire will act as a pivot point in the trap.

From here, smear peanut butter all around the can to attract the mouse towards the trap.

Step 3: Setting up the Trap

Once you have prepared the trap, it’s time to set it up. Begin by placing the can in the center of the plank, ensuring that the wire is hanging over the middle of the bucket.

Then prop up the plank on one end, so it can act as a ramp up towards the can. The mouse will be able to climb the ramp, and once they get to the can, it will tip and they’ll fall down into the bucket.

Step 4: Luring the Mouse

To lure the mouse towards the trap, place a small amount of peanut butter on the end of the ramp. This will smell and taste delicious to the mouse and make them want to investigate the trap.

Step 5: Releasing and Relocating the Mouse

Once you have caught the mouse in the trap, you’ll need to release it somewhere outside.

To do this, gently tip the can down and allow the mouse to escape from the bucket. Be sure to release them in an area away from your home, where they can’t easily make their way back in.

Now that you know the steps involved in building a homemade mouse trap, you can try creating one yourself. Bear in mind that improvising or modifying the method is permitted to create your preferred design. If done correctly, you won’t need to spend a lot of money on commercially available traps, this is one less thing to worry about when enjoying a Mouse Trap-Free environment.

Say Goodbye to Rodents with Your Homemade Mouse Trap!

Now you know how to make your own homemade mouse trap that works like a charm. And the best part? It won’t cost you a thing! You can use this method to get rid of pesky rodents living in your house or garden without harming them. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give it a try! We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new today. Don’t forget to visit us again soon for more helpful tips and tricks. Happy trapping!