The 10 Best Mouse Traps of 2024

Mice infestations are among the commonest problems that people have to deal with more often in their living areas. Whether it is inside your office or home, you have possibly come across the uninvited guests “rodents” from time to time. Whenever you see one running across the floor, you should know that it is not alone. The brothers, sisters, and more likely, the children are already living somewhere in the attic or the hidden places in your home or office. If you fail to take the proper pest control measures, the mice will destroy most of your valuables.

One of the effective methods of mice and rats control involves the use of mouse traps. However, most mouse trap buyers have problems selecting the best traps to use in their homes, offices or commercial properties. An effective mouse trap will help you eliminate or minimize any mice infestations. To help you select the best traps in the market, we have prepared a list of the best mouse traps of 2020 in addition to a buying guide and a frequently asked questions section. The types of traps include electronic mouse traps, snap mouse traps, glue mouse traps, multiple catch mouse traps, humane mouse traps, and trapper hidden kill traps.

Related: The 10 Best Mouse Baits of 2020

Best Overall: JT Eaton 409BULK Jawz Plastic Mouse Trap

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JT Eaton, a family-owned business, has been operating in the world market since the year 1932 and many people associate it with quality products. The company has a wide range of products and Jawz traps are a good example of the products that offer. Their JT Eaton 409BULK Jawz Plastic Mouse Trap is a plastic trap that uses the traditional string mechanism idea.

The JT Eaton 409BULK Jawz Plastic Mouse Trap comes in a 24x bundle but the price is still low. You can set up the traps by foot or hand and renew the setup easily after the process ends. The trap will eliminate mice infestations in your home with a 100 percent guarantee due to the used tight string and the sharp teeth on the trap. The rodent pushes the pedal after it gets inside, therefore, activating the deadly mechanism. After the mouse is dead, you can dispose of it by pushing the button.

Best Value: Authenzo SX-5006 Mouse Trap

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This a more sensitive mouse trap as compared to other traps in the market today. It only requires as little as 15 grams of weight to get triggered. The producer uses polystyrene plastic material to make it, meaning that it is easy to clean and does not absorb stains or odours like the traditional wood and metal traps.

This product comes designed with an easier to set up the bait holder. There will be no need of coming into contact with the dead mice during disposal because you only need to hold the trap with the dead mouse over a trash bin. Squeeze the trap easily for it to release the carcass. Unlike the electronic traps that come enclosed, this trap is not enclosed but you should keep it far from your kids and pets.

Best Pick: FCHYNNF Mouse Trap

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FCHYNNF Mouse Trap comes as a pack of ten traps. Each of the traps features snap-trap functionality. You will love the improved trigger equipment, which makes the setup easy and faster than that associated with the traditional metal or wood traps. The mouse only needs to touch the bait cup slightly and the trap will release the kill bar.

To complete the setup, you only need to press the mouse trap tail with your hand and the work is complete. In addition to the fast setup, the trap also releases fast. It is made of durable polystyrene construction, which enables users to reuse it many times. However, before reusing it, you will need to clean it to remove the odours. Use it to kill mice, rats, chipmunk, voles, squirrels and similar-sized animals.

Acmind Mouse Trap

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The Acmind Mouse Trap is among the most powerful and highly sensitive traps you might ever use. To trigger, the mouse trap only requires 0.03 pounds and it is very easy to set and use. You do not need to use any poisoned bait when setting up the no-touch design. The cleaning process of the trap is easy and you should not worry about your fingers being stuck.

Moreover, the trap is usable outdoors and indoors. It is a catch-and-kill type of trap so there are no chances of the mice returning after you have captured them. You will enjoy the one-year warranty and if you get something different from what you expected, you can return it for a full refund.

CaptSure Original Humane Mouse Trap

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The CaptSure Original Humane Mouse Traps are a good choice for families. The small mouse houses offer a humane and safe way of capturing mice and releasing them into the woods. And if the rodent escapes by any chance, the trap will recapture and keep it inside the cage until you are home to get rid of it. To use the trap, you only need to place small bait inside the trap as far back as possible in the tunnel and position the trap in the areas that the mice frequent with the door open.

Immediately the mouse or any other pest walks on the pressure pad to reach the bait, the door will close behind it. That means that the trap will capture the mice without injuring them and the built-in holes will allow air circulation inside the cage so that the mouse can be safe and comfortable until you release it.

The traps are easy to clean and you can use them as many times as possible. In other words, they are a cost-effective method of dealing with your large mice infestation problems. They are electricity-, glue-, poison- and chemical-free, something that makes them safe when used around children and pets. The release system will keep your hands very far from the mouse, therefore, eliminating the risks of bites. You will enjoy the 24/7 customer support and money-back guarantee.

