Victor, a popular mousetrap brand, makes an “easy set” mousetrap that has a plastic pedal that springs the trap instead of a metal one. [2] X Research source
You can use string as bait, too! Loop and knot a small section of string or floss around the pedal. Mice love to use string in their nests and will want to grab it off the end of the trap. [7] X Research source
This part can be a little tricky, so don’t be discouraged if your armbar doesn’t latch right away! You’ll be fine as long as you keep firmly pressing your thumb down on the kill bar.
The “firm” option is easier to set up, but requires a little extra pressure from a mouse to trigger the trap. The “sensitive” option is a little trickier to set up, but it will trigger more easily.
Dropping the trap from a low height over a table is a good, safe way to trigger your trap without hurting yourself.
A plastic bag can work in a pinch if you don’t have any gloves on hand. If you’d like to reuse the trap, slip on a pair of gloves and hold it over an open trash bag. Pull up on the kill bar to release the dead mouse, and thoroughly clean off the entire trap with a disinfectant before using it again. [17] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Avoid using bleach on floors or surfaces made of wood, granite, or metal. [19] X Research source In that case, use a disinfectant labeled as safe to use for those kinds of surfaces. [20] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
