How to Dispose of a Mouse Stuck in a Glue Trap

Catching mice can be done with glue traps, but there are other options.

While there are more humane ways to kill a mouse other than glue traps, you can attempt to either save a glue-trapped mouse or quickly put it out of its misery. One key to success for either of these methods is acting quickly after the mouse has become stuck to the glue. Prolonging the discomfort and pain for the mouse is cruel and a fast release or a quick, painless end are both ideal options for the tiny creature.

Things You'll Need

• Piece of sturdy cardboard
• Cotton-tipped swabs
• Cooking or baby oil
• Bucket of warm water (only for Section 2 method)
• Trash bag

Instructions

Releasing the Mouse From the Trap

1. Quickly retrieve the mouse and glue trap as soon as you hear a mouse struggling on the trap.

2. Carefully pick up one edge of the trap and slide the cardboard under it. Carefully pick up the cardboard so the trap and mouse are on top. Quickly move outside with the trap.

3. Apply a small amount of baby oil or cooking oil to the surface of the glue adhesive around the mouse's body. Gently move the cardboard with trap on top back and forth to work the oil under the mouse.

4. Apply some of the oil to the cotton swab and gently work the soft tip around and carefully under the stuck sections of the mouse.

5. Gently shake the trap as you move along. If the mouse is not too injured or has not been stuck too long the mouse should slide free of the trap.

Humanely End the Life of the Mouse

1. Slide the piece of cardboard under the trap and take the whole thing outside. This option is for a severely injured mouse or if its seemingly impossible to remove with the first method.

2. Place a large plastic bucket outside and fill it with warm -- not hot and not cold -- water.

3. Slowly slide the glue trap with mouse attached off the cardboard into the water. Ensure that the mouse sinks quickly to the bottom. Gently press the edge of the cardboard onto the trap and mouse if it begins to float back up to keep it under water until there is no more movement.

4. Slowly drain most of the water. Tilt the bucket into a trash bin with a thick plastic bag liner in it and promptly tie up the trash bag and remove it from your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using more humane traps that capture the mouse inside a housing that allows you to release the mouse outdoors without injury.

• Do not pull or pry at the mouse as this can cause more damage and pain to the mouse.

• Do not be alarmed if, when trying to slide the mouse off with oil, some hair and skin remains on the glue trap.

• Keep hands and fingers clear of the mouse's mouth, because it may attempt to bite.

References

• In Defense of Animals USA: Facts About Glue Traps and Humane Removal
• The Goodmen Project; How Should I Kill This Mouse?; Henry P. Belanger; Apr. 2011

Resources

• PETA Catalog: Examples of Humane Non-Kill Mouse Traps