A humane mouse trap catches the mouse alive in a cage or walk-in trap, so you can release it elsewhere; a snap trap kills quickly and needs checking less often. You will find both types here: live-catch traps such as the Knock Pest live mouse trap, the Catch-A-Mouse with viewing window, the Dura walk-in trap and the Luna mouse trap basket, and snap traps from Knock Pest, Luchs, Gorilla Traps and Snap-A-Mouse. For places where children, dogs or cats come, there are lockable bait stations with a trap.
Live or snap: how to choose
- Live catching suits you if you do not want to harm the mouse and can check the trap every day, preferably more often. A trapped mouse can weaken quickly from stress, cold or thirst.
- A snap trap suits several mice, a shed or stable you do not visit daily, or a recurring problem. Place it so that it snaps shut quickly and properly.
- A bait station with trap, such as the Knock Pest mouse bait station with key and mouse trap, or the mouse tunnel for two traps, shields the trap from pets and children.
- Electric: the Knock Pest electric rat/mouse trap kills with an electric shock and runs on batteries.
How to catch faster
Mice like to run along walls and behind things. Place the trap at right angles to the wall, with the entrance or trigger on the route, and put several traps close together where you see droppings. A tiny bit of peanut butter or a scent lure such as Knock Pest Treat Gel or NARA Lure works better than a large piece of cheese. If you release a live-caught mouse, do so well away from house and stable, otherwise it will soon be back.
Points to note
We advise against glue traps for mice: a stuck animal dies slowly. Traps only solve what is inside now; afterwards, seal cracks and holes with materials from proofing and screening. For larger rodents there are rat traps and bait stations, and everything about rodents is under rats and mice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most humane mouse trap?
A live-catch trap that you check at least daily. Put some food and nesting material in it, so a trapped mouse can last until you check.
Which bait works best in a mouse trap?
A tiny amount of something strong-smelling, such as peanut butter, chocolate or a scent lure. Too much bait lets the mouse eat without triggering the trap.
How many mouse traps do I need?
More than you think: where there is one mouse, there are usually more. Put a few traps close together at every spot with signs.