Do DIY Mouse Traps Work?

Iowa’s winters are frigid. It’s true for human residents as well as pests, particularly rodents, who try to get into homes to warm up and gain access to food. 

If you see a mouse on your property, it’s important to act quickly! Rodent problems can spread quickly, especially because mice reproduce quickly. Mice can be a pain to deal with — they’re messy, can chew through wires, and leave foul-smelling odors wherever they go! 

One of the most common ways to control an infestation is with a mousetrap. In order for them to work properly, it’s important to educate yourself on how to set the best mousetrap. 

At Springer Professional Home Services, our skilled rodent exterminators can get rid of any size or type of infestation. But wouldn’t it be better if you could keep mice out in the first place? Just remember that DIY pest control is not as effective as professional pest control. In the meantime, if you want to wait until you’ve tried everything yourself, here are some techniques to consider.

Which DIY Mouse Trap Should You Use?

Electronic, glue, and catch-and-release mouse traps are some of the most common types. All of these have varying degrees of success and a number of advantages and disadvantages. The most common — and likely the most popular — trap is the spring-loaded mousetrap. These have been used for decades to get rid of mice, and it’s smart to know how to set one properly! There are several tips to keep in mind when setting a mousetrap so that it will work in your favor!

Here are four common methods for keeping mice and other rodents away using common household items:

• Peppermint oil: Mice don’t like the smell of peppermint. To keep them from entering, put a few drops of the oil on cotton balls and place them near any potential access points or attractants, like unsealed food. Even better, plant mint along the perimeter of your property to act as a natural barrier!
• Apple cider vinegar: Another odor mice dislike is apple cider vinegar. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and spray it once a month along the perimeter of your home and around potential access points.
• Steel wool: Thanks to their strong incisors, mice can chew through many materials. But research shows that they’re unable to bite through steel wool. If you use it to fill potential entry points, it will prevent them from entering your home.
• Fabric softener sheets: Mice hate the scent of fabric softener sheets. Put one of the sheets inside any openings you think could be entry points for a mouse. Bear in mind that they can squeeze through an opening with a diameter of only ¼ inches. 

DIY Rat Trap Considerations and Tips

Many people make the mistake of setting a mousetrap improperly. The following list provides tips on setting the best mousetrap:

1. Wear gloves. Mice can smell humans and will avoid traps if they catch your scent!
2. Use the best bait and the correct amount. Not all mice like cheese. Only use a small amount of bait to encourage the mice to reach into the stand and trigger the mechanism.
3. Start with an unloaded but baited trap. It may seem counterintuitive, but start with unloaded traps (baited but not activated)! This will lure mice into a false sense of security.
4. Use more than one trap. Always set multiple traps two to three feet apart. This will give you a better chance of catching as many mice as possible at once.
5. Set out mousetraps strategically. Always set mouse traps along walls and behind furniture, or wherever you suspect activity.
6. Check the mousetraps regularly. Success won’t happen overnight, but don’t give up! Always check to make sure the traps are loaded correctly with bait, as some mice will grab bait without setting off the trap.

The Most Reliable Mouse Treatment

Mousetraps are certainly a popular and accessible way to get rid of rodents, but they don’t always work. Especially when you’re dealing with a serious infestation, it’s sometimes best to enlist the help of a professional rodent control company. At Springer Professional Home Services, our experts know how to get rid of mice quickly and safely. 

Since 1989, we’ve provided trusted pest control services to homes and businesses throughout Iowa. We can help rid your home of rodents or any other pests. For more info on setting the best mousetrap or to learn about our rodent extermination services, give us a call!