How to Set a Mouse Trap

If you’ve found yourself stuck trying to set a mouse trap, the team at K&C Pest Control has you covered. 

Our team will guide you through setting a mouse trap, properly disposing of any mice you catch, and next steps if you still have mice entering your home, garage, or basement. 

How to Set a Mouse Trap 

Snap traps are one of the most common types of mouse traps. Let’s walk through how to set one properly. 

1. Gather Supplies. Grab your mouse traps, bait, and a pair of gloves for handling traps. Peanut butter and cheese make great bait for mouse traps. 
2. Prepare the Bait. Put on gloves to avoid leaving human scent on the trap. Apply a small amount of peanut butter or cheese to the bait pedal. These high-odor, sticky substances are enticing to mice.
3. Set the Trap. Hold the snap arm securely and pull back the kill bar. Place the baited end on the designated pedal.
4. Position the Trap. Position the trap perpendicular to the wall, with the baited end facing the wall. Mice typically travel along walls, so placing the trap this way increases its effectiveness.
5. Secure the Trap. Ensure the trap is stable and won’t accidentally trigger. Some traps have a locking mechanism to keep them set.
6. Check and Reset. Check traps regularly, preferably daily, to see if they’ve been triggered. If a trap has caught a mouse, follow proper disposal procedures. If the trap hasn’t caught anything, reset it with fresh bait.
7. Repeat as Needed. Repeat the process with additional traps in different areas until mouse activity decreases.

How to Dispose of a Dead Mouse

Once the trap is set, it’s likely you’ll have to take on the unpleasant task of actually disposing of dead mice. Proper safety and sanitation when handling is key to avoid potential illness or other issues during the disposal process. 

• Put on Rubber Gloves. Never use your bare hands. Wearing gloves will prevent you from spreading bacteria and catching any disease that the mouse could be carrying. 
• Spray the Mouse With Disinfectant. Spray the dead mouse with a disinfectant such as Lysol or a bleach and water mixture. 
• Put the Mouse in a Bag. Put the dead mouse in a sealed bag along with any feces, nesting material, and food. Don’t push out any air as you seal the bag, as it can put those germs into the air you’re breathing. Then, double bag that bag.
• Place the Sealed Bag in the Outdoor Trash. Make sure the lid of the trash container is secured to prevent stray cats, birds, and other wildlife from rummaging through your trash. 
• Wash Your Hands. Disinfect your hands with antibacterial soap and water to avoid getting sick and spreading germs. 

Per the Oshkosh Garbage and Recycling Collection Guidelines, bags should be at least 2 mil thick and less than 25 pounds for “ashes, sawdust, vacuum cleaner dust, remodeling/construction dust and animal feces, etc.” that pose a health hazard to operators.

Tips for Using Mouse Traps in Your Home

If you’re using mouse traps for the first time or want to ensure as much success as possible, keep safety and location top of mind. 

• Position traps in areas where mouse activity is observed. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, nests, and other signs of a mouse problem.
• Set the trap with the baited end facing the wall, as mice tend to travel along edges. 
• Humane traps are an option for those preferring a catch-and-release approach. 
• Remember to exercise caution when handling spring-loaded traps and follow safety guidelines to avoid injury. 
• Be especially mindful of pets and children to prevent accidental triggering of the traps. Set traps higher up in cupboards, or focus on low-traffic areas such as your attic or garage. 

Work With Pest Professionals for Ongoing Mice Issues

We’ve worked with a lot of homeowners around the Oshkosh and Appleton area and we’ve found that where there’s one mouse, there’s usually more. When faced with a persistent mouse infestation, enlisting professional pest control experts can be a smart decision. 

Professional pest control services not only provide a quicker resolution to the problem but also offer ongoing preventive measures to ensure a long-term solution. Our services also offer valuable advice on maintaining a mouse-free environment and offer follow-up visits to address any lingering issues. 

At K&C Pest Control, our trained professionals bring knowledge and experience to assess the extent of the infestation, identify entry points in your Fox Cities home, and implement effective removal strategies. 

We use Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which uses both chemical and non-chemical practices to control pests in and around your home or business tailored to your specific situation.

Contact K&C Pest Control Today

Looking for a pest control specialist in the Fox Cities area?  Our experts can assist with current infestations or help you mouse-proof your space. If you live in Oshkosh, Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, or the surrounding areas, contact us for an inspection, evaluation, and ongoing protection to experience the peace of mind that comes with a protected home or business.