With the onset of autumn, mice begin to search for warm places for wintering, sometimes covering quite long distances. And if in natural conditions animals feed on nuts, seeds or insect larvae, then once they enter a residential building, they become omnivorous, tasting the supplies in the pantry, the remains of food in the trash can, and even such inedible things as candles or soap. When rodents enter a human home, getting rid of them can be quite problematic.
Which mousetrap is better to buy?
Before you buy a mousetrap, you need to decide exactly whether you are ready to radically destroy pests (take their lives) or would you prefer to use more humane methods.
For physical extermination, modern electric mousetraps are used - expensive and very effective - as well as compact mousetraps. For animal lovers, there are inexpensive and easy-to-use traps or innovative ultrasonic repellers. The latter are expensive and require long-term use.
Next, when choosing mousetraps, you need to take into account the ease of preparation for work - the simpler the better. And, of course, pay attention to how you will have to remove the rodent from the mousetrap - gloves will be needed or the manufacturer has taken care of the hygiene of disposal.
When choosing a repeller, consider the following:
Impact area
It is indicated for empty space, so you need a device whose range of action is greater than the area of the room. Concrete walls, furniture and textiles absorb ultrasound waves, reducing efficiency.
Ultrasonic Wave Frequency
It is better when it changes automatically from time to time so that rodents cannot adapt.
Power supply
Repellers powered by electricity are more effective and have a longer service life. Battery-powered, self-contained devices are less efficient.
Flashes of light
Their presence increases the effectiveness of the device in repelling mice.
All rodent control devices and devices are generally safe for people and pets, except hamsters, guinea pigs, rats and mice.
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How to choose the right bait
A good bait for mice should have the following properties:
- strong and pleasant aroma;
- freshness;
- minimum of chemical additives;
- absence of human and predator odor.
The following products are suitable as bait for rodents:
- lard, preferably smoked or fried;
- grains and cereals mixed with vegetable oil;
- fish;
- fresh bread and pastries;
- minced meat mixed with onions in a ratio of 5:1;
- sausages, ham without artificial flavors;
- sunflower seeds;
- peanut;
- crackers soaked in sesame or unrefined sunflower oil.
Note! The bait needs to be changed every 3-7 days (depending on the number of mice) so that the smell of food does not make the parasites feel threatened. Before using the mousetrap, you should feed the parasites with bait so that they get used to it.
The best mousetraps for the physical destruction of rodents
The mousetraps presented in this category are designed for the total lethal extermination of rodents. The principles of their operation make it possible to quickly and effectively destroy pests, and the design eliminates the need to touch carcasses when disposing of them.
Victor Multi Kill Electronic Mouse Trap
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
The most advanced rodent control device from an American manufacturer has undergone a huge number of laboratory tests and has proven its effectiveness.
It works completely autonomously from 4 type C batteries (included), which are enough to kill 150 mice.
When a mouse, smelling the bait, enters the plastic structure through one of the two staircase entrances, the indicator detects its presence and delivers a lethal electric shock.
The bottom of the chamber turns over, the mouse falls into the container (capacity 10 pieces), and the mousetrap is automatically recharged and ready for use again.
Pros:
- Instant destruction of rodents;
- Light indication of mousetrap status;
- Safe for children and pets;
- Housing made of durable plastic.
Minuses:
- Expensive.
An effective device for the complete extermination of rodents at home, in the garage or in the countryside - autonomous and absolutely safe for children and pets.
Swissinno “Supercat” Pro with bait
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
97%
buyers recommend this product
Easy to use, safe for humans and effective, a mechanical trap for small rodents is the latest development in the line of the Swiss manufacturer.
The original trigger mechanism (pedal on the back) easily activates the mousetrap, and the presence of a ready-made reusable bait eliminates the need to look for it yourself. It is also very simple to remove a rodent that has been caught - just press the same trigger mechanism.
Pros:
- Installs in seconds;
- Powerful spring mechanism;
- Hygienic disposal of rodents;
- Affordable price.
Minuses:
- The bait will only last for a few months, but it can be replaced.
A compact, lightweight and very effective mousetrap will be useful in any house or apartment where small rodents have appeared.
Mousetrap Dvagri
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
The original design of the mousetrap in the form of parallel-connected small tunnels allows you to destroy three rodents at once or one by one. The principle of operation is based on the natural instinct of the mouse - to chew through an obstacle and get to the food.
Loading the trap is very simple: the bait is placed deep into the container, any thread is threaded through special holes and fixes the spring lever. When the pest chews through the thread, the mechanism instantly activates and suffocates the rodent.
Pros:
- Can be used at home and outdoors;
- Housing made of durable plastic;
- Not dangerous for children and pets;
- Efficient and easy to use.
Minuses:
- Recharges only after three mice are caught.
Such a simple trap will be useful in any household - be it an apartment, a house or a summer cottage where tailed pests have settled.
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Wooden traps
The simplest wooden trap is an ordinary mousetrap, which is designed on the principle of a spring trap. A metal frame with a spring is attached to a wooden plank. You also need a hook on which to attach the bait, as well as a latch that hooks onto the hook. The moment the mouse tries to pull the bait off the hook, the spring will work and slam it to the board.
You can catch several mice at once using a mink trap, a device sometimes called a hive mousetrap. Tunnels with a diameter of three centimeters and a length of six to seven centimeters are drilled into a wooden block. A loop is made from the wire, with the help of which a noose made of thinner wire is attached to the bar. Holes are also drilled in the block to attach the springs. Charged springs are tied with thick threads and baits are placed in the tunnels. Trying to get the “yummy”, the mouse chews the thread, the noose spring is triggered and the trap holds the rodent.
