How to Build a Mouse Trap That Doesn't Kill

Just because you want to get rid of a mouse doesn't mean you want it dead.

No one wants mice in their home. They creep around inside the walls and floorboards, driving your cat crazy, nibbling into your (once) sealed food stores and boldly leaving their stinky drippings and droppings in plain sight. But although you want to get rid of your mice, if you're like a lot of soft-hearted people out there, you don't want to kill them either. If you find yourself living this particular contradiction, you can build a humane mousetrap from items commonly found around the house.

Things You'll Need

• Empty paper towel or toilet paper roll
• Garbage can or bucket (at least 20 inches high)
• 2 old towels
• Raisins or peanut butter
• Wooden plank (optional)

Instructions

1. Flatten a paper towel roll or toilet paper roll slightly on one side so it won't roll when you set it on a hard surface.

2. Place the toilet paper or paper towel roll on a countertop or table top, balanced so about half the roll is hanging off the surface. Put this in a room where you've had evidence of mouse activity.

3. Place a trash can or bucket that measures at least 20 inches high underneath the countertop or table top so the roll is directly above the container. Pad the bottom of the trash can or bucket with two folded-up old towels.

4. Place a raisin or a dab of peanut butter a few inches in front of the entrance to the toilet paper or paper towel roll, and another raisin or dab of peanut butter near the tip of the overhanging end of the roll.

5. Leave the room. When the mouse seeks out the treat on the inside of the tube, the weight of the mouse will cause the mouse and the tube to tumble off the countertop or table top and into the trash can or bucket, where it will be safely jailed until you can let it outside.

Tips & Warnings

• Alternatively, if you feel uncomfortable using bait to invite a mouse onto your counter or table, build a ramp. Place a wooden board upright on the floor at an incline leading up to the garbage can trap. Place the toilet paper or paper towel roll at the top of the incline, balanced on both the board and the rim of the garbage can or bucket. Put dabs of peanut butter or raisins in a couple places along the board, then place the final treat in the tube. The trick will work as before but will keep the mouse from creeping around your high food preparatory surfaces.

• Release the mouse at least one mile from your home.

References

• I New Idea: DIY Non-Lethal Mousetrap