How to Use Catch & Release Mouse Traps

How to Use Catch & Release Mouse Traps

Catch-and-release mouse traps, also known as live catch mouse traps, are just what they sound like. They’re a nonlethal method of rodent control that allows you to capture mice without killing them. Once caught, you release the critters elsewhere, away from your property, so they can no longer infest your home. Not sure if live traps are right for you? Read on to learn how they work, what benefits they have to offer, and how to use them to achieve the best results.  

Why Should You Use Live Traps?

If you can’t stand the thought of mice in your home (honestly, who can?), but you don’t like the thought of killing them, live catch traps are a great solution. These traps are designed for humane catch and release so you can rid your home of mouse invaders without harming them. Traps like our TIN CAT® are reusable and can also capture multiple mice at once (up to 30 in some cases), so you can tackle large infestations fast.

Stop Rodents in Their Tracks

  1. Victor® TIN CAT® Mouse Trap
    Victor® TIN CAT® Mouse Trap
    As low as $17.49 Regular Price $17.49
  2. Victor® Multiple Catch Humane Outdoor And Indoor Mouse Trap
    Victor® Catch & Hold™ Humane Outdoor and Indoor Mouse Trap
    As low as $6.49 Regular Price $6.49
  3. Victor® TIN CAT Mouse Trap With Window
    Victor® TIN CAT® Mouse Trap with Window
    As low as $15.99 Regular Price $15.99
  4. Victor Electronic Mouse Defense Kit
    Victor® Electronic Mouse Defense Kit
    Special Price $65.49 Regular Price $97.47
  5. Victor Traditional Mouse Defense Kit
    Victor® Traditional Mouse Defense Kit
    Special Price $49.99 Regular Price $73.47

Unlike many lethal traps, live traps leave you no mess to clean up. Some live traps feature windows so you can easily spot at a glance if you’ve gotten a catch. Afterward, the hinged lid opens for easy, offsite release so you never have to touch the mice inside. Each TIN CAT® trap features a slim, sturdy design so they can be used indoors or outdoors and fit easily under furniture or even in drop ceilings.

Live catch traps are also a great option for homes with children and pets. There are no dead rodents to worry about and no moving parts and they don’t require any poisons or chemicals. All the mice are contained inside the box until you’re ready to set them free.

How to Use Live Catch Mouse Traps

Once you’ve decided which live trap is right for you, it’s time to put it to work. Knowing how to correctly use a trap is half the battle. Luckily, these products are simple to operate. Here are a few steps to make sure you get the most out of your live catch mouse trap.

Step One: Bait

Like most traps, the first step to preparing your live catch trap is to bait it. Mice are very attracted to high-calorie sweets as well as fatty foods. Select a bait such as peanut butter, hazelnut spread, marshmallows, or beef jerky.

If using a TIN CAT® Mouse Trap, start by opening the lid. Apply your chosen bait to the inside of the trap using a Q-tip, toothpick, or another similar tool to avoid transferring your scent. Make sure your bait does not block the trapping mechanism. If the mechanism is unable to properly open and close, mice may be able to escape. Next, securely close the lid of the trap.  

Step Two: Place

Once the trap is baited, it’s time to choose the best spot to deploy it. Mouse traps work best when placed along walls or in other out-of-the-way areas where mice prefer to travel. The trap should be placed lengthwise along the wall with the entrance tunnel side closest to the wall. Mice traveling along the walls will step inside to investigate the scent of the bait within. Once inside, the seesaw-like trapping mechanism prevents them from coming back out.

If some time has passed and you haven’t gotten any catches, try a new spot where you’ve seen signs of mouse activity. Droppings are usually a good indicator. Mice usually don’t travel very far from their nests or food supply, only about 10 to 30 feet. By making sure your trap is placed near these runways of activity, you’ll have a better chance of catching mice.

Step Three: Release

After you’ve placed your trap, regularly monitor it for catches. Since the goal is to catch and release the mice, it’s important to make sure they’re released in a timely manner. You don’t want to leave them too long without access to food and water! Check traps at least once a day and empty them on a regular basis.

When it’s time to empty the trap, take it to a location offsite. We recommend releasing mice in a remote location at least two miles away from your home to prevent them from returning. The last thing you want is to have a mouse run right back into your home after you just caught it. Check local guidelines for releasing captured animals. Simply open the lid to release the mice.

Learn More

Feeling better prepared? We certainly hope so! Fighting an infestation is always tough, but with the right tools and tricks, it’s not so daunting. Share your stories on our Facebook page! Did these tips fuel your curiosity? Take a look at our articles, how-to pages, and so much more by heading over to our learning center to get all the information you need on a wide variety of pests. You can also sign up for our e-Newsletter for regular updates and great deals on products.

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