I've been dealing with a persistent mouse problem in my old house, and while getting a cat is off the table, I need effective traps. Snap traps are a no-go since I have dogs, and while box traps work, they're bulky and not ideal for my space. Poison is also out of the question because of the dogs. So, what are some other options that actually work?
7 Answers
For a really effective option, try modifying a bucket trap! Cut narrow slices in a lid for the mice to fall through with peanut butter as bait. It’s cheap and surprisingly effective!
If the dogs aren't too big, you could use snap traps under an egg crate. Just make sure to weight it down so the dogs can’t reach the bait, but the mice can get in!
Hiring a service to seal up the exterior gaps in my home worked wonders. They use materials like wire mesh to prevent mice from entering. You might want to think about doing the same—it's proactive and often necessary for older homes!
My go-to is the Victor "power kill" traps. They're super easy to set, and I find they work great with dog food as bait. You just slip them into tight spots, making them effective and discreet!
As a last resort, I sprinkled pure peppermint oil around. It’s a natural repellent, but it evens out the scent if you have pets, so be cautious.
That’s a tricky one—peppermint oil can be harmful to pets, so weigh your options carefully!
Check out the Tomcat Press mouse traps! They're modern and much easier to use than the old school types. Just bait them with a bit of peanut butter or pet food for success!
I’ve tried glue traps, and surprisingly, they were effective. Just a heads up though, they’re not a favorite among a lot of people, but they worked for me.
You can also plug holes with copper or stainless steel scrub pads. They help keep the critters out without rusting!