A BETTER MOUSE TRAP

I need to add this disclaimer, this instructable is for lack of a better word GRUESOME, if you are weak in the stomach or do not like to see dead mice then PLEASE do not view this.
I do not remember where this idea came from but if not mine then I applaud the inventor. I was fed up with putting mothballs, Irish Soap, Fabric Softener and any number of concoctions to keep the mice out of my classic and antique automobiles. I just hate the little buggers peeing in the crevices which is the prime cause of staining and rusting in the interior of the car. This works and works well. PLEASE-PLEASE REMBER TO USE RV ANTIFREEZE.

Step 1: ITEMS YOU WILL NEED

To begin this instructable you will need the following; one 5 gallon bucket (plastic is preferred), antifreeze if you are in the freezing zone. I show in the photo automotive antifreeze but it is preferable to use RV Antifreeze as this is nontoxic. . A length of wire such as fencing wire or a metal coat hanger long enough to go across the bucket diameter with a bit left over, A pop can and a drill.

Comments

[moosetooth]

Thanks and good job!

[wisconsinjimmy]

Well thank you, I was amazed as to how well the trap works and I should update the last photo. Last Friday I had to empty the bucket as it had some ten of the critters in it, also I did not have the RV antifreeze right and the water was freezing. I now have increased the strength of the antifreeze. Only thing I ask is that you do not use automotive antifreeze if you are in a freeze zone due to the deadly nature of antifreeze. This bucket is up where the dogs cannot get at it but a Ferrel cat could.
JimG

[Soozannah]

Very good point. Also a very good trap. Would plain cooking oil work to make the sides slick and themselves slick so they couldn't climb on each other to climb out of the bucket? I don't think oil (safflower or corn) would freeze either but I might be wrong on that. Anyhow I'm wanting a live capture trap and oil might be more humane that antifreeze.

[wisconsinjimmy]

I like to make my own and this works great, I have a crawl space at the back of my basement and hang the bucket from a floor joist with a plank from the crawl to the bucket and no mice. I do reccomend RV antifreeze as it is a non polutant and is safe for the pets.
Have a great SUMMER and thank you for the comments.
Jim

[l8nite]

A recent drainage project cleaned up a nearby ditch which made everything look real pretty but it chased hordes of rats into the neighborhood. I made several of these using thin metal tubing and pvc pipe for the spinner (materials on hand) I was catching 2-3 a night for a week or so and now seem 2 be rodent free

[wierdguy03]

I just saw a trap like this on Ask This Old House the other day, and i love the idea! Although theirs was a mass manufactured one, i like yours!

[Ceiling cat]

I have an even better mouse trap. It's a cat. So far he's killed like five to seven in my house.

[triumphman]

Can't stand cats for too long. They purr in my lap and come to me when I make cat sounds, but they stay up all night and I don't get any sleep. I like a quiet house, so I can hear the Ninjas coming in ! But enjoy them if its what you like. To each his own!

[Ceiling cat]

No worries! I understand. Actually, my cat is generally pretty calm and quiet, and he doesn't bother me when I'm sleeping. He actually gets in bed with me and sleeps in the nook behind my knees. Keeps me warm in the winters. He does try to wake me up in the morning when I don't get up, which is a nice feature. lol

[triumphman]

My mice are too smart for this trap! Tried it and all I got was mold on the peanut butter!

[wisconsinjimmy]

There is a critical distance that the plank needs to be from the can also I have never had any luck in the summer as food is to plentiful, I do this in the winter months when the mice move back indoors, infact this winter past I even had a weasel meet his end.

[fretted]

Wouldn't they just drown in water ? what about epsom salt water something less volitol to the ecosystem ?

[wisconsinjimmy]

Being that I live in the salted road world one notices that the salt does not go away as it stays in the environment, the RV antifreeze is, as far as I have read about as safe as one can get . If I had my way salt would not be used anywhere as it does pollute the ground, water table and lakes.
JimG