Kamil Perry
Putting cheese on a mousetrap is a well-known method for catching mice. However, there are differing opinions on the effectiveness of this method. Some people recommend mashing a small piece of cheese against the trap and combining it with peanut butter to attract mice. Others suggest avoiding cheese altogether and using peanut butter or liquidish bait instead. It is important to place the trap perpendicular to the wall to increase the chances of success.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Any |
| How to place the cheese | "Mash" the cheese against the bait area |
| Additional items | Peanut butter, sewing thread |
| Placement of the trap | Perpendicular to the wall |
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What You'll Learn
Mash the cheese against the trap
When setting a mousetrap, it is important to consider how the bait is attached to the trap. One effective method is to "mash" the cheese against the trap, rather than simply placing it on top. This technique increases the likelihood of the mouse interacting with the trigger and setting off the trap.
To "mash" the cheese, start by breaking off a small piece of cheese that can fit comfortably in the bait holder of the mousetrap. Using your fingers, gently press and mould the cheese onto the bait holder, ensuring it adheres securely. This "mashing" action creates a stronger bond between the cheese and the trap, making it more difficult for the mouse to remove the cheese without triggering the trap.
Additionally, you can enhance the effectiveness of the trap by incorporating other attractive baits. For instance, adding a small dab of peanut butter on top of the mashed cheese can further entice the mouse to engage with the trap. The sticky consistency of peanut butter also makes it more challenging for the mouse to remove the bait without setting off the trap.
Another tip is to use thread to secure the bait. Take a small piece of sewing thread and carefully loop it around the baited part a few times. This creates a sort of packaging that requires the mouse to tug and pull, increasing the chances of the trap being activated. The thread doesn't need to be extremely tight; it just needs to be secure enough to encourage interaction with the trigger.
By mashing the cheese against the trap and incorporating additional baits and threading techniques, you can significantly increase the effectiveness of your mousetrap. These methods ensure that the mouse cannot easily access the bait without triggering the trap, improving your chances of success.
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Use peanut butter as bait
Peanut butter is a popular bait option for mousetraps, but it needs to be used correctly to be effective. Here are some tips for using peanut butter as bait:
First, use a small amount of peanut butter, about the size of a pea. Too much bait can reduce the sensitivity of the trigger. Place the peanut butter on the trigger, ensuring it sticks and doesn't fall off when the mouse touches it. For some traps, you want the bait to be at the end of the trigger farthest from the spring. You can also try putting the peanut butter at the back of the trap, forcing the mouse to reach further and step on the trap.
To make peanut butter bait even more effective, consider adding something to it that the mice have to tug on. For example, you can mix peanut butter with bird food, cat kibble, or breakfast cereal. You can also put the peanut butter on a piece of fabric, cheesecloth, or a cluster of thread, so the mice have to tug on the material to get to the peanut butter. Another option is to mix the peanut butter with bi carb soda or baking soda in a 1:1 ratio. The bi carb produces a gas that can be deadly to mice.
If you're using a Victor mouse trap, make sure the peanut butter is sticky enough to stay on the trigger. You can also try using a Victor wooden snap trap with a yellow plate, as these are more sensitive.
While peanut butter is a popular option, it may not work for all mice. Some mice may be able to lick the peanut butter off the trap without triggering it. In that case, you may want to try other bait options, such as sunflower seeds, chocolate, or dried fruit.
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Tie thread around the bait
Tying thread around the bait of a mousetrap is a clever way to ensure mice engage with the trap's trigger. This method is especially useful if you are using solid bait, such as cheese, which mice can easily take without springing the trap.
To do this, take a small piece of thread, such as sewing thread, and loop it around the baited part a few times. It need not be tied too tightly; the aim is to encourage the mouse to pull on the thread while investigating the bait, thereby triggering the trap. The length of thread you use will depend on your dexterity, but it should be no longer than a few inches.
You can also rub a little peanut butter or cheese into the thread to further entice the mouse to interact with it. This technique is particularly effective when used in conjunction with solid baits such as cheese, chocolate, or peanut butter, which mice can otherwise remove from the trap without springing it.
If you are using a snap trap, you can also tie or wrap the thread around the trigger itself, forcing the mouse to gnaw or pull on the bait to free it, thereby springing the trap.
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Place the trap perpendicular to the wall
Placing the mousetrap perpendicular to the wall is a critical tactic for successful rodent trapping. This placement ensures the trap is set on the run lines of the rodents. The trap should be positioned with the teeth side open and facing towards the wall, leaving no space between the trap and the wall. This setup forces the rodent to interact with the trigger as they pass through, increasing the chances of a successful catch.
To effectively employ this tactic, pest control professionals should first conduct a thorough inspection to identify areas of high rodent activity. This knowledge will guide the strategic placement of traps perpendicular to walls in those active areas. By understanding the rodent's behaviour and preferred pathways, the chances of trapping success are greatly enhanced.
Pre-baiting the snap traps is another useful technique. For 3 to 7 days, place the trap backwards against the wall without setting it. Use pre-baiting substances like Detex with Lumitrack, Provoke monitoring gel, cotton balls, or nesting materials. This acclimation period allows rodents to become comfortable with the traps. After this initial period, switch to an active bait, such as peanut butter, and flip the trap around so the teeth face the wall.
The perpendicular placement of the trap against the wall is crucial, as it eliminates the risk of the rodent running around the trap without triggering it. By following these strategic placement instructions and utilising pre-baiting techniques, pest control professionals can significantly improve their chances of successfully trapping rodents.
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Use liquidish bait instead of solid
When setting a mousetrap, it is important to consider using a liquid or paste-like bait, such as peanut butter, instead of solid foods like cheese. This is because mice are neophobic, meaning they are afraid of new things, so a liquid bait may be more effective as it limits their access to the trigger.
Liquid baits can be used in conjunction with thread tied through the hole in the pedal of the trap, with the peanut butter placed on the thread. This increases the chances of success as the mouse will interact with the trigger while investigating the bait. It is also important to place the trap perpendicular to the wall, forming a 'T' shape, so that the mouse can approach from either side and have a greater chance of putting its head in the strike zone.
Additionally, rats and mice require water daily, so using a liquid bait can be an effective method for control, especially in dry conditions or when competition from other food sources is high. Liqua-Tox II, for example, is a liquid concentrate containing the active ingredient diphacinone, which kills rats and mice. It is mixed with water and can be dispensed in tamper-resistant bait stations, chicken fonts, or other receptacles.
Another option is to use a product like MOTOMCO Tomcat Mouse and Rat Liquid Concentrated Bait, which is also mixed with water to create an effective liquid bait for controlling rodents in dry conditions. However, it is important to handle these products with care and follow safety precautions as they are toxic not only to rodents but also to humans and other animals.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to "mash" a small piece of cheese against the trap, encouraging the mouse to interact with the trigger.
Any type of cheese will work, but softer cheeses are easier to "mash" into the trap.
Yes, you can increase the chances of success by adding peanut butter to the trap.
Only a small amount of cheese is needed, just enough to "mash" into the trap and encourage the mouse to interact with it.