The schematic diagram of such a mousetrap is shown in the figure.
The Zürner trap has proven itself well in exterminating rodents. The bait is suspended above the point of contact of two rotating bars. Under the weight of a mouse approaching the bait, the bar rotates along its axis at the point of attachment to the wall of the trap, and the animal slides into the box, from where it cannot get out.
The best humane mousetraps
The operating principle of mousetraps in this category is based on attracting and blocking a rodent in a confined space without causing physical harm to it. These devices are suitable for those who want to get rid of mice, but for some reason cannot take their lives.
Swissinno Catch Alive
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
Another device for catching mice from a Swiss brand, but with a humane action. A tunnel body made of impact-resistant plastic catches rodents alive, closing them inside using a mechanism.
It is triggered when the animal steps on the “pedal” to get to the bait. The mousetrap is activated by pressing a large button on the top panel. The small one is designed to open the trap when removing the animal.
Pros:
- High quality;
- 3 natural baits included;
- Quick and easy preparation for work;
- Hygienic removal of the rodent without touching it.
Minuses:
- Every 4 hours you need to check the trap so that the mouse does not die in it.
An excellent simple and compact trap suitable for use in any living space.
Live trap “Mouse Cottage No2”
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
The metal box mousetrap is designed to catch 20 mice at a time. Rodents enter this container through two small passages along bridges that change their position under their weight.
But the animals can no longer get out, since a special spring returns the platform to its original state and closes the exit. The transparent top cover allows you to see whether a mouse has been caught, and also serves to conveniently place the bait inside the “cottage” and remove the animals.
Pros:
- Housing made of galvanized steel;
- Easy and quick installation;
- Reliable escape protection;
- Acceptable price.
Minuses:
- Mediocre build quality.
A good trap for use in utility rooms where there are a large number of rodents.
Plastprom "Leopold"
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
84%
buyers recommend this product
A live trap of a simple design - in the form of a pipe bent at a slight angle - will effectively get rid of annoying rodents without causing them harm. A suitable bait is attached to the back cover of the trap, and the door is opened at the front - and the device is ready for use.
When a mouse gets inside, the trap is moved to the other side under its weight (seesaw principle) and the door slams shut tightly. Remember to check the trap periodically to prevent the rodent from dying inside it.
Pros:
- Simple and reliable design;
- Housing made of impact-resistant plastic;
- Reusable;
- Very affordable price.
Minuses:
- Can only be installed on a flat surface.
Such a trap will completely satisfy impressionable people, but it only catches one mouse at a time.
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Paper tunnel
If you know that mice are in the habit of climbing on the table, secure a sheet of paper rolled into a tube on its edge. Place bait inside the paper tunnel, and place a bucket next to the table.
The main trick is that 2/3 of the trap should be above the floor, not on the table.
The mouse, tempted by the smell of the treat, will climb into the tunnel and immediately fall into the bucket. Some people advise pouring water into a bucket, but such a mousetrap can hardly be called humane.
The best mouse repellers
Modern devices for controlling tailed pests do not act instantly, but are effective. Rodents simply leave a place that is unpleasant for them, and the owners do not have to bother with their disposal or relocation.
Grad Ultra 3D
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
96%
buyers recommend this product
A professional repeller works in three ways at once: low-frequency changing ultrasonic vibrations, which cause a feeling of anxiety in rodents, ultrasound with a constant frequency (prevents addiction to the effect) and special blue-violet light, which affects the optic nerves of pests and disrupts their wakefulness/sleep cycle. The device can be installed on any surface or attached to a wall.
Pros:
- Operating area up to 1200 sq.m;
- Adjustable power and 4 operating modes;
- Fast action;
- Certified and patented;
- 12 month warranty.
Minuses:
- High price.
The device is perfect for pest control in individual farms, catering establishments, warehouses, barns, granaries and other large facilities.
Mongoose SD-058
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
The action of this device is based on the radiation of five types of waves: four ultrasonic and one ultra-low electromagnetic with varying frequency. Such exposure affects the nervous system and hearing of rodents, forcing them to leave the room.
The device also has a unique function - it releases anions that kill germs and purify the air in the room.
Pros:
- Protection area 100-500 sq. m;
- Acts on cockroaches, ants, spiders, fleas, moths and mosquitoes;
- Harmless to people and pets;
- 3 operating modes with indicator light.
Minuses:
- Cannot be used in very damp areas or outdoors.
An excellent option for a studio apartment that not only gets rid of many types of pests, but also purifies the air in the home.
DIY mousetrap with a button and a saucepan (bucket)
Another option for a mousetrap, suggested to us by our reader, which you can easily implement from available materials. The essence of catching a rodent is this...
Inside, at the bottom of a container, say a jar or saucepan, a bait is attached. By the way, mice really love bread soaked in sunflower oil. You can take it as a basis. So, the bait can be secured with the same tape or adhesive tape. The container is placed on the edge of the button, that is, almost the slightest vibration can throw our resulting bucket-button system out of balance. The mouse is a cautious animal, and it will also crawl under our container carefully. That is, the probability of our mousetrap being triggered is minimal. But when it’s time to eat, it won’t be possible without minor influences on the bait from the mouse. This means that our system will still go out of balance and the container will slam shut. As a result, the mouse will remain sitting under the jar, where you will find it, well-fed, unharmed, but not necessarily satisfied. Decide for yourself what to do next with the mouse, it’s on your conscience. At least the mousetrap is fully functional. It will not be difficult for you to make it yourself, and the mousetrap will not require any significant expenses from you. All this is important!
Here is another, almost the same option with a button...
As we said, such mousetraps are quite wealthy.