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The Best Mouse Traps To Keep Your Home Rodent Free

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Last updated: 11 Aug 2023

We all want a rodent-free home, but sometimes it’s a challenge to keep them out. Fortunately, there is a solution: mouse traps! The right mouse trap can get rid of even the most persistent of rodents and keep them away for good. In this article, we’ll show you the best mouse traps of 2023 to help you keep your home rodent-free for good.

We’ve looked at traps of all types, from classic snap traps to the more humane live bait traps. We’ve also included options for every budget, so you’re sure to find one perfect for you. With our help, you can finally regain control of your home and keep it rodent-free for good.

Best Overall
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The Original “Rolling Log Mouse Trap”
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Most Straightforward to Use
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Feeke Mouse Trap
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Most Effective
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Victor Mouse Trap
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Most Humane Capture
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d-CON Mouse Trap
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Best Design
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Kat Sense Mouse Trap
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Mouse Trap: Buying Guide

Rodents can be quite a nuisance in any home, which is why mouse traps are a convenient tool to have. When selecting a mouse trap, there are many essential product features to consider. This buyer’s guide will help you choose the best mouse trap for your needs by going over each feature in detail. 

Quality of Materials Used

Be sure to choose a mouse trap that uses high-quality materials that are sturdy, durable, and effective against mice. Look for traps with corrosion or rust resistance so that the trap is long-lasting and can withstand challenging weather conditions. 

Ease of Use

Choose a mouse trap design that is easy to set up and use. Look for traps with simple instructions, minimal steps needed to set up, and efficient trigger mechanisms that have minimal false trapping risks. 

Type of Bait Needed

Different types of mouse traps require different types of bait to be used. Consider what bait option you can access and select a mouse trap compatible with it. 

Size and Shape of the Trap

Make sure the size of the mouse trap fits well in the space where it will be placed. Also, consider the trap’s shape – some need to be placed flush against walls, while others have to be placed in an open area to be effective. 

Animal Size It Can Catch

Depending on the species of mice you are trying to get rid of, make sure you are selecting a mouse trap that can effectively catch animals in your target size range. 

Resistant to Weather Conditions

Choose a mouse trap made out of materials that are able to resist water, wind, and extreme temperatures so that it can remain effective for prolonged periods regardless of conditions outside. 

Ability To Be Set In Different Positions

The way you place your mouse trap may affect how effective it is in catching mice. If you want to make sure your mouse trap catches every rodent possible, look for traps with adjustable settings so that you can use them in various positions and best suit their particular environment. 

Price

The cost of the mouse trap should be considered when selecting one – compare prices between different models and brands so that you end up purchasing one within your budget without compromising on quality or effectiveness. 

Design

Different designs offer different advantages when it comes to trapping mice – consider factors like visibility and noise levels when selecting a design as well as its ability to blend in with the rest of its environment if necessary. 

Humane Trapping Capabilities

If humane trapping is important to you, look for traps equipped with unique features such as no-touch disposal or one-way escape doors, which eliminate contact between you and captured mice altogether – this way, rodents can be trapped without being injured or killed in the process. 

Reusable/Disposable Design

Depending on your trapping needs, determine whether or not you need a reusable or disposable design – reusable designs are typically more economical. In contrast, disposable ones may offer quick solutions with minimal mess or cleanup required afterward. 

Noise When Triggered

Mice traps can produce loud or silent noises when triggered – both options have advantages depending on your situation, so try to pick one that best suits your needs and helps keep unwanted noise away from other areas. 

Area That the Trap Can Cover Effectively

Some traps may cover larger areas than others when set correctly – consider the size of the area where you plan on using your mouse trap and purchase one capable of covering it sufficiently while also correlating with other product features (such as size, type of bait needed, etc.).  

Reviewing the Finest Mouse Traps of 2023

1

The Original “Rolling Log Mouse Trap”

– Best Overall
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The Original “Rolling Log Mouse Trap” is the perfect kill/no-kill trap for mice, rats, and other pests and rodents. Not only is it designed to be humane and non-poisonous, but it has also been tested and proven to work in the most efficient manner.

This trap features a light design – the rolling element is 2-4 oz. lighter than the average mouse, which makes it even more effective. It can easily be attached to a 5-gallon bucket, and its simple setup and management require minimal effort on the part of users. The bucket only needs to be emptied every few days and can be done so without coming into contact with pests or rodents.

This trap is also safe for pets, children, and other family members. It uses non-toxic bait such as peanut butter and does not utilize a spring-loaded mechanism that could potentially catch a finger or paw. Its simplicity of use and effective performance earns this mouse trap the No.1 spot on our list.

Pros
  • Catches multiple mice at once 
  • Very humane
  • Cost-effective
Cons
  • Not suitable for larger critters
2

Feeke Mouse Trap

– Most Straightforward to Use
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These Feeke Mouse Traps are a great choice for a safe and efficient way to get rid of mice in your home. These traps are designed to be easy to use and come with a no-touch cup design, meaning no more worrying about accidental finger snapping. Additionally, they have a sensitive trigger mechanism that requires only 0.025 lbs of pressure to activate the trap, making it great for catching small mice. 

Moreover, these traps are not only effective but also hygienic, as they can be easily cleaned to remove any odors and bloodstains. Furthermore, they are suitable for outdoor and indoor use, making them extremely versatile and convenient.  

What makes these Mouse Traps stand out is that they offer an efficient and humane way to eliminate mice from your home completely. Unlike traditional wood or metal traps, these traps use an electronic ultrasonic device that lets the mouse escape temporarily instead of trapping them for longer periods. 

