Top 10 Mouse Traps

Don’t forget that old saying: “Build a better mouse trap, and the world will beat a path to your door.” That wisdom – the source of which remains murky – dates back to the late 19th century. It has evolved to become a metaphor for innovation, but it’s still an appropriate homage to the first snap-trap version of a mouse trap, which came about in 1899 in Pennsylvania. With all due respect to those early inventors, the mouse trap has thankfully advanced over the years. Here are 10 mouse traps that we recommend today.

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1. Victor M156 Metal Pedal Mouse Trap

Victor M156 Metal Pedal Mouse Trap – 16 Pack (64 Total Traps) Buy on Amazon

It’s hard to argue with the classic design of the original snap-trap take on mouse traps. These 64 traps are easy to use and poison-free.

Pros:

  • No need to question if they’re working or not. You’ll see the results.
  • If you don’t need to reuse the trap, just throw it away along with the dead mouse.

Cons:

  • Not for the squeamish.
  • Keep small pets and children’s fingers far away from these.

Final thoughts: More than 1 billion of these traps have been sold over the last century, so Victor is doing something right. It’s not the most humane solution, but it’s efficient.

2. Kat Sense Pest Control Traps

Pest Control Rat Traps, Professional Multi Captsure Set of 6 Large Snap Trap, Solutions for Indoor Outdoor AntiRodent Protection, Reusable Master Trapping Against Mouse, Chipmunk, Squirrel Buy on Amazon

You don’t need a cat to catch a mouse, but owning a Kat helps. These traps might look like chip clips, but they’re actually a more evolved version of a basic mouse trap.

Pros:

  • Sturdy, polystyrene construction gives these traps a long life.
  • Washable after each use to minimize odors.

Cons:

  • Rodents are killed rather than trapped for future release.
  • When used outside, they can also be activated by squirrels and other outdoor wildlife.

Final thoughts: These traps from Kat Sense are a step up from a basic mouse trap and are reusable. But they still pose a threat to other non-invasive creatures.

3. Victor M250S No Touch, No See Electronic Mouse Trap

Victor M250S No Touch, No See Upgraded Indoor Electronic Mouse Trap - 1 Trap,Black Buy on Amazon

If you prefer a no-see/no-touch approach to catching mice, this electronic trap from Victor could be the right fit.

Pros:

  • Powered by batteries, so it can be set up anywhere.
  • Kills mice instantly with a high voltage shock.
  • Built-in safety switch protects children and pets.

Cons:

  • It kills rather than traps mice.
  • Some dissatisfied reviewers lament it didn’t trap any mice for them.

Final thoughts: On paper, the Victor electronic mouse trap sounds like the perfect 21st Century solution to pest control, though opinions vary on how well it works.

4. Catchmaster Baited Rat, Mouse and Snake Glue Traps

Catchmaster Baited Rat, Mouse and Snake Glue Traps - 12 Glue Trays Buy on Amazon

Where there are rats and mice there can also be snakes, which feast upon the furry creatures. Thankfully these glue traps can capture all three home invaders. They’re ready to use with no bait required.

Pros:

  • Non-toxic so safe to use around children and pets.
  • No batteries or power needed so they can be placed anywhere, including garages and under sinks.

Cons:

  • Not as effective in cold weather climates.
  • The pests aren’t dead when you find them.

Final thoughts: These glue traps are quite versatile and can be placed anywhere they’re needed. They’re better used inside and in tight spots where pets and children can’t accidentally step on them.

5. d-Con Reusable Covered Mouse Snap Trap

d-Con Reusable Covered Mouse Snap Trap, 1 Trap (Pack of 5) Buy on Amazon

Similar to the idea of a “roach motel,” these covered traps feature a “no way out” method to attract and kill mice. Just bait the trap and lock the trigger in place.

Pros:

  • No need to worry about fingers getting caught by a trap.
  • No risk of contacting a dead mouse.
  • Cost-effective and easy to use. Just set it and let it go to work.

Cons:

  • Because of its small parts, the manufacturer has issued a choke hazard and recommends keeping these away from children 3 and under.
  • Getting the trigger to lock can take some practice and patience.

Final thoughts: This mouse trap from d-Con combines the best features of competing traps while still offering a safe but effective way to kill pests.

6. CaptSure Original Humane Mouse Traps

CaptSure Original Humane Mouse Traps, Easy to Set, Kids/Pets Safe, Reusable for Indoor/Outdoor use, for Small Rodent/Voles/Hamsters/Moles Catcher That Works. 2 Pack (Small) Buy on Amazon

If you think this mouse trap looks like a futuristic mailbox, then get ready for a special delivery. Endorsed by animal rights groups, this catch-and-release trap can be used with ease.

Pros:

  • No poisons, toxins or chemicals are needed.
  • Mice can be captured and released without touching them.
  • Can be easily cleaned and reused over and over again.

Cons:

  • Some users report that mice have been able to chew their way out of the trap.
  • Mice can sometimes get their tails caught in the trap door.

Final thoughts: If you’re looking for the most humane way of dealing with mice, this is most likely your best bet. Just keep an eye on it so they mice don’t have time to figure a way out.

7. Authenzo Mouse Trap SX-5006 Mice Trap

Authenzo Mouse Trap SX-5006 Mice Trap That Work Human Power Mouse Killer Mouse Catcher Quick Effective Sanitary Safe for Families and Pet 6 Pack Buy on Amazon

This mouse trap from Authenzo is made to be super sensitive to pests – it can be activated with a mere 15 grams of pressure. No escape!

Pros:

  • Made of polystyrene, it’s easy to wash and won’t absorb odors or stains like wood traps.
  • It holds a mouse or rat at 50 percent more pressure than competing traps.
  • No toxins or poisons are needed.

Cons:

  • It’s still dangerous to have near pets and children.
  • Touching the trap even slightly after setting it can release the trigger.

Final thoughts: This trap from Authenzo is one of the best-reviewed traps available because it works exceptionally well. If you don’t mind killing your invaders, this could be an effective method.

8. Catchmaster 72MAX Pest Trap

Catchmaster 72MAX