Making your own mouse traps. DIY mousetraps: from a plastic bottle, jar or bucket of water

I looked at plastic bottles for years and believed they could make a mousetrap. They are light and strong and have hundreds of different uses, from a kitchen funnel to a birdcage drinker.

I wanted the mousetrap to be humane, so that anyone could make it with their own hands. I also wanted it to be simple and good at attracting mice. My homemade humane mousetrap from a plastic bottle meets all these requirements.

See how easy it is to make and how well it attracts mice. No slamming doors or complex latches. The mouse remains calm while it is locked up and it is easy to get it out of the trap.

Step 2: List of Components and Tools

Components:

• small plastic bottle with cap
• small piece of board 5x10 cm
• wire hanger
• one screw
• clothespin or clerical clip
• two nails or two tailor's pins (objects with a sharp end)

Instruments:

• drill
• drill, one number more than the thickness of the wire in the hanger
• drill, one number less than the thickness of the wire in the hanger
• screwdriver
• pliers
• a hammer
• wire cutters

Step 3: Balancing the Bottle

First, take two nails and, holding the bottle on both sides with them (the points should be strictly opposite each other), carefully lift the bottle until you find the balance point. Mark points. Make two marks 6 mm above these marks (towards the neck, not the bottom). In these places, drill holes with a drill, a number larger than the thickness of the wire from the hanger.

Step 4: Making the axle/hinge/pin

Cut off the bottom rail of the hanger with wire cutters. Cut the cut piece of wire into two unequal parts: one is larger, the other is smaller. Insert the smaller part through the holes in the walls of the bottle and place it on the board so that there is a gap of 13 mm between the wall of the bottle and the surface on which the homemade mousetrap is placed. Now hammer this piece of wire into the board like a nail. Put the bottle on this wire and fix it with a clothespin or clerical clip.

Step 5: Bend the wire

Take the other piece of wire and crochet on one side. Now bend the wire at a 90° angle. Now secure this wire to the board with a screw and washer.

Step 6: Drilling the Bottle Cap

Take a drill with a smaller number and drill through the side of the cover. You can use pliers to make it easier to hold the lid. Now put the cover on the wire with these holes. You will need to press the cover, because the diameter of the hole is smaller than the diameter of the wire. This is done so that the lid fits snugly on the wire and the mouse cannot move it.

Step 7: Adjustment

Raise and lower the neck of the bottle with your finger. Slide and adjust the lid so that it does not touch the neck, but is as close as possible to it. You can loosen the screw to move the wire hook, you can rotate the lid, you can move the lid along the wire axis, you can customize as you like! Do not forget that the wire from the hanger is quite soft, it can be bent if necessary.

Step 8: Making the Bait

Walnut oil works best. A drop on the tip of your finger should be applied to the inside of the bottle as far as you can reach with your finger.

Almost everyone is familiar with the situation when a mouse starts to scratch in the attic or in the basement. Despite the fact that it is a pest, many feel some pity for the tiny creatures and do not want to kill or hurt them. Of course, if we are talking about an attack by a whole flock on a food barn, then there is no room for compassion. But in order to catch a single mouse, a humane mousetrap fits perfectly.

Capture methods

In fact, there are quite a few of them. It is worth going to a nearby hardware store and you will be offered a choice of several devices with which you can get rid of annoying rodents.

• The live trap is a kind of humane mousetrap that does not harm the rodent. You can buy it or make it yourself. A reasonable question arises, what to do with the captured creature.
• Special glue for rodents.
• Ready glue traps.
• Poisons. Of course, the poison works flawlessly. Another thing is where the rodent will die and how to find its body, which will exude not the most pleasant smell.
• Cat. Not always a reliable way, because some pets themselves tend to quickly leave the place where they saw the mouse.

Worst of all are adhesive backings. The rodent will be alive, but its fur and thin skin on the paws will stick tightly into the composition. Therefore, if you are looking for a humane mousetrap, then this is clearly not your option.

We do it ourselves

If you are in the country and there is no store nearby, then you can make a device for catching a rodent with almost your bare hands. A humane mousetrap from a plastic bottle will serve you faithfully. Any bottle of mineral water or juice is suitable for this.

