Rodent Control Home > Prevent Rodent Infestations
Trap Up!
Trap rodents around the home to help reduce the rodent population.
Baiting a snap trap with peanut butter.
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Choose an appropriate snap trap. Traps for catching mice are different
from those for catching rats. Always read the instructions on the
box the trap came in before setting the trap. When you set up the
trap, place a small amount of peanut butter (approximately the
size of a pea) on the bait pan of the snap trap. Then position
the bait end of the trap next to the wall so it forms a "T" with
the wall. You want the trap set next to the wall because rodents
normally run next to walls or other objects for safety: they do
not like being out in the open. It may take several days for the
rodents to approach the traps since they are leery of anything
unfamiliar in their habitat.
Positioning snap trap so it forms a "T" with the wall.
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We do not recommend using glue traps
or live traps. These traps can scare mice that are caught live
and cause them to urinate. Since their urine may contain germs,
this may increase your risk of being exposed to diseases.
Also place traps in outbuildings and in areas that might likely serve as rodent shelters. Natural rodent predators, such as non-poisonous snakes, owls, and hawks, may also help control and reduce the number of rodents outside the home.
If you trap inside your home, but do not seal up rodent entry holes, new rodents will enter the dwelling. For information on how to seal up holes inside and outside the home, please see the Seal Up! page.
Seal Up! | Trap Up! | Clean Up!