Best Budget: Tomcat Press ‘N Set Mouse Trap

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If you need a fast and convenient solution to mice infestation problems, The Tomcat Press ‘N Set Mouse Trap might be a great choice. As the name implies, the trap setup involves baiting and placing it in one of the areas mice are active throughout the day, such as near your refrigerator, along the baseboard or between the dryer and washer. Tomcat offers Attractant Gel to help attract more mice within a short time, but tiny baits of soft cheese or peanut butter will work perfectly when it comes to attracting the rodents.

After the trap catches a rodent, you can dispose of it using the in-built no-touch grab tab. The trap is super loud, meaning that you will know whenever it catches a mouse or a rat. With the ease of usage, the mouse trap conveniently captures and kills mice. The integrated bait cup will hold the bait and provide better results. After you identify the type of rodents that constantly give you problems, you will need to choose the best bait or use the provided Tomcat Attractant Gel.

Catcha Humane Smart Mouse Trap

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This is a top choice for most mouse trap buyers and it is among the plastic mouse traps in the market that capture mice without killing them. Once a rat or mouse is caught, the trap will hold it inside until you release or kill it. After placing the mouse bait in the trap, mice will come running to eat it and the spring door closes automatically after they touch the trigger when running for the bait. The trap setup does not involve any poison and it is, therefore, a good choice for people with children and pets in their homes. If it catches birds or unintended animals, you can open the door and free it easily.

The trap captures mice by tricking them to reach for the bait – placed on the closed end. You will find the mouse in the trap and release it into the woods. One of the great things about the trap is that it is washable and reusable. You do not need to buy traps from time to time because the trap can last a lifetime. But for the trap to continue working efficiently, you will need to release the mice early enough.

Catchmaster 72MAX Pest Trap

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The Catchmaster 72MAX Pest Trap is a popular choice among individuals who need products with exceptional features. One of the things that people love about the product is that it comes as pre-baited. That means that there will be no need to placing the bait yourself. Moreover, a single pack will contain glue boards enough to eliminate small-scale mice infestations.

The product is effective in capturing mice and most users rate it highly due to its top-end features. It features a peanut butter smell that helps attract mice. The used glue is very sticky and the mice will rarely getaway. It is a good choice if you do not want to deal with messy poison and traps. You can use it to eliminate mice infestations in your commercial, residential and industrial areas. You do not have to worry about the safety of your pets and kids when using it.

Victor Original Mouse Trap

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The Victor Original Mouse Trap is among the old-fashioned mouse traps in the market today. However, it comes with an improved mice-capturing mechanism. Its spring-loaded system can exterminate rodents and the design is environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, the trap is lethal and what might be more unpleasant is that it does not kill mice instantly causing the rodent to suffer for several hours.

Despite the big disadvantage, the manufacturer offers many pieces in one pack. After setup, you will have to be extra careful with its pedal mechanism because it can injure your fingers or those of your loved one. Dispose of the trap plus the rodent or the rodent alone and reuse the trap.

Victor Mouse Trap

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If you consider wooden mouse traps ineffective, it is the time to try the Victor M143SSR Mouse Trap. The powerful mouse trap provides an effective pressure trigger with a wide surface area that makes it easier for the mouse to trigger and get trapped when running across to investigate the bait. You can set the trap within a few seconds by filling its bait area with seeds, peanut butter and the other household foods.

After placing it in the area mice frequent or against a wall, the trap will get triggered whenever a mouse runs across it or tries to reach the bait. Its high-impact kill bar will snap into place very fast, therefore, minimizing pain. After it captures a mouse, you can throw away the entire trap plus the mouse.

The old mouse trap models rely on chemicals or poison to kill mice and they can be dangerous when used in households with children or pets. Victor M143SSR Mouse Trap kills mouse faster and effectively and you do not have to start tracking down the poisoned mice or glue messes.

How does a mouse trap work?

As we have already stated, the market offers many types of mouse traps. Some are simple but others are complex and hi-tech. However, the differences lie in how they kill the mice and the level of comfort they provide to the users. You will realize that the old snap traps are designed to kill mice in cruel and crude ways but those employing the modern technologies, such as electronic traps, can electrocute mice instantly without causing any emotional distress to occupants of your home or office.

The working of a mouse trap depends on its type. However, other factors influence working. First, you have to lure the mice into the device. That means you have to bait your trap and do that properly. Forget everything you learned as a child from the famous cartoon shows. Mice eat cheese but they might forego it for other food.

What do they prefer?

Most of the items you use in your kitchen including fruits, grains and meat are among the things mice consider sweet. Chocolate, peanut butter and candies are among the things to use but remember that the fatter and sweeter your bait the more rats it will attract. Mice will differentiate fresh food from any that has been lying around for several days and they will prioritize on the fresh one.

