Multiple-Catch Mouse Traps

What is a Multiple-Catch or Live-Catch Mouse Trap?

Multiple-catch, or live-catch mouse traps, can capture between 15 and 30 live mice. Live mice are trapped humanely and later released outdoors. This is different from snap traps which kill mice on contact. No bait is required. Mice enter multiple-catch traps because they like investigating new "holes in their territory, and are attracted to other mice in the trap.

How do Multiple-Catch Traps work?

Multiple-catch traps are sometimes also referred to as "curiosity traps". Mice naturally tend to explore new "holes" in their territory, which lures them to the trap door. They are also attracted to the other mice already caught in the trap. There are two basic models of multiple-catch traps, wind-up style and low-profile style. Wind-up style traps use a spring-loaded platform to flip mice into a holding chamber after stepping into the entryway of the trap. Low-profile style traps work using a simple trap door.

 
What are the advantages of trapping over the use of baits

1. Trapping is an effective alternative where the use of poison baits may be hazardous to children, pets, and wildlife.
2. Trapping provides quick results for small infestations.
3. Live-catch trapping allows immediate release of captured mice, whereas baiting may result in odor problems from rodents that wander off and die in out-of-the-way places.

 
What if I don't want to deal with live mice?

Many customers want the repeating catch capability of a multiple-catch trap, but don't want to deal with live mice. In this case, we suggest that you also buy Trapper LTD glue boards, which fit perfectly inside the Tin Cat Repeating Mouse Trap. The mice will stick to the glue board and eventually die. The glue boards provide for easier disposal of the mice. Always wear protective gloves when handling or disposing of dead rodents to prevent disease.


Place Traps in Areas of Highest Mouse Activity

Multiple-Catch traps should be placed in areas of high or continual mouse activity. Activity can be determined by inspecting the premises for rodent signs. Look for fecal pellets, tracks, runways, gnawing damage, grease marks, burrows, urine stains (made visible by a black or ultraviolet flashlight), rodent sounds, and live or dead mice. Pay particular attention to wall areas bordered outside by weeds, debris, fields, or other conditions that provide suitable harborage.

Trap Position

• Wind-up traps, such as the Ketch-All Humane Live Multi Catch Mouse Trap with Clear Lid should be placed either parallel or perpendicular to the wall.
• Low-Profile traps, such as the Tin Cat Repeating Mouse Trap will be most effective if placed with the entry hole parallel to the wall or object.

Baiting Multiple-Catch/ Live-Catch Traps

Multiple-catch/ live-catch traps do not need to be baited since the mouse's curiosity about the trap will lure him to the door, however peanut butter may be smudged directly in side the entryway to increase attraction in areas where food is limited.

 
Keep Good Records

The secret to using multiple-catch mouse traps effectively in large accounts is to keep good long-term records. Each trap should have a slip of paper attached to record number of captures for each inspection day. This allows you to determine which areas have the highest mouse activity over time, and which areas do not need traps.

Always read the instructions before trapping.

The above information is intended to improve the effectiveness of using multiple-catch and live-catch mouse traps. It is not intended as a substitute for reading the product instructions and/or label. Before placing or setting any rodent trap, always read the product instructions thoroughly and carefully.

Related Articles
Rodent Proofing for Fall
Baiting Tips for Mice
Rodent Baiting Failure