Plus, you don't need anything else to be successful. Open the lid and carefully pour in a few tablespoons of vegetable oil. Lay out the bait, which is suitable for roasted seeds. The smell will attract rodents. This is a humane mousetrap, because, apart from slight bewilderment, it will not cause any disturbance to rodents. The bottle is placed at an angle. It is very convenient to fix it with books. You can lay out a few pieces as steps along which the mouse will climb into the bottle. Be sure to fix the edges with tape so that the bottle does not tip over. Otherwise, the mouse will just run away.

Operating principle

A humane mousetrap of this design is best placed on steps or shelves. In such places, mice are caught very quickly. The mouse climbs into the bottle to smell the aromatic filling. And the vegetable oil does not allow her to get back. For the same purpose, you can use a glass bottle, such as beer.

In this way, you can catch not one, but several rodents at once in one bottle. If one mouse is caught, then you can free it and return the trap to its original place again.

We catch a mouse with a jar

This is another simple mousetrap that you can make yourself in minutes. All you need is a liter jar, a 5 kopeck coin, a small bait and a piece of cardboard. On a flat surface, you need to put cardboard, on top of the bait and a jar turned upside down.

On one side, place a coin edge-on under the edge of the can. Choose a bait a little more than a coin. The mouse will climb inside and drag the bait, thereby moving the coin. The trap will close and you can do whatever you have planned with the mouse.

The disadvantage of this method

We looked at how to catch a mouse in a jar. But this method has one drawback. If the rodent decides to eat the treat on the spot, then he can safely leave the trap. Therefore, it can be improved a little. To do this, it is recommended to attach the bait with tape at a height of 3 cm from the neck. The rodent leans on the wall of the jar to reach it. It is at this moment that the trap closes. In this case, he will surely stay inside.

plastic container

Today we consider the most effective ways to catch a mouse. Not all of them can be considered humane, but after all, no one called rodents to your house. It is convenient to catch mice with a plastic bucket. To do this, you need to make holes in the container and insert a knitting needle into them. First you need to put a plastic bottle on it. It should spin freely and quickly. The bottle must be coated with a beaten egg or porridge. We bring a plate to the container, which will serve as a bridge. When the rodent climbs onto the bottle, it starts spinning and it falls into the bucket. It can be filled with water, then you don't have to think about what to do with the mouse.

The simplest design

Even a schoolboy can collect it. To do this, from glue and cardboard, you need to build a box with an open top and without one wall. In the side walls we make a hole for a pencil. Now we need a bottle with holes. The bait is laid at the bottom, after which the bottle is fixed in the box. When the rodent gets close to the cherished pieces, the bottle is outweighed - and the exit to the outside is cut off. Now the little creature is entirely in your power.

Tin can trap

You will need a regular can of tomato paste or condensed milk. In any of its walls you need to make a hole the size of a coin. In this case, the teeth should look outward. The rodent freely enters the jar, but the teeth prevent it from getting back out. It remains to pour the bait, and the mousetrap is ready. Place such homemade structures around the perimeter of the basement or attic and do not forget to check them regularly.

Mouse repellers

All of these methods are good for dealing with single representatives of the rodent family. But what if they constantly raid your home? How to get rid of mice in the house permanently? Today, your attention is invited to a large number of ultrasonic devices that help very well in the fight against gray invaders. These devices do not cause any harm to them, that is, they can also be attributed to humane methods of controlling rodents.

The effect is obvious, annoying rodents simply bypass your home. Exposure to certain wavelengths causes mice to panic. Sometimes it even leads to a loss of orientation in space. As a result, they will rush about without a goal and forget about the search for food.

When choosing a mouse repeller, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• A high-quality device in a private house has the "Ultrasound frequency adjustment" function. More advanced models then adjust the ultrasound automatically. This does not allow rodents to get used to.
• Don't expect one device to protect a big house. Sound waves cannot penetrate upholstered furniture and thick curtains. Therefore, if one device is enough for a small apartment, then at least two, and maybe three, will be required for a house.
• Be sure to check the specifications of the device you are purchasing. Some models have a specific range that guarantees their smooth operation. For example, if you decide to place a repeller in the cellar, then it may not be suitable for working at low temperatures.
• Don't skimp on the device. Cheap models may have a limited lifespan. In addition, they may malfunction.

What to remember

To prevent rodents from visiting your home, you need to not only invent mousetraps, but also prevent them from appearing in your home. Do not allow unsanitary conditions in the home. Close the trash can and take out the container with food waste in time. Flour, cereals and seeds should be stored in special containers with lids. Regularly check the condition of skirting boards, floors and door frames. Seal holes in time through which mice can enter your home. Control the activities of services that deal with garbage collection.

