{"id":32623,"date":"2021-04-21T19:13:28","date_gmt":"2021-04-21T23:13:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.novaextermination.com\/how-do-you-catch-a-mouse\/"},"modified":"2026-07-20T12:26:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T16:26:50","slug":"how-do-you-catch-a-mouse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.novaextermination.com\/en\/how-do-you-catch-a-mouse\/","title":{"rendered":"How do you catch a mouse?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you hear noises in your walls late at night? It may very well be that you are in the presence of mice. In this article, we will guide you to the best measures to catch a mouse and thus, fix your mouse infestation before it grows. <\/p>\n

When an infestation sets in, traps alone don’t always solve the problem: you have to understand the mice’s paths, seal entry points, and sometimes treat in multiple passes. To get rid of mice<\/a> permanently, our technicians combine trapping, professional baiting and exclusion. <\/p>\n

Mice disperse their urine and feces throughout your buildings. Care should be taken to clean up mouse droppings<\/a>. They gnaw on cardboard, books, plastic and woodwork in addition to being constantly looking for food. They can also transmit several diseases such as salmonellosis and typhoid fever. Here’s how to catch a mouse. <\/p>\n

1. Choose your mouse traps <\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are several different types of mouse traps available in stores. Even though they work the same way, the way they catch mice can be different. It’s best to buy multiple traps, such as glue traps and electric traps, because a mouse is rarely alone. <\/p>\n

The use of poison on a mouse trap should only be done by a professional exterminator, as he knows the right doses and applies specific poisons. We remind you that if you want to solve your mouse problem effectively and in the long term, it is strongly recommended to call a mouse exterminator. <\/p>\n

A good exterminator will be able to identify the source and extent of the infestation, do the extermination of mice safely, and take precautions such as rodent caulking<\/a> to prevent any further mouse invasions in the future.<\/p>\n

If you do it yourself, we advise you to avoid mouse traps with poison or sticky traps. The mouse may die somewhere or in an unknown place. His corpse may cause a strong smell. Pets can find his body and eat it. <\/p>\n

In the old neighbourhoods of the South Shore, for example on the territory of our exterminator team in Longueuil<\/a>, houses from the 50s and 60s offer a lot of cavities behind the panels and in the foundations, which makes trapping more complex and often requires an on-site inspection.<\/p>\n

2. Choose your mouse baits <\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n

When you need to eradicate mice from your home, the choice of bait plays a crucial role. Although cheese is often associated with these small rodents in popular culture, their diet is much more varied, which gives us several possibilities to lure them into our mouse traps. <\/p>\n

In this section, we discuss the different types of mouse bait to guide you to the best option!<\/p>\n

Cereals<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Grains, such as oats or wheat, are very effective baits. The mice, attracted by these nutrient-rich seeds, will easily get trapped. <\/p>\n

A notable advantage is that these baits are often available in our kitchens, making them quick and easy to set up.<\/p>\n

Sweet fruits<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Fruits that are high in sugar, such as apples or pears, can be used as tempting bait.<\/p>\n

The sweet and strong smell of these fruits is irresistible to mice who are constantly looking for energy-rich food sources.<\/p>\n

Peanut butter<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Another popular choice is peanut butter (peanut butter). Its sticky texture and strong smell attract mice that appreciate fat and protein. <\/p>\n

Peanut butter is also convenient, as it does not dry out quickly, ensuring prolonged attractiveness of the mousetrap.<\/p>\n

Chocolate<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For those who prefer a sweeter solution, chocolate is a great alternative. Small chocolate bars or crumbs can serve as very effective bait, especially if you’re looking to capture multiple mice in a short period of time. <\/p>\n

Other interesting mouse baits<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Non-food options such as cotton fibers or yarn are also very good baits. Mice collect these materials to build their nests, making them strategic baits when combined with food attractants. <\/p>\n

It is better to vary the baits and position them correctly to ensure the success of your fight against mice. Each type of bait has its own advantages, and the choice may depend on the location of the mouse traps or the specificity of the mice in your environment. <\/p>\n

Catching one or two mice is possible with well-placed traps. But to prevent them from returning, their access must be closed. Check out our recommendations for installing complete mouse insulation<\/a> around soffits, piping and foundation joints. <\/p>\n

3. Place your <\/strong>mouse bait properly<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Avoid putting too much bait. This will allow the mouse to eat without triggering the mouse trap. A minimum of bait, on the other hand, will force the mouse to make more effort to eat it. <\/p>\n

Ideally, the bait should be the size of a pea. It is recommended to put the bait down before setting up the trap, as it is easy to trigger the mechanism on your fingers. <\/p>\n

To catch a mouse without killing it, you can opt for a trap consisting of a metal cage in which there is bait, ideally a fatty food such as peanut butter. This will trap the mouse and you can release it away from your home. <\/p>\n

Where is the best location to place mouse traps?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To catch mice, set traps in a place where they circulate. The latter will often run along the walls. They will leave traces of urine and droppings in the places where they are used to passing. <\/p>\n

When you have evidence of mouse passage in certain places, set up your traps. The trap trigger should be located on the side of the wall. Traps should be set up at a distance of 3 feet. Check your traps every day and get rid of dead mice as soon as possible. <\/p>\n

