A mouse trap made from household items that won't harm the mouse or any mouse chasers!

Step 1: Gather Supplies

You will need:

1. String

2. Nail

3. Bowl

4. Bait

5. Cutting Device

6. Something to catch. (for pride!)

Step 2: Size the String...

Measure the string across the bowl to get the right dimensions. Funny thing is there isn't really that much dimensioning involved...

Leave about 1" or so hanging over the edge of the bowl.

You will tie two knots in the string. One knot will be in the middle of the string and the other will be in one end.

Step 3: Tie the Knots...

You will tie two knots in the string. The one in the middle will hold the bait, and the other will go around the nail. Thus, they will be called the bait loop and the nail loop.

Double the string in half and tie the bait loop as shown in the pictures.

Pick the longer end of the two, because you most likely were unable to center the bait loop, and tie the same knot to form the nail loop.

Celebrate because you have completed all of the work for building this mousetrap!

Step 4: Bait the Bait Loop...

I prefer peanut butter, because the mouse can't just pick it up and run off with it, he's gotta hang out and munch on it.

The bait should be placed in a way that the loop and bait stick up. Mice tend to grab on to what they are eating and then sit up on their back feet and munch away, much like a squirrel. So, you want that bait loop to be sticking up as much as possible, so that when he grabs the bait, he pulls the string.

Step 5: Now the Tricky Part...

To set the trap is a complete and total balancing act, which makes it a little tough.

Double the free end back toward the bait, and which will allow the bowl to rest on three total points. Two string points and the nail head.

I suggest that the string be first placed so that it is too short to support the bowl, and the tip of the nail must be angled in. Then, use the tip of the nail to draw the string under tension bringing the nail toward vertical. The goal is to have the bait string taught so that the slightest tug will cause the nail to fall.

Like I said, this is the tricky part.

Your girlfriend/sister/mom will ask you what the world you are doing because you will drop the bowl repeatedly trying to get it set.

Your boyfriend/brother/dad won't care what's going on so long as it isn't during the Cardinals game. =)

Step 6: A Few Tips...

It is best to place the trap on something to facilitate mouse removal, such as a cookie sheet. I caught the mouse at large, and then realized that sliding the bowl to the edge of the counter-top to an awaiting paper plate did not work, allowing the mouse to escape quite terrified.

Also, make sure that the surface is hard enough to allow the nail to slide. Granite counter tops have voids and gaps between the grains, and the nail catches in these, saving the mouse for another day. Wood cutting boards allow the nail to penetrate, which also favors the mouse.

Good luck and let me know if it works for ya!

-Cory