Preventive measures are the most important in order to protect your home from intruders. But if they have already appeared on the threshold, then you need to take action. To do this, today we considered several options for home-made designs.

Buying a mousetrap in a store, on the market is not difficult. But what if uninvited guests appeared in the late afternoon, and there is no desire to listen to the rustle of mice all night long. To get to food, paper documents, a small animal will need quite a bit of time; Of course, he won’t have time to eat, but he can ruin it thoroughly.

The question involuntarily arises, how to catch a mouse in a house without a mousetrap. In addition, rodents are carriers of infections dangerous to human health. Get rid of the mouse as soon as possible. In this case, a do-it-yourself mousetrap made from improvised means that can be found in every home will help.

It is better to lubricate each of the traps made with unrefined sunflower oil, its aroma will kill the smell of a person and lure rodents.

Important. There is an opinion that all mice love cheese, this stereotype came from children's fairy tales and cartoons. In real life, to lure mice, it is better to use sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, crackers dipped in vegetable oil, fried lard.

It is desirable to install the made traps in places where the mouse rustle is most clearly heard.

Important. Putting your engineering masterpiece in the chosen place will not be enough. It is necessary to take care of the ways of approach to it. It will be a shame if, after all your efforts, the mouse cannot climb it and leaves in search of another, easier prey.

Consider the most common ways to make a mousetrap without much effort and without spending a lot of time.

Plastic bottle for mousetrap No. 1

Making mousetraps from plastic bottles is quick and not at all difficult, even a child can handle it, not to mention an adult.

First, from a plastic bottle with a sharp knife, it is required to cut off the neck - that part of it where the thread is located. It is more convenient to use a clerical knife for these purposes.

Pierce a hole and pass a harsh thread through it. A gypsy needle is suitable as an auxiliary tool. The threaded thread must be securely fixed.

Place the bait at the bottom of the bottle. Then lay the bottle in a horizontal position so that the side with the neck is located on the surface of the table, and the bottom hangs freely.

Tie the thread attached to the bottle to the carnation. The length of the thread should be such that the fallen bottle hangs in the air.

The mousetrap from the bottle is ready, it remains to wait for the mouse, which, having made its way through the neck for cheese, will shift the center of gravity. The bottle will fall and the animal will be trapped.

Plastic bottle for mousetrap No. 2

When making this design, a plastic bottle will need to be cut with a knife into 2 parts. The bottom part should be 2/3, and the top, respectively, 1/3 of the total size.

The cone-shaped part, turned upside down, must be inserted into the bottom of the bottle. Poke several holes through which both parts are connected together. Holes can be made with a gypsy needle, an awl, a wire heated over a candle flame or over a burner, sewn with a thread or tied with a thin wire, the main thing is that the assembled mousetrap from a plastic bottle is securely fastened.

Put seeds, crackers on the bottom, which will attract the mouse. Lubricate the top of the bottle with unrefined oil to increase the glide of mouse paws.

It is necessary to attach a “scaffold” to the bottle, along which the rodent will reach the top and fall into the trap.

Mousetrap from a glass jar

A trap from a can is made in a few minutes. You will need a long skewer or a twig from a tree on which the bait is hung. It can be strung or tied with a thread. The size of the twig should be equal to the diameter of the jar so that its ends rest against the walls, and it is securely fixed.

The jar is turned upside down and a coin placed on the edge is carefully placed under it. It is advisable to choose a large penny size, because the mouse will have to make its way into the resulting gap. A trap made by this method has a very low degree of stability, which will be broken as soon as the rodent tries to reach the bait.

You will have to make sure that this mousetrap is not pushed by pets or children. You don’t even need to touch it - the coin will fall with minimal movement of the floorboards.

Such a mousetrap is easy to manufacture, but it is advisable to install it on a board, cardboard, pallet, so as not to miss the mouse at the moment of lifting the can.

Paper lid trap

Mousetrap from a jar with a paper lid

Another mousetrap from a can is very easy to make. You will need a jar, a sheet of paper, a thread or an office gum.

A sheet of paper is placed on the neck of the jar, the edges are folded down and tightly wound with a thread. Then the paper is cut crosswise, and the bait is laid in the center.

The mouse will fall into the trap as soon as it steps on the paper cover.

