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The Ultimate Mouse Trap: A Simple, Effective Method with Chopsticks and a Plastic Bottle

With this super simple and effective trap method, you can say goodbye to the rodent problem in your home for good.

28 August, 2024

Mice can be a persistent problem for many households, especially with the festive season approaching and families stocking up on food supplies. Whether you live in a rural area or an urban apartment block, these pesky rodents can be a nuisance. The only solution is to turn to mouse traps.

However, not all trapping methods are effective and safe, especially for homes with young children or pets. Today, we will introduce an extremely simple, cost-effective, and safe DIY mouse trap for your household.

Let’s get started with this super simple project. All you need is an empty plastic bottle (a water or soda bottle will do), a pair of disposable chopsticks, rubber bands, a length of string, a paper clip, and a few peanuts.

Gather your materials as shown above.

Instructions:

Step 1: Using a craft knife or scissors, cut the bottle about 3/4 of the way up. This will create a “door” that can be easily opened and closed. Essentially, you are dividing the bottle into two halves: the upper and lower portions.

Cut the bottle as shown above.

Step 2: Using a screwdriver, puncture two holes in the upper portion of the bottle. Insert one chopstick through these holes.

Puncture two holes and insert a chopstick.

Step 3: Repeat the process for the lower half of the bottle. Puncture two holes and insert the other chopstick. Secure both chopsticks with rubber bands.

Secure the chopsticks with rubber bands.

Step 4: Puncture a small hole at the bottom of the bottle. Thread a string through this hole and tie it securely around the neck of the bottle. Straighten the paper clip and thread a peanut onto it. Poke the paper clip through the bottle from the inside, using the other end of the string to secure it. When a mouse attempts to take the peanut, it will pull the paper clip towards itself, causing the trap to fall.

Thread the peanut-baited paper clip and secure it with the string.

And there you have it—a super simple mouse trap! When a mouse triggers the trap, it will have no escape.

Finally, when you’ve caught a mouse, simply open the bottle, pour it into a bucket of water, and dispose of it once it stops moving. You can reuse the trap multiple times. Good luck!

Source: Trí thức trẻ

Frequently asked questions

You can create an effective mouse trap using chopsticks, a plastic bottle, some bait, and a knife or scissors. First, cut the plastic bottle in half. Then, place the chopsticks across the neck of the bottle, forming a ‘V’ shape. Secure them in place with tape. Next, add your chosen bait to the trigger mechanism, which is the top part of the bottle with the cap still attached. Place the trap wherever you’ve spotted mouse activity, with the trigger mechanism baited and ready. When a mouse attempts to take the bait, the bottle will tip, causing the mouse to fall into the trap while the chopsticks prevent escape.

This trap works by using the mouse’s natural instinct to grab and pull things. When the mouse takes the bait, it triggers the trap, causing the bottle to tip and the mouse to fall in. The chopsticks placed across the neck of the bottle create a one-way passage, allowing the mouse to enter but not escape.

This DIY mouse trap is a humane alternative to traditional traps that often kill mice. It’s also reusable, environmentally friendly, and easy to set up. Additionally, it’s a cost-effective solution, as you can create multiple traps from everyday household items.

You can use a variety of baits, such as peanut butter, cheese, or chocolate. Experiment to see which bait works best for your situation. Remember to place the bait on the trigger mechanism, which is the capped end of the bottle’s top half.

Place the trap in areas where you’ve noticed mouse droppings, urine marks, or signs of chewing and nesting. Common places include along walls, in dark corners, or near food sources. Mice tend to stick close to walls as they move through a space, so placing the traps perpendicular to walls can increase your chances of success.