Pros
  • Reusable and easy to clean
  • Lightweight and moves easily 
  • Safe and easy to set up
Cons
  •  Not as powerful as wood snap traps
3

Victor Mouse Trap

– Most Effective
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The Victor M156-20 Metal Pedal Wood Snap Mouse Trap is an ideal product for the cost-effective and quick elimination of mice. It has a simple design that offers a clean, instant kill, making it an effective solution for those trying to keep their homes and businesses free of rodents.

The time-tested performance behind this trap is impressive – it has been used to control mice for over 120 years. It is known to be reliable and efficient, as it is the preferred choice of both professional pest-control companies and consumers.

The trap is also reusable and disposable, allowing you to use one trap multiple times or throw away the entire trap after a catch – whichever best suits your needs. It is made from sustainably sourced FSC Certified Wood, ensuring that you can feel safe and secure knowing that the materials used were harvested responsibly. Furthermore, this product is proudly Made in the USA!

Pros
  • Cheap and effective
  • Humane kill 
  • Easy to use/adjustable sensitivity 
  • One year warranty 
Cons
  • Difficult to use for smaller baby mice
4

d-CON Mouse Trap

– Most Humane Capture
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The d-CON Reusable Ultra Set Covered Mouse Trap provides an easy and safe solution to catching pesky mice. The snap trap is designed with a unique door system that allows the user to set it in one motion and dispose of it with ease. The covered trap also eliminates the risk of accidentally coming into contact with rodents. The one-way door ensures that the mice won’t be able to escape from the sides after being trapped. 

The snap trap works quickly and effectively, meaning you don’t have to worry about dealing with mice for long. It also features an innovative design that allows for easy baiting without having to touch it. This makes it easier to access hard-to-reach areas without having to use a ladder or a tool. Additionally, its unique shape helps keep the mouse bait securely in place until a mouse triggers it, which guarantees a successful catch every time! 

Pros
  • Humane – instantly kills mice 
  • Low profile and covered 
  • Easy to set with light push
  • Conveniently reusable
Cons
  • Awkward to get bait placed into cup
5

Kat Sense Mouse Trap

– Best Design
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These pest control rat traps from Kat Sense offer a reliable and sanitary way to get rid of unwanted critters at home. Its innovative design features a bait cap to place your attractant or bait to lure the mice. It is made of extra sturdy, washable plastic that promises to last for years without losing efficiency.

Once set, these rat snap traps use a powerful, highly responsive snap mechanism with a sensitive pedal and specially designed jaws-style teeth to capture rats and mice with no escape. The humane design ensures that rodents are killed quickly and with minimal pain.

The traps have a high-power precision stainless steel metal spring that holds it in place with 35% more force than other pack rat traps in the market. This makes them both effective and mess-free in each kill. The traps are also large enough for indoor use, and the improved design ensures rodents are caught every time.

Pros
  • Very well-designed 
  • Quick installation – no mess
  • Reusable traps with no need for cleaning
  • Affordable compared to other options
Cons
  •  Plastic may break easily

People Also Asked

Q: How often should I check the mouse trap for caught mice?

A: It is best to check the mouse trap at least once a day to ensure that any caught mice have been removed from the trap. Additionally, it is essential to reset the mouse trap after each check to ensure it will remain effective in catching more mice. 

Q: Are there any special precautions to take when using a mouse trap?

A: Yes, when using a mouse trap, one should always take precautions when handling and setting the device. Wear protective gloves, keep children and pets away from the area, and avoid touching any areas of the trap where bait or poison may be located. Additionally, make sure to follow any local laws and regulations about setting traps to ensure compliance with these regulations. 

Q: How large of an area can the mouse trap be used in?

A: The size of an area that a mouse trap can be used in depends on the size of the trap itself as well as the type of environment it is being used in. Generally speaking, most traps can cover an area of around 3 to 4 feet wide by 4 to 5 feet long (or larger depending on the size of the room). However, it is essential to note that smaller mouse traps may only be used in smaller spaces such as cabinets or drawers. 

Q: Are there different types of mouse traps that are better for certain conditions?

A: Yes, there are different types of mouse traps available for different conditions. For example, live traps are great for trapping multiple mice without killing them, whereas traditional snap traps are better for targeting single mice quickly and efficiently. Additionally, electronic traps are great for targeting larger numbers of mice over a longer period, while glue boards work well in enclosed spaces such as cabinets or baseboards. 

Q: How do I dispose of any captured mice?

A: The best way to dispose of captured mice is by placing them in sealed bags or containers before disposing of them in trash cans outside your home or business premises. Additionally, gloves should always be worn when handling trapped mice, and all surfaces should be sanitized afterward using diluted bleach solution or other appropriate disinfectant products. 

Q: Is there a way to make a mouse trap more humane?

A: Yes, one way to make a mouse trap more humane is by using live traps, which allow you to capture multiple mice without killing them. With this type of trap, you can then release the captured rodents into suitable outdoor habitats far away from your property, at least according to local laws and regulations regarding wildlife relocation/release. 

Q: Are there specific places/ areas that are most attractive to mice and should be set accordingly?

A: Yes, many areas are attractive to mice, including attics, basements, garages, closets, and cupboards. These should be checked when looking for signs of infestation or activity before setting traps around these areas accordingly. Additionally, look out for droppings or smears along skirting boards and walls with possible entry points from outside. These should also be targeted with traps if necessary. 

Q: What is the best bait to use when setting a mouse trap?

A: The best bait for setting a mouse trap varies depending on the species being targeted; however, generally speaking, high-protein foods such as peanut butter or pieces of cheese tend to work well and will attract rodents quickly, resulting in higher capture rates over time with persistent use of this type of bait. This type of bait is also preferred over other options such as fruits or vegetables, which may not work as effectively due to their lower protein content and may not be attractive enough for some rodents.

Cleaning
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. All questions regarding articles or product testing can be sent to aimperiapt@gmail.com
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