How do you make a humane mouse trap?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Take the cardboard tube of a toilet paper roll and flatten one of the two ends. Add a bait to one of the 2 sides of the tube. <\/p>\n

Then balance the cardboard tube on the edge of a table. The bait should be located on the end suspended in the void. <\/p>\n

Place a tray below the end suspended in the void. Then wait for the mouse to fall into the bin. Then release it back into the wild. <\/p>\n

If the problem spills over and several rooms are affected, we are already talking about a widespread infestation that deserves a comprehensive approach. Our rodent extermination service treats<\/a> mice, rats and field mice in cycles, with a written guarantee on the treatment. <\/p>\n

To catch mice, trust Nova Extermination!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For many years, Nova Extermination has specialized in the extermination of mice<\/a>, rats<\/a> and field mice<\/a>. We put our know-how and expertise at your disposal to help you get rid of mice safely. <\/p>\n

If you need to hire professionals to catch mice, talk to us now<\/strong>. We will be happy to answer all your questions. <\/p>\n

Comparison of the five types of mouse traps<\/h2>\n

Five different traps and baits are available in Quebec for individuals and professionals. The table below crosses capture mode, speed of effect, cost and recommendation of use to help you choose according to your situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Trap Type<\/th>\nCapture Mode<\/th>\nSpeed<\/th>\nCost<\/th>\nRecommendation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Snap trapInstant death<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/td>\nA few seconds<\/td>\nVery low<\/td>\nMost used, humane and effective<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bait cage (Havahart)<\/strong><\/td>\nLive capture<\/td>\nVariable<\/td>\nModerate<\/td>\nFor those who want to release<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Electronic<\/td>\n

trap<\/p>\n

Death by discharge<\/td>\nA few seconds<\/td>\nModerate<\/td>\nMore expensive but reusable, contactless<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Glue Trap<\/strong><\/td>\nLive Capture<\/td>\nHours<\/td>\n<\/td>\nLow Not recommended by the SPCA Quebec, animal suffering<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rodenticide bait anticoagulant<\/strong><\/td>\nDelayed death 4-10 days<\/td>\nIndirect<\/td>\nLow<\/td>\nReserved for pros, secondary risk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

For the majority of residential cases, the instant bar trap combined with peanut butter remains the most effective, humane and economical choice. Glue traps are strongly discouraged by the SPCA for animal welfare reasons. <\/p>\n

Three test cases and their strategy<\/h2>\n

One or two lone mice in a kitchen<\/h3>\n

Most common case at the beginning of an infestation. One or two mice spotted (fresh droppings on the work surface, teeth marks on packaging). Strategy: install 4 to 6 peanut butter bar traps along baseboards behind appliances, check twice daily for 7 to 10 days. Typical catch: 1 to 3 mice in the first week. If nothing is captured after 10 days despite signs of presence, move the traps to new identified routes. <\/p>\n

Infestation established in an unfinished basement<\/h3>\n

More complex: droppings in several places, nocturnal sounds, sometimes visible nests in cardboard or insulation. Strategy: set 10 to 15 traps throughout the subsoil, pre-bait without arming for 2 to 3 days to get the mice used to it (neophobic mice can avoid an armed trap for several days), then simultaneous arming. Complete inspection of exterior access to identify the source. Duration of the campaign: 3 to 6 weeks. <\/p>\n

Infestation in a food store<\/h3>\n

A case that requires a professional approach from the outset to comply with MAPAQ standards. Complete diagnosis by certified technician, installation of secure bait stations (specific key, inaccessible to humans and animals), documented follow-up with monthly report, integration into the commercial HACCP program. Higher cost but unavoidable regulatory compliance. Recurrence monitored for 12 months. <\/p>\n

Why mice keep coming back<\/h2>\n

Capturing all the mice present is not enough. Without rigorous closure of entry points and work on pull factors, a new population settles in a matter of weeks. Understanding the three levers makes it possible to transform a one-off disposal into a sustainable solution. <\/p>\n

Lever 1: close the accesses<\/h3>\n

An adult mouse passes through an opening of only 6 mm. Any crack in the foundation, improperly sealed pipe joint, or soffit opening greater than 5 mm is a front door. Inspection with a headlamp at dusk to identify air passages, caulking with steel wool in the piping areas and welded mesh on the vents. <\/p>\n

Lever 2: Cut off food sources<\/h3>\n

A mouse needs about 3 grams of food per day. The kitchen is his main target: food in airtight containers made of glass or thick plastic, countertops cleaned every night, crumbs disposed of under appliances, pet food removed at night. Five days without access to food is enough to push a mouse to look elsewhere. <\/p>\n

Lever 3: Eliminate water sources<\/h3>\n

Less obvious but critical: mice are looking for water even more than food. Repair leaking faucets, empty saucers from plants in the evening, do not leave water in pet bowls overnight. A dry kitchen and basement are much less attractive than a humid environment. <\/p>\n

Questions<\/h2>\n

What is the best bait to trap a mouse?<\/h3>\n

Four baits proven against the common mouse, in order of effectiveness:<\/p>\n