If you have found yourself with a mouse infestation in your home then it is probably very frustrating and you probably really want them gone. The process is twofold. Setting up traps may catch some mice but it will not end the infestation or prevent the infestation from returning. When using traps to kill a mouse infestation the options are a human capture device and the regular inhuman snap traps. A humane trap is often electronic or mechanical and will be baited with something the mice like. They will enter, the door will close either through springs or through electronics and the mouse will be trapped. This means you need to take it and remove it from your property. This can be effective for you but the mice will still be able to either return to your home or enter someone else’s. There is a reason mice are referred to as vermin and a reason why killing them is not illegal. Mice should not be humanely handled even if you do not want to hurt them because the result is they will just keep coming back.
Inhumane traps kill or harm the mouse. These include the well-known snap trap as well as some other traps. The glue trap is by far the most inhumane trap to ever be devised. The fact that other animals and insects, helpful insects even, can get trapped on the trap along with what could be several mice makes this trap overly destructive and can harm your pets or small children if they get their hands on it. The greatest danger of the glue trap is that it can catch multiple mice who will remain alive until they starve. This can take a while and will often result in cannibalism which will make a dangerous and toxic mess you will have to clean up. This is something no one wants to see so avoid glue traps like the plague. There is also an electronic trap called a zap trap. This electrocutes the mouse to death. This is not humane but is relatively fast. The electrocution method works very consistently and kills instantly so the mouse will not know what happened. They need to be baited like snap traps and like snap traps must be emptied and cleaned or the other mice may smell the death on the object and avoid it.
Now the biggest mistake most people make is underestimating the number of mice in their home. They will see a couple of mice and then set up a couple of traps. This will have the reverse effect of teaching the mice to stay away from the traps as they will see their friend use it and die. You need many, possibly 50 or more set up all over the offending area. Keep checking and rebating. If you find a dead mouse don’t touch it without gloves on. There are many things you can catch from a dead mouse. You may also be using the wrong bait, mice do not eat cheese, they like rotting shellfish, which is their favourite. Shrimp shells work the best. Peanut butter is also highly effective.
