Mousetrap - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2022
Unwelcome guests have invaded your home, and you've decided to set a mousetrap.
But what kind of product should you get? How should you bait him? And what will happen once the animal is trapped?
To help you make an informed purchase, we discuss these topics in our mouse buying guide.
We are dedicated to writing the most honest and unbiased reviews out there. We do not accept products directly from manufacturers; we use our own funds to buy the same products as you.
And when we finish our tests and consumer reviews, we donate all of these products to charities and other non-profit organizations.
Our ultimate goal: to become your source for trusted product recommendations whenever you are faced with a purchasing decision.
At the top of this page, you'll find our five favorite mousetraps on the market. All of these highly rated products qualify for our top-rated list.
Common Types of Mousetraps [Rat Traps]
1. "Click Trap" Loading Spring
The cheapest mousetrap is also one of the most common: the quick trap. Pressure traps are usually sold in multiples and are designed to be thrown away. A wooden or plastic base contains a simple spring-loaded device with a bit of bait at one end and a thin metal rod at the other. The rod is held under considerable tension by a centralized spring and a cable release attached to the bait holder.
Attracted by the bait, the mouse crosses the tripwire and the bar closes. This action either breaks the neck/spine of the mouse or pins it down until the user can get rid of the entire trap.
Pros :
- Affordable
- Sold in Multiples
- Fits into Small, hard-to-reach areas
- Easily Disposable
Cons :
- It can be unsafe to be around pets and small children
- Occasional false positives (trap activates itself)
- May be difficult to retrieve from hard to reach areas
- Painful death for the animal
- Dreadful Cleanliness
2. Glue Trap
Another inexpensive method of exterminating mice is the glue trap. A glue trap is a piece of wood or cardboard that is loosely coated with sticky resin and placed in various places around the house, including pest entry and exit points.
The mouse steps on the glue trap, which may or may not be baited, and gets stuck in the heavy adhesive. Death is not instantaneous, but owners can dispose of the entire trap without making contact with the animal.
Pros :
- Safer for homes with pets and/or small children
- The death of rodents is less scary than the quick trap
- Also traps invasive insects (silverfish, spiders, ants, cockroaches)
Cons :
- Can be Messy
- Resin is Difficult to Remove from Skin and Clothing
3. Living Trap
Some people have moral or ethical objections to the killing of animals. For these people, a live trap is more attractive.
A live trap is essentially a cage with a folding door. When the mouse enters the live trap, the door closes, prohibiting escape. The user then brings the entire cage to a release area and releases the mouse. This type of trap costs more than other options, but can be used over and over again.
Pros :
- A more ethical choice for some people
- The owner has the option to relocate the animal without harming it
- Can be used Repeatedly
Cons :
- Expensive
- Cost may be Prohibitive if infestation is Large
- The user must Find a place to release the Animal
4. Electronic Trap
Some people don't mind killing mice, but are concerned about the methodology used. Snap and glue traps do not always deliver an instant killing blow, resulting in excessive suffering for the animal. For these people, an electronic trap is a more desirable solution.
Lured by a protein-based bait such as bacon or peanut butter, the mouse enters the trap through a tube. Inside, the creature activates an electrical circuit and receives a powerful shock that dispatches it instantly. The user can then dispose of the debris (without contact), put the bait back in the trap and restart the electrical circuit of the unit.
Pros :
- Some people consider high voltage shock to be a more humane form of extermination.
- The user can dispose of the remains without any direct contact
- No need to reset the trap manually
- No moving parts to pose a threat to pets or children
Cons :
- Expensive
- Cheap electronic traps can't deliver a lethal jolt
Bait Decision
Few mousetraps work without some sort of bait. Protein-based foods work well, but some options are more effective than others.
- Cheese
Many people assume that cheese is the ideal enticement, but research suggests that mice are not always attracted to traps baited with cheese. One theory is that people tend to handle the cheese too much during the baiting process, and the mice can detect human scents very easily. Whatever food you choose to use, it's important to handle the bait as little as possible when setting up your mousetrap.
- Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is one of the hottest mouse baits right now. Why? Mice are naturally attracted to nuts and seeds, and the smell of peanut butter suggests both protein and fat to a hungry mouse. Bird seed is also used by some people.
- Other Foods
If you don't have any of the above solutions on hand, consider baiting your trap with some oatmeal, crackers, butter, chocolate, or pet food.
Other Bait Tips
Avoid using "too much" bait. The smaller the number, the closer the mouse should be to the trap.
Chemical attractants can also be used to increase the potency of organic baits.
Switching between several different types of bait can improve results, as mice eventually become “nose blind” to the same scent every day.
Some traps work just as well with or without bait. Because mice have poor eyesight, they prefer to travel along walls; trap placement is key.
Some commercial trap manufacturers claim that their product is "premixed," but the effectiveness of these products is questionable.