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Keep your home (and snacks) safe with these mouse traps.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Paul Curtissays that mice seek the shelter of our homes for a few different reasons.
Although live capture may seem more humane, in many cases it is not, he says.
This is an issue because mice can spread diseases, like Lyme disease, or damage your property.
Credit: Amazon
They may chew electrical wiring, creating a fire hazard in homes, Dr. Curtis says.
They may also spread zoonotic diseases to people.
Instead, he recommends a mouse trap that kills mice instantly, such as a traditional snap-back trap.
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If your mouse (or mice) has access to food, it may take longer to trap it.
Additionally, placing the trap in an ideal location will increase your success rate.
How do you determine which trap is best for your situation?
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How often should you replace your mouse traps?
You shouldnt have to replace mouse traps very often if you clean and care for them properly.
It isnt covered, so youll have to see the mice after theyve been trapped.
TheVictor Quick-Kill Mouse Trapis a classic snap-back trap thats recommended by many wildlife experts.
This trap has a bait cup covered by a lid.
Its also an environmentally-friendly choice since it can be sanitized and reused.
It doesnt have a bait cover.
Like our best overall pick, these traps can be disposed of or reused.
We wish it was easier to add bait, and its not reusable.
If you have pets or children, a covered mouse trap like thed-CON Small Snap Trapis the best option.
To set the trap, load in the peanut butter bait from the bottom.
This method of adding bait ensures that you don’t have to worry about accidentally setting off the trap.
Once its close enough, the trap will be triggered and the mouse will be exterminated using cervical dislocation.
Dr. Curtis recommends using this throw in of mouse trap because it quickly and humanely kills mice.
The mouse is essentially dead upon the strike of the trap.
These types of traps require batteries to operate and are more expensive than snap-back traps.
However, disposal is often more straightforward with these types of traps.
Size
Before purchasing a mouse trap, consider where your problem areas are in your home.
The material largely depends on personal preference and your budgetwooden traps are typically a more economical choice.
Either wooden or plastic snap-back traps will work fine, Dr. Curtis says.
They all work on the same principle.
When handling traps, the first step is to always put on a pair of rubber gloves.
Before touching the trap, spray it with a disinfectant and allow it to sit for five minutes.
Then, dispose of the mouse in a plastic bag.
After the mouse has been removed, rinse the trap with water and allow it to dry completely.
For this article, she interviewed certified wildlife biologistDr.
How to Clean Up After Rodents.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
April 8, 2024.
