Mice are among the most common pests that home and business owners have to deal with. Although
sometimes depicted as funny little furry creatures, in truth they can be big terrors. Mice ruin food, cause
damage property, and generally frustrate people trying to get rid of them. Most importantly, they are a
health threat as they can carry serious diseases.
Just one mouse can start an infestation. An old adage says that, “if you see one mouse, others are
hiding nearby.” That’s why you should take quick action if you spot signs of their presence.
Mouse control is a popular topic, and many solutions are offered through a variety of outlets. From big
box retailers to locally-owned convience stores, you can find products claiming to eliminate mice. Among
these are poisons. Although widely available, a lot of people prefer to use them as a last resort. Typically
they are reluctant to deploy chemicals where children and pets may come in contact with them.
Trapping is a another common method for controlling mice populations. Most devices are simple to use,
available in stores, and are generally effective when used correctly. Here’s a brief look at traps you can
find now, along with some important factors to think about when choosing one to buy.
Consideration 1: Type of Trap
The US Patent Office has issued over 4,400 patents related to mouse traps. Of course, not every patent
is for a functioning apparatus, but this number does show the amount of interest that been invested to
“build a better mouse trap.”
When shopping you’re likely to see several types of mechanisms, each designed around a different
concept. They’re all capable of getting rid of mice, while offering various advantages. The most common
traps include:
Snap Traps
If a “traditional” trap type exists, this is it. These devices have been around since the late 1800s and are
the kind typically seen in cartoons. Snap mouse traps use a metal bar or serrated teeth to clamp down
on a mouse when it tries to take the bait. These traps are usually inexpensive, but don’t always kill the
animal instantly, leaving them to suffer for what can be a prolonged period.
Although the snapping mechanism closes extremely quickly (one brand snaps tight in 1/38,000th of a
second), mice have been known to find ways of “taking the cheese” without getting caught. When a trap
is successful, someone has to release the body, which may cause them to come in contact with the
carcass.
Electric Traps
Electric traps kill mice with a surge of electricity. A shock occurs when a mouse enters the trap. Because
the discharge kills instantly, this type is considered one of the most humane ways to catch these pests.
However, the traps are relatively expensive and difficult to maintain. One upside is the dead mouse is
usually held out of sight inside the trap, reducing likelihood of incidental contact.
Glue Traps
Glue traps immobilize mice when they step onto the sticky surface. While they’re inexpensive and easy
to set up, these traps are considered the least humane because captured animals often take a long time
to die from stress or starvation. Curious children and pets sometimes become stuck. These traps are
also known for catching insects, spiders, and debris that fall on them.
Catch-and-Release
If you want a “kill-free” way to capture mice, catch-and-release traps are the way to go. These devices
typically have a door that prevent animals from escaping from their holding compartment. One downside
is you’ve must frequently monitor each trap, as mice can die from suffocation or starvation if they’re
enclosed too long.
Consideration 2: Open or Closed

In addition to determining which type of trap you prefer, you’ll also need to decide if you want to purchase
an open or closed trap. Open traps are easier to monitor, allowing for simple disposal once a rodent is
caught. However, they can cause discomfort for squeamish folks who don’t want to look at deceased or
injured animals. Households with small pets or children may come in contact with the trap or its prey.
Closed traps allow for disposal without seeing the dead animal, but require more attention to determine if
a mouse has been caught.
Consideration 3: Ease of Use
Some mouse traps are harder to use than others. For example, a glue trap that doesn’t require bait is
easier to set than a snap trap that does. Traps that reduce the risk of touching the body are generally
safer to use. It’s important to think about capture and disposal methods before deciding which product is
best for you.
Sometimes, mice can overwhelm or elude your best attempts at control. If this happens to you, we’re
ready to help! Contact KC Pest Control for an assessment of your situation. We’ll be glad to investigate
quickly and provide a plan to solve your pest problem.