Important. In this case, it is better to take a three-liter jar and pour water into it so that the animal does not jump back out.

Bucket mousetrap

Scheme of a simple mousetrap

In every house there is an empty bucket, a basin, they are also used as a trap for mice.

A sheet of thin cardboard is placed on the table, one side of which should hang freely over a container of water located below.

The bait is placed on the edge of the sheet. The mouse, having made an attempt to get to the food, will certainly end up in a bucket of water: a sheet of cardboard will bend under its weight.

If there is no cardboard at hand, a sheet of plain paper will do, you will need to put a ruler or 2 knitting needles under it.

From a bucket with a rotating cylinder

Without misfires, a trap from a bucket and a bottle works to catch mice. A plastic bottle is put on a wooden stick, having previously cut the bottom in it. The size of the hole in the bottom should allow the bottle to rotate freely. The resulting design is installed on top of the bucket.

Water is poured into the bucket, and mouse bait is placed on top of the bottle. The animal, having reached the bottle along the stick, will fall down as soon as it starts to rotate.

Instead of a bottle, a tin can is suitable, and a stick can be easily replaced with a wire with a piece of hose put on it, a long ruler or rail. The main thing is that the mechanism rotates, and under it there is a container of water.

glue trap

The shops sell special glue for catching mice.

Getting rid of mice with glue

You just need to smear a sheet of cardboard, plywood with such an adhesive and spread out the flavor baits. The caught small animal will be securely fixed.

Important. It is necessary to apply glue with rubber gloves and make sure that the composition does not get on the skin. If you have pets or small children, it is better to refuse this method.

Mousetrap with spring

Making a reusable trap into which a mousetrap spring is installed is more difficult, but you can install it anywhere: under the sofa, behind the closet, near the mouse hole. For manufacturing you will need:

• wooden block 40x40x120;
• drill and Forstner drill or feather drill;
• hacksaw or grinder with a disk for wood;
• steel wire for the spring;
• thin drill
• thread;
• mouse bait.

A blind hole 9 cm long is drilled in the bar from the side of the end.

With a hacksaw at a distance of 2.5 cm from the end, a bar is filed so that the resulting gap passes through the entire drilled hole. A wire ring should pass freely into the resulting cut.

Stepping back from the cut 2-2.5 cm, 2 through holes are drilled at a distance of 6-7 mm from each other. A thread will pass through them, fixing the spring.

Stepping back from the edge of the second end 1-1.5 cm, drill a hole with a diameter equal to the cross section of the wire. A spring for a mousetrap will be inserted into the resulting hole.

The spring is made of steel wire, it will be enough to wind 2 turns.

One end of the spring is inserted into the hole drilled under it. At the second end, a loop is bent. You can make a loop from another wire and hook onto the spring.

After that, it remains to charge the mousetrap. To do this, lower the spring ring into the cut and temporarily fix it to tie the thread. For fixing, use an object of a suitable diameter: a screwdriver handle or a chisel.

The thread is passed through 2 through holes, for convenience it is better to use a long needle. The ends of the thread are tied from above above the spring, thereby fixing it in the working position, after which the screwdriver is pulled out.

The bait is placed at the end of the drilled mink. The loaded trap is ready and brought into working position. Before getting to it, the mouse will have to gnaw through the thread that got in the way. The spring for the mousetrap will get rid of the fixation and rush up, and the rodent will be caught in the loop.

To build a mousetrap for 2, 3, 4 minks, you will have to take a larger bar.

electric trap

The presence in the household of an electromagnet core, a soldering iron and a little knowledge in electrical engineering can be a starting point to make an electric trap. However, the factory electric mousetrap is on sale, and you can buy it in many retail outlets.

This mousetrap is a small box with an opening door. A mouse that penetrates it is electrocuted in a few seconds.

ultrasonic repeller

The device of all these traps involves catching mice, which can later be destroyed or set free.

When you do not want to have direct contact with rodents, install an ultrasonic repeller. The human ear is unable to pick up sounds with frequencies above 20 kHz. But for mice, these sounds are a real test. The turned on device that propagates ultrasound will force the rodents to leave. In five minutes, of course, they will not scatter, but in a few days you will get rid of unwanted neighbors.

