Popular attractants for mice on snap traps or in live traps such as the Victor Tin Cat Mouse Trap M308 include pet food, canned meat, bacon, nuts, cereal, peanut butter, or formulated attractants such as Provoke Mouse Attractant or Propest Rat and Mouse Lure. Rodent attractants typically do not contain major food allergens.
You should continue trapping with the Victor Tin Cat Mouse Trap as long as you still see mouse activity. We would suggest using multiple traps, but if you are happy with what you have so far, then you may continue with that plan. Mice breed quickly and do not require much food to thrive, so it is common to underestimate a population. Mice can fit through openings that are only 1/4" in diameter, so continuing to check for ways to exclude them is very important. You should remove any possible food source, including the compost bin, from the area where you have seen mouse activity. We would also recommend using bait in tamper-resistant bait stations around the perimeter of the home to prevent more outside populations from entering the structure. Our Rodent Baiting Kit contains 6 x stations and a 4 lb. pail of Gladiator bait blox that are excellent for both mice and rats. Please see our articles about Mouse Inspection and Mouse Treatment for more information and tips.
Mice will enter the Victor Tin Cat Mouse Trap M308, triggering a lever that will trap them in a holding area inside. It is not designed to kill them unless you place a glueboard inside.
Rat X is a very good rodenticide that is made from 100% natural ingredients. This can be used inside of the Victor Tin Cat Mouse Trap. Keep in mind that the Victor Tin Cat Mouse Trap is not suitable for outdoor use as it is not weatherproof and is not designed to secure bait from non-target animals. Indoors, there is no guarantee as to where the rodents will die. See our Mouse Control Guide for more information about baiting and exclusion.
Since mice and voles are similar sizes It is possible for voles to be caught in Victor Tin Cat Mouse Trap M308 if they are placed in areas they come across and they go into the trap.
We do not recommend using any additional cleaning or lubricating products with Victor Tin Cat Mouse Trap M308. Cleaning products could deter the rodents. We recommend using a plain paper towel to wipe out the traps.
We are sorry that you are having trouble with Victor Tin Cat Mouse Traps. For best results, we recommend using the glue boards that fit inside these traps so that mice cannot escape. You also want to be sure that any bait used in the traps is placed away from the entry ramps and toward the opposite wall of the traps. Sometimes very small mice are able to walk up the ramp and reach to bait placed on or near the ramp without entering the trap completely, and this could be why they are able to escape.
The Victor Tin Cat Mouse Trap is designed to work for mice, including adults. This item, however, will not work for rats. Please see our Mouse Identification Guide to determine if you are targeting rats or mice.
Mice can be shy of new things in their environment as well. Sometimes, it may help to create a trail of food items to entice them to the trap. Where you place the trap may also be a factor. It should be placed in an area that is in their way of travel. Placing glue boards on top or inside of the trap also helps to catch them. You may view more information and helpful tips on eradicating this pest by reviewing our How to Get Rid of Mice Guide.
The Victor Tin Cat Mouse Trap M308 has a clear lid that you should be able to look right through from standing height without even getting close to the trap. We are unsure what small opening you are referencing to be able to answer you more specifically. If you are using the trap with a glueboard inside you can just open the lid to view the inside if the lid is not clear enough for you to see through. If you are not using a glueboard, you should be able to either tap the trap with your foot to listen for movement or shuffling inside, or take the trap outside and open it should you feel a live mouse is inside.
The Victor Tin Cat Mouse Trap M308 is not large enough to use for rats and will only catch mice.
View our assortment of Rat Traps HERE.
Yes, weather and/or moisture can cause the doors to rust and get stuck. The Victor Tin Cat Mouse Trap M308 are made for indoor use.