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.

Step 2: PREPARE THE BUCKET

Mark where your holes are going to be, I try to place the holes just under the top lip of the bucket and mark with a marker. Next drill the hole.

Step 3: DRILLING THE HOLES

Here I am drilling the second hole on the opposite side of the bucket.

Step 4: ADDING THE WIRE

Here I am inserting the wire thru the hole on the far side of the bucket

Step 5: WIRE IS IN PLACE

Here you see the wire going thru the bucket with the far end of the wire curled around the lip

Step 6: MAKE a KINK IN THE WIRE

You will now need to make a kink in the wire on the far side, this is to keep the can from being pushed to the bucket edge.

Step 7: PREPARE THE CAN #1

Here I am drilling the hole just a bit larger than the diameter of the wire on the bottom of the can nothing precise just try and get as close to center as possible, try not to squeeze the can you need it round.

Step 8: PREPARING THE CAN #2

Here I am pointing at the top of the can and have moved the tab so it is over the hole, also note where the wire is this is critical. If your can does not have a tab you will have to drill a second hole.

Step 9: PULLING WIRE AND MAKING a KINK

Here I have pulled the wire thru the can and made a judgment call as to how much room I will allow the can to slide on the wire, you want it (can) not to slide to much try and keep it in the center of the bucket. Add about 3 inches of water and antifreeze, this will drown the mice but also prevent them from jumping out.

Step 10: CAN IN POSITION WITH BAIT

Once you get the can where you want it try and pull the taught before you fasten the wire to the bucket, you want to try and keep half of the can above the top of the bucket, once satisfied cinch the wire. Smear On the peanut butter .

Step 11: PLACEMENT OF THE BUCKET TRAP

Place the trap so you can add a convenient walkway but make it so the mice have to reach for the bait this way it is going to make a sure SPLASH also try and keep the bucket up so good critters do not get at it.

Step 12: TRAP IS WORKING

Not a clear picture, but some people might not like the look of dead mice, there is a total of five mice in the bucket after one week. Antifreeze does two things one is to prevent the water from freezing and two it acts as an embalming so the mice do not stink from decomposing. Come Spring after the warm up you can take and dump the bucket into the garbage can or dispose as you see fit, remember if you used automobile antifreeze in you trap it is hazardous.