Best DIY Mouse Trap
Our experts review the best DIY mouse traps
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For most people the sight of mouse droppings or a chewed box leads to two thoughts. First, what has this critter contaminated in my house and secondly how do I get ride of it. For the first issue make sure you clean extra well and be careful not to touch or breath in dust contaminated with mouse droppings. There is nothing fun or interesting about this task. However for the second question, you can make the best DIY mouse trap to keep life interesting.
The internet is full of dozens if not hundreds of ideas for the best DIY mouse trap. For this article we are going to narrow the field with the following criteria:
- Does the DIY mouse trap prevent me from coming into contact with the mouse?
- Does the DIY mouse trap allow for a kill or no kill approach?
- Is the DIY mouse trap easy to assemble with regular household items?
Applying these criteria two types of traps stand out:
- The plank
- The rolling log
There are multiple variations of the plank and rolling DIY mouse trap. If you do not have the time to build a trap check out the kits below on Amazon.
However they are both so simple its almost easier to build then buy. We’ll start with the simplest one, the plank.
Best DIY Mouse Trap #1: Walk The Plank
The plank is so simple its almost genius. In addition to its simplicity you can customize and substitute the main part based on the supplies you have available. The plank works by enticing the mouse to walk to the end of the plank which will then become unstable and the mouse will fall into the bucket. The plank is comprised of five main parts.
- Countertop
- The plank
- Weight or tape
- Bait
- A bucket
The first thing to do for the plank trap is determine your location since you need a countertop or desk. Help give you an idea of the setup watch the following video.
For the plank you also have several options. In the previous video they used a slippery plank. Other people have had success with paper towel rolls or rolled up paper. Once you select a ramp then smear some peanut butter at one end and lightly attach the other end to the ramp or countertop. Just use enough tap to hold it in place. When the mouse walks to the bait end of the ramp you want it to fall into the bucket. If you don’t have tape a small weight will work.
For the bucket you can use either a regular five gallon bucket or trash can. Just keep in mind that mice are excellent jumpers and climbers. To keep the mouse from escaping the sides need to be at least 24″ and smooth.
Does the plank meet the requirements to be the best DIY mouse trap?
- Does it prevent me from touching the mouse? Yes!
- Does it allow for a kill or no kill options? Yes!
- Can it be easily assembled from common household items? Yes!
DIY Mouse Trap #2: the Rolling Trap
The rolling mouse trap is slightly more complicated then the plank. That is only because it has moving parts. Similar to the plank there are several variations to the rolling mouse trap. In its most basic form the rolling trap is a like a rolling pin attached to the top of a bucket. Bait is smeared in the center of the rolling pin and the mouse falls in the bucket as it attempts to crawl to the bait.
The rolling mouse trap has 4 to 5 parts depending how its constructed. If you go with the prefab version from amazon you just need:
- The rolling pin
- A bucket
- A ramp
- The bait
Since our goal here is to create the best diy mouse trap from common household items purchasing a primary part from amazon isn’t an option. So we need to look at strictly household items. The parts of the true DIY rolling mouse trap are:
- A narrow straight stiff metal rod such as from a hanger
- An empty soda can
- A bucket
- A ramp
- The bait
- A hot glue gun
To build the rolling trap start with a bucket. As with the previous trap make sure the sides are smooth and its at least 24″ deep. Next Straighten out a metal rod from a cloths hanger. After you straighten out the metal rode pass it through two soda cans.
You may need to punch holes in the soda cans. An ice pick, or small drill bit should work for this part. Once you have the soda cans secure on the rod place a drop of hot glue at either on the rod to keep the soda cans in place. Then use the hot glue to attach the metal rod to the bucket. For bait smear a small amount of peanut butter on the cans. The cans should be able to spin freely on the metal rod.
Finally add a ramp so the mouse can access the spinning cans. Its also possible to position the bucket near a counter top and have the mice access the cans from the counter top. Watch the the following video to make sure you didn’t skip any steps.
Does the rolling trap meet the requirements to be the best DIY mouse trap?
- Does it prevent me from touching the mouse? Yes!
- Does it all for a kill or no kill options? Yes!
- Can it be easily assembled from common household items? Yes!
| Both of these DIY mouse traps are extremely easy to make and effective. In addition to meeting the initial criteria these traps have another huge advantage over other traditional commercial traps. You can also order the rolling mouse trap from Amazon. The plank and rolling trap can capture multiple mice at once. Since there is seldom just one mouse catching them all at once is a huge plus. |
Check price on Amazon!
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The plank and rolling trap are definitely two of the best DIY mouse traps for the average homeowner. However there are a few other DIY mouse traps that deserve attention due to their simplicy and creativity. After dealing with your current mouse issue prevent future issues by useing natural mouse repellents
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