Mice will ignore any spoiled food because they are not dirty animals. So, use the food you cook for yourself such as a fresh hot dog or bacon. Keep in mind that mice can be cannibalistic and they will eat their tails or babies, something you are unlikely to include in your list of baits.

Where should you place the mouse trap?

When setting up your mouse trap, you should select the area to place it carefully. Never place the trap at the centre of your room because mice will always move along the walls. The best thing to do is place the traps in places where mice forage and establish their nests. When possible set the traps toward the walls, behind the furniture, in the dark places and behind any object in your room that would provide the mice with false security sense.

The mistakes to avoid when using a mouse trap rookie

Not wearing gloves during the trap preparation

Did you know that mice know that humans are the biggest predators? They will, therefore, run whenever they see you. Moreover, mice will detect your scent on the things you touch. So, you have to wear your gloves before touching the bait or trap you intend to use. Apart from not leaving your scent on the bait and trap, you will protect yourself from diseases whenever you wear gloves before touching the trap. Always wear gloves when you are in doubt that is the general rule with mouse traps.

Using a large bait

The bait, such as peanut butter, should attract the mice and lure them in but if you use a lot of it, the mice will nibble on some and not trigger the trap. So, aim for pea-sized baits. Such baits are enough to catch the attention of any passing mouse. A mouse will steal part of your large baits and go undetected.

Setting your traps in the wrong places

Mice fear people and they will rarely go to spaces you frequent. They prefer walking along the walls and the outer perimeters of your house. Instead of placing traps at the middle of your garden or room, think strategically and place them in the dark concealed spaces near the fences or walls.

Starting very slowly

The first nights of setting your traps are the most important. Instead of setting up your traps slowly, start strong by setting up a large number of traps. Even better, place several traps of different types or models in one spot because mice live in groups and reproduce very fast. Your aim should be to catch as many mice as possible during the first night if you want to eliminate the infestation problem within a short time.

When is trapping preferable to poisoning?

Some people believe that poisoning is the most effective method of eliminating mice infestation but others believe that it is inhuman. Elimination of a mice infestation can be challenging and time-consuming if you opt for the wrong methods. For the mice elimination process to be easy, you have to consider several things when making your decisions. Here are the key factors to consider:

The number of mice you are dealing with

When dealing with only a few mice in your home or office, the application of poisonous substances will pose a big risk to your pets and livestock. When possible, start with traps to learn the number of mice in your house.

The potential risks to your family members, livestock and pets

Before you set up traps or place any poisonous bait in your bait station, you have to consider the people living in your home, the pets and the livestock. If you are a farmer, your livestock is important. If you have to use poison, place it in a bait station with a very narrow entrance. The measure will be helpful but it will not eliminate the whole problem. Mice can drag the poison out of the station and take it to other places, where your children or pets can reach it easily. The poison can also endanger your livestock.

Problem with the dead mice

You might kill a large number of mice in one day, but if you do not have a good way of disposing of the dead mice, you will still have a problem in your home. Poisoned mice feel sick and die in hard-to-reach places. You might not even know where they are but the putrid smell will ruin your day. In addition to the unpleasant feelings, the dead mice can be a source of infections and diseases. When properly trapped, the mouse will remain in place and you will be able to dump it without problems.

The pros and cons using mouse traps

It is now time to weigh the Prosand Consof mouse traps. By understanding their benefits and problems, you will manage to choose between them and the poisoned baits.

Pros

• Traps are non-toxic. Therefore, you do not have to worry about posing risks to your children and pets being poisoned occasionally.
• You can use traps alongside other solutions.
• After capturing a mouse, you do not have to kill it. You can set live catch traps to eliminate the mice.
• Traps work fast and they will solve the problem immediately if the number of mice in your home or commercial property is very low. You will catch several mice within the first night. In most cases, the first night might be the most productive.
• After setting up the traps, you will not have to deal with the problem of searching for the dead mice or eliminate the rotting flesh smell in your home.

Cons

• Some traps will not work outdoors, particularly in some weather conditions. A quick example, electronic traps are not water-resistant while the glue traps will be useless in windy days because they will be contaminated with a lot of dust.
• Mice can steal the baits from the trap and carry them to their hiding place.
• The mice might urinate on the trap and leave faeces, which might be hazardous to your health.
• Trapping is also ineffective when the infestation is high or when you are dealing with mice in large areas.
• You will need to be more creative and outwit the critters because they may start avoiding the trap after it captures the first mouse.

The place affects the trapping. How should you choose the mouse trap?

Choosing the mouse trap for your car

Electronic traps or live traps will work more effectively when capturing mice in your vehicle. When trapped on your glue trap, the mouse is more likely to defecate and it might spoil the interior of your vehicle. A snap trap will not kill the mouse instantly but it will maim it. In other words, the mouse will urinate in desperation.