Rodents are carriers of dangerous infections. In addition to aesthetic inconvenience, they pose a danger to the health of children and pets. There are a wide variety of mouse traps available in stores. However, there are times when there is no time to search for the necessary mousetrap or there is not enough money to buy them. In this case, self-made devices will come to the rescue, which are not inferior in quality to store designs. How to make a mousetrap with your own hands? You will find the answer to the question in the article.

Advantages of homemade mousetraps

Ready-made traps differ in the principle of operation. Some hold or kill the mouse, others scare it away with ultrasound. The use of certain types of traps is unacceptable if there are pets and children in the house who may accidentally fall into a trap or be poisoned by the chemicals used.

The main advantages of homemade mousetraps:

How to prepare bait?

The most sophisticated trap, thought out to the smallest detail, does not guarantee that the rodent will be caught. The main thing in a mousetrap is the right bait. Pay attention to the location of the trap, the access routes to it must be open so that the mouse can easily get to the treat. There is a well-known stereotype imposed by cartoons that mice are crazy about cheese. In fact, things are a little different. Rodents really love this product, but catching a mouse on such a bait will be quite problematic. As a bait, it is better to use:

• a piece of smoked lard or sausage;
• white bread crackers;
• sesame;
• bread soaked in sesame oil;
• sunflower seeds;
• peanut.

The aroma of products will attract the attention of mice and lure them into a prepared trap. It is worth noting that the smell of unrefined sunflower oil can kill the smell of a person, so they need to lubricate the trap before use.

The bait in the mousetrap should be changed periodically, because, having sensed the danger, the mouse stops responding to the aroma that is attractive to it.

Homemade trap from a can and a coin

A mousetrap from a can is suitable for those who are not ready to kill rodents. The mouse will be trapped, while its state of health will not be disturbed. To make a trap, you will need a jar (you can use a saucepan) and a coin or a button.

The edge of the jar is lifted and placed on a coin, which serves as a support. The hook with the bait is fixed inside the container with a thread. A delicacy for rodents is best placed at a distance of 2-4 cm from the surface. This achieves greater efficiency of the device.

The thread is fixed on the rod, which is installed in the middle of the can. A branch or wire can be used as a rod. The principle of operation is to pull the thread and pull out the support from under the jar after the mouse tries to get a treat while inside the jar. The jar covers the rodent and keeps it in a trap (look at the video).

The main drawback is the lack of automatic reloading. After catching one mouse, the device must be reinstalled. To get a caught rodent, place a thick sheet of cardboard or a flat plate under the structure. To facilitate the design of the mousetrap, instead of a rod and a thread, you can stick the bait on the wall of the can with your own hands. When the mouse touches it, the structure will lose balance and the rodent will be trapped.

Can and paper trap

A can and paper mouse trap is an easy way to catch a pest. To make a mousetrap, you will need a deep container, a sheet of paper, an elastic band and a knife (razor).

A sheet of paper is placed on the neck of the jar, the edges of which are folded down and tied with a thread or fixed with a rubber band. In the center of the hole, you need to make an incision with a razor and a sharp criss-cross knife. The bait is placed in a container or hung over a jar at a short distance. If you use a light weight treat, you can put it on paper. In order for rodents to get to the bait, a special bridge should be installed connecting the surface to the upper edge of the container.

As soon as the mouse hits the center of the paper, its edges will move apart under the weight of the pest and the rodent will fall into a trap. In order to prevent exit from the trap, water can be poured into the container. This method is not very effective, as mice sense danger and do not go to the center of the paper. As a rule, young individuals come across in the adaptation.

How to catch a mouse with a bucket and a ruler?

The design feature is the interchangeability of the main elements. Instead of a bucket, you can use a pan or other deep container; instead of a ruler, a flat thin rail is used.

For manufacturing, it is necessary to securely fasten a wire or knitting needle to the bucket. You can make holes in the plastic container on both sides and push the wire through them. The ruler should be placed on one edge of the bucket and wire so that the longer length of the rail remains suspended. The bait must be placed on the far edge of the ruler. Then you should build a special "ramp" so that the mouse can climb to the treat.

Smelling a pleasant aroma, the rodent will go along the rail. Having passed through the intersection of the ruler and the wire, the pest will change the gravity of the structure, the ruler will turn over, and the mouse will be trapped. If you fix the bait in such a way that it does not fall into the bucket along with the rodent, you get a reusable mousetrap with your own hands. To prevent the pest from getting out, you can pour water into the container.

