Hey everyone,
I’ve been battling a mouse problem in my house for the last couple of weeks. I set up some traditional snap traps and baited them with peanut butter, but I’m noticing that the mice are eating the bait without triggering the traps! It’s incredibly frustrating.
From what I’ve read, this could be due to several factors:
- The traps might be too sensitive or not sensitive enough
- The bait might be placed incorrectly
- Mice might be too clever for their own good!
Has anyone experienced this issue? What adjustments did you make to finally catch those little pests? Any tips or tricks that worked for you?
I feel your pain! I had the same issue last summer. I ended up switching to a different type of trap. The sticky traps worked much better for me. Have you considered trying those?
Thanks for the suggestion, @PestControlPro! I haven’t tried sticky traps. Do you think they are more effective in catching mice, or do they have their downsides?
They definitely have their pros and cons. They can catch more mice at once, but they can also be pretty messy. Just make sure to check them regularly.
I had a similar experience last year. I noticed that if I placed the bait too far back in the trap, the mice would just yank it out. Sometimes they are surprisingly strong!
That’s interesting! I’ve placed the bait right in the middle, but maybe I should try adjusting its position. Did you switch up the bait as well, or just the placement?
I did switch the bait. I found that using sunflower seeds worked wonders! Mice seem to love them, and they’re easier to pick up than peanut butter.
You might want to look into what’s called a “no-touch trap.” They work by making it harder for the mouse to escape without triggering the mechanism. I had success with one last year!
No-touch trap, huh? I’ve never heard of that. Is it more humane, or just more effective?
It’s both! They capture the mice alive, and you can release them far away from your home. Plus, it minimizes the chances of triggering without a catch.
Just my two cents: if you’re finding bait is disappearing without triggering, it might also be worth looking into your trap placement. Look for signs of mouse activity (droppings, gnaw marks) and place the traps along their pathways.
Great advice, @abeccot! I noticed droppings near the pantry. I think I’ll place a few traps there for a better shot.
Exactly! Mice tend to follow the same routes. Adjusting your trap placement can really make a difference. Good luck!
Make sure you’re using fresh bait! Old bait can lose its smell and appeal. I always switch mine out every few days to keep them interested.
That’s a good point, @yumani64! I’ll check the freshness of my bait. Do you have any favorite bait recommendations?
I’ve had success with both chocolate and cheese. Just a little bit goes a long way!