3 Different Types of Mouse & Rat Traps

Different Types of Mouse Traps

Catching mice used to be a stressful challenge – but not anymore. With different types of traps that you can choose from, you can hunt for the pests and get rid of them for good.

Here at The Grit, we have various traps available. We want to guide you in making the right decision for a mouse or rat-free home. While all mouse traps work, they may be ineffective in your home or farm. They have their pros and cons, which you may want to consider first before buying.

The following are the types of mouse and rat traps and why you may want to choose them:

1. Sticky Glue Traps

Many people are familiar with this kind of mouse trap. It can easily trap smaller mice, but you may have a hard time with bigger rats.

A glue trap is exactly what you think it is. It has a piece of material with an adhesive on top. Homeowners typically use bait in conjunction with a glue trap. Bait will be placed in the middle, which will lure the mouse into the trap you just set up. As soon as the mouse steps on the glue, it can no longer escape.

A significant advantage of using sticky glue traps is that they are ready to use. You just place them in a corner or anywhere you think the mice are and leave it there. Expect to catch some pests in just a few hours. When you need a glue trap, always look for a non-toxic product. It has an attractant, which should be free from pesticides or any chemicals.

A larger area also allows you to catch more mice with just one product, so it is more cost-effective. Check the glue as well. Professional-strength glue provides a better catch and hold result.

2. Snap Traps

Mouse traps are often thought to refer to snap traps. They are probably the most popular type and have been used for several decades now. The traps are easy to use and usually utilise bait. A trigger will be set, which activates the trap. When the mouse notices the bait, they will go for it, unknowingly stepping onto the trigger. As they reach the bait, the trap springs instantly. In some cases, these traps immediately kill the mouse on the spot.

Snap traps are popular because they are effective. However, it would pay to be careful if you have children or pets around. They can step into the trap and get hurt. If you go for a cheap trap, it may not work well and could set the mouse free.

Another disadvantage of a snap trap is that it usually only holds one mouse at a time. It would be best to dispose of the dead pest before setting it in place again. Make sure to clean it before reusing. Mice are quite intelligent. They can avoid some traps, especially if another mouse has previously died there.

3. Live Traps

This type of mouse or rat trap is considered the most humane option. Often, you use bait, which you place inside the cage. A trigger is then set. When the mouse steps on the trigger to try to get the bait, the cage door will automatically close. The pest is then trapped inside.

Live traps are also called catch and release traps because the idea is to catch the mouse and release them back to the environment. There are different variations of a live trap. However, they mostly work the same way. They help capture the rodents, and you will need to empty the cage as often as you can. When releasing the mice, you will, of course, have to ensure the site is as far away from your home as possible.

Some of the live trap options include:

• Multi-Catch Cage Trap: As the name suggests, this trap is set to catch more than one live mouse. It has a clever design that lures the rodent in, so they are captured until you set them free. The door comes with a counter-balanced system. When the animal steps on the contraption, the cage will close quickly.
• Collapsible Animal Trap: This type of live trap works the same as a multi-catch solution. The difference is that it can only hold one rat at a time. It is, therefore, much smaller but also a great option for those with a minimal rodent problem. You can easily fold the product flat for storage.
• Multi-Catch Steel Mouse Trap: It works like the other options, except it does not use galvanised wires. It is enclosed and has a sturdy design with galvanised steel. Typically, the trap has two entry points and comes with a transparent or clear lid. You can easily see the bait and mice inside the cage.

Live traps are durable and long-lasting. However, they are less discreet than other traps because of their size. Using them will mean you have to handle live mice and release them several kilometres away from your home.

No matter which type of mouse trap you go for, you will typically have to use bait. You can go for peanut butter or any other food items, such as cheese, nuts, and chocolates. To make your rat trap even more effective, you can choose bait that is specifically for rodents. Pellets, for instance, are a good choice because you can easily leave them in dark areas in your house.