Trap for your house ceiling or attic

When choosing a trap to use for your ceiling or attic, you should go for a snap trap. Place several of them in the right places on the rodent runways. Repeat the process until there are no more noises behind the walls or in the attic at night.

Trap to use outdoors

When shopping for a trap to use outside your house, avoid the electronic traps and glue traps. Glue traps have adhesives on their services while the electronic ones have electronic devices that malfunction when wet.

Traps for your garage

Electronic traps are recommendable for garages because they are designed for spacious premises and rooms. Snap traps and the live capture cages will do the job well.

Traps for the barn

Snap traps work perfectly for barns. However, you should be ready to set several traps to cover the entire area. The best thing to do is to buy the inexpensive traps. You will strain your wallet by purchasing the expensive traps.

Traps for your chicken coop

Snap traps are ideal when dealing with mice infestations in your chicken coop. However, you should keep the trap out of reach of the poultry because they are likely to run for the bait too. Buy containment boxes featuring narrow entrances and place them on the traps to keep your chicken safe.

Traps to use in your kitchen

It is good you set the traps in the basement and attic instead of the kitchen. That is because they are unlikely to nest in your kitchen. But if you still want to place traps in the place, go for the electronic traps. You are likely to store your food in the kitchen and you would not want a captured mouse to urinate on it or leave faeces, which might pose a health risk.

Trap for the basement

Set a snap trap along the basement walls to capture mice. If possible, set as many as you can to eliminate the mice within a short time.

Trap for the garden/yard

Traps are the commonest method used to control mice in the yard or garden. Snap traps are the top choice. The space between the traps should be between 5 feet and 10 feet. Remember to change the bait each day because mice prefer fresh food. Ensure that your pets cannot reach the traps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if the mice do not go near the trap?
A: If the mouse does not go near the trap, place the trap on its path. Detect the places mice frequent. To do that easily, you can turn on your video camera at night. Change the baits you use on your traps and stick to the foods with a strong odour.

Q: Are mouse traps reusable?
A: Live cages, snap traps and electronic traps are reusable. That is only possible if the traps are not damaged after capturing the first few mice. Remember to clean them thoroughly after every use.

Q: Will mouse traps hurt my dogs and cats?
A: A snap trap can hurt any curious pet. The pets can also be stuck on the glue traps. That is the key reason you should avoid setting up your traps in the areas your pets frequent. If you have pets in your home, opt for the electronic traps, which will electrocute only the animals inside them.

Q: Can the mouse trap kill rats?
A: Mouse traps can kill young or the small rats but the possibility is very low.

Q: Can mouse traps break my fingers?
A: The typical mouse traps cannot break human fingers. However, it is hard to rule out that.

Q: Can the traps kill chipmunks, squirrels, moles and snakes?
A: Mouse traps designed for mice are made specifically for the small rodents. Your trap will only maim a squirrel. When dealing with large rodents such as moles and chipmunks, a rattrap will work well. But keep in mind that a mouse trap can capture snakes too and you will find such interesting media reports. For example, the media houses in Australia reported a case of a venomous snake that got stuck in a mouse trap. Ironically, the reptile got there when chasing a mouse.

Q: How should I clean the mouse trap?
A: Before cleaning the trap, you have to wear your gloves because you will be at a high risk of getting infections if you clean it without gloves. Use bleach or detergent to disinfect the trap. Place the dead mice in garbage cans with lids. Finally, wash your hands thoroughly.

Q: Which mouse traps do mice extractors use?
A: Mice exterminators have to decide between glue trap, snap trap, electrical trap and live traps depending on the infestation. Presence of pets and children influences the choices too.

Q: Are the mouse traps illegal?
A: Mouse traps are lawful in most countries. However, some countries restrict their usage. For example, the use of glue traps without special approval in New Zealand is illegal. Ireland also banned unauthorized trapping of mice. Some corporations also restrict the use of the traps in their business premises.

Q: Can traps capture mice without killing them?
A: The market offers quality live catch traps too. You can use them to capture the mice in your home and release them in a place very far from your home. The traps are made of metal or plastic with the metal ones being preferable. To lure in mice, you will have to bait them properly.

Conclusion

The market offers many types of mouse traps but most individuals opt for the humane traps because they get the job done without causing any harm. We have explored a large number of top-rated mouse traps in the market in addition to the available types. When possible, buy one of the models in the list. But if none of them works for you, use the buying guide to select the best mouse trap. It is a guarantee that most of the traps will work perfectly.

Keep in mind that mouse traps are not made equal. Manufacturers use eco-friendly and durable materials so that there will be no need for replacing them from time to time. Quality materials and the effectiveness of the traps are important when shopping. If you have children or small pets in your home, go for the traps made of non-toxic materials.