There is an easier way to make a mousetrap using a bucket and ruler. On the edge of the table you need to put a thick sheet of cardboard or plain paper, placing a ruler under it (see photo). Place a bucket or other deep container of water under the surface. Attach the bait to the edge of the cardboard. The mouse will go to the smell of treats and turn the structure over with its own weight. When fixing a ruler with a table and a bait, a reusable design is obtained, with which you can catch several pests.

Plastic bottle traps

Plastic bottle mousetraps are easy to make and effective. There are several types of structures that can be built at home.

From a plastic bottle, you need to cut off the neck (threaded part). For ease of action, you can use a clerical knife. On one edge of the container, make a hole with an awl and insert a thick thread into it, which should be securely fixed. One end is attached to the bottle, the other - to the table (to a nail or self-tapping screw) or a pan. The length of the thread should keep the bottle hanging. The bait is placed at the bottom of the container.

The bottle is placed horizontally on the edge of the table so that the bait is suspended. The mouse will try to get a treat and go inside the bottle to its bottom. Under the weight of the rodent, the center of gravity of the structure will shift, and the bottle will fall. The mouse will be trapped, like in a house.

For the second method, you will need a plastic bottle and bait. Even a schoolboy can make such a trap. It is necessary to cut the bottle into 2 parts (the part with the bottom should be larger). The other part is turned over so that the neck is inside the bottle. A bait is placed at the bottom, the neck is lubricated with vegetable oil. To securely fix the structure, you can fasten the parts of the bottle with thread, wire or tape. The mouse will easily get to the bait through the greased neck, but will not be able to get back.

Glue traps

In such traps, special glue is used as the main element, which can be purchased at hardware stores. The method consists in applying glue to cardboard or plywood, in the center of which is the bait. Once on the adhesive surface, the mouse cannot get out and dies.

Glue traps are not humane, since the death of a rodent can be long and painful, it is impossible to peel off the pest from the composition.

For the convenience of using glue mousetraps, you can build a reusable trap. To do this, you need a shoebox in which a hole is made for mice. In the box under the hole, a cardboard with glue is installed, and in the center - a bait. The pest will fall into the trap, smelling the smell of goodies.

Glue traps are best made with rubber gloves, avoiding contact with exposed skin. If there are small children and pets in the house, it is better to refuse this method. The most suitable method is an electric trap. An electrical device guarantees the safety of family members and pets.

One of the most unpleasant problems of private houses and apartments, located mainly on the 1st floor, is the possible invasion of rodents (rats, mice). In order to protect the home from this trouble, it is enough to place traps for mice in secluded places.

To do this, it is not necessary to go to the store or buy poison, which can harm not only uninvited guests, a mousetrap can be assembled from improvised means without special knowledge.

Causes and consequences of the appearance of rodents

Mice are very small and nimble animals, so it will not be difficult for them to get into the dwelling. Most often, the invasion begins in the fall, with the onset of cold weather, but if the house has all the favorable conditions for their existence, then they can come at any time.

The reason for the penetration and spread of rodents in the house is always the same - unsanitary conditions. They are attracted by the leftover food on the floor, the table, the garbage that was not taken out on time, but it will also not be difficult for them to open plastic and cardboard boxes with supplies.

The presence of mice can be determined by several signs:

• incomprehensible night noises (squeaking, rustling);
• gnawed packs and packages;
• musty (mouse) smell;
• feces on the floor and shelves near food.

Cohabitation with rodents is not only morally unpleasant, but often life-threatening. Mice are capable of carrying diseases that can be fatal to humans, and the saliva of animals contains microbes that cause severe poisoning. In addition to infections, rodents can bring fleas with them.

In addition, mice can cause a short circuit and, as a result, a fire if the wires are damaged.

Differences between store-bought and homemade traps

Factory-made rodent control products are not only mousetraps in the usual sense, but also poisons, chemicals and ultrasonic agents.

When using poisonous agents, not only mice, but also pets are endangered. During the use of poisons that are sprayed through the air, the living quarters will have to be left for a while, and then carefully and for a long time to ventilate. In addition, before death, animals will suffer for a long time, which is completely inhumane.

Glue-based mousetraps are not suitable for pet owners, the glue will withstand a rodent, but a cat or dog will easily spread the sticky mass throughout the house. In addition, when falling into such a trap, the mouse will squeak loudly for a long time, and since the animals are activated at night, this will bring a lot of trouble.

The most gentle in this case are devices based on the use of ultrasound, but they all have a rather high price.

To save the budget and protect pets from the danger of poisoning, homemade mouse traps are better suited, the assembly of which does not take much time and is made from improvised means. Unlike purchased ones, more than one animal can fall into them, besides, rodents in this case do not die, but only fall into a trap, so then they can be released into the wild away from home.

Types of homemade mousetraps

As a basis for creating a do-it-yourself mouse trap, items that absolutely everyone has at home are used:

From plastic bottles, you can make several options for mousetraps.

To make one of them, the upper part is cut off from the container and, turning it upside down, is installed in the lower one, it is better to fix it tightly, glue it or fasten it with wire. A bait is placed at the bottom of the bottle, and the inner surface of the neck is smeared with oil. For the convenience of falling into a trap, a bridge must be built to the cut edge. The mouse slips through the neck of the bottle and cannot get back out. In this case, the rodent may be interested in both the bait and the smell of the oil.

Another version of the plastic bottle mousetrap is also easy to make. The top is cut off from the container, leaving an opening for entry, and placed on the edge of the table so that most of it hangs down. The bait must be in the bottom. You will need to secure the trap with a rope or fishing line. The mouse, trying to get to the food, enters the bottle and disturbs the balance of the structure. Tara falls off the table and hangs on a rope.

When making another type of trap, you will need a plastic bottle, preferably 1.5-2 liter. In the lower part (2-3 cm from the bottom), round cuts are made in the form of petals with edges bent inward. Food is placed in the bottle, the mouse, climbing into the trap, can no longer get out because of the sharp petals.

Glass bottles can also be used as a mousetrap. To do this, you need to pick up a container with a wide neck, for example, from champagne. Vegetable oil is poured into the bottle - about a third. After that, the bottle is shaken so that the oil is distributed over the inner surface. It is necessary to install the container at an angle with the neck resting on some object. The mouse enters through the neck, and the oil does not allow it to get out.

To create a more complex trap, you will need a bucket, a metal rod and empty aluminum cans.(you can also use plastic bottles). A hole is made in the bottom of the jar with a diameter slightly larger than the rod so that the container spins freely on it. The rod is threaded into the jar and installed with two ends at the edges of the bucket. Approximately in the middle they put the bait, when the mouse tries to get it, the rod will spin, and the rodent will fall into the bucket. In order for the prisoner not to escape, you can pour water into the bucket.

With the help of a bucket, you can build a simpler trap. You will need a sheet of thick paper or cardboard in such a size that you can use it as a cover. Water is poured into the bucket, this will not allow the rodent to escape. In the middle of the sheet, several cuts are made from the center to the edges. The paper is placed on the bucket, and the bait is set in the center. The mouse, passing for food, pushes through the cut part and falls through. The lure can also be hung over the center of the leaf if it is too heavy.

Another version of the mousetrap with a bucket is also quite simple. You will need a wooden ruler and a metal rod (thick wire). The ruler and the rod are fastened crosswise. The wire is placed with its ends on the edges of the bucket so that part of the ruler with the bait hangs over the bucket. The mouse passes along the makeshift bridge for food, under the weight of the rodent the wire scrolls and the captive falls into the trap.

As a basis for another type of mousetrap, you can use a glass jar, an old flower pot, or just a box. Its device is very simple. The container must be installed upside down, and under one edge put a coin with an edge or a washer. The bait must be fixed on the wall of the structure, since the trap is rather unstable, then when the rodent tries to take food, the coin will fall and the trap will slam shut. For the convenience of extracting the prisoner to the bottom, it is better to lay cardboard. If you use the box as a trap, then it must be weighted.

Bait selection

Despite the imposed stereotype about the love of rodents for cheese, this is not entirely true, it is not the product itself that attracts them, but the smell emanating from the bait. Therefore, cheese can be replaced with cheaper or more affordable types of bait. Suitable for this:

• cereals (buckwheat, rice, wheat);
• sunflower seeds;
• lard, sausage, pieces of meat;
• bread (crackers) soaked in butter;
• nuts.

In order for the mice not to return, some preventive measures must be followed. Food, in particular cereals, should be stored in solid (glass) containers. The house (apartment) must be systematically cleaned with cleaning products, the garbage must be taken out on time so as not to attract rodents with leftover food and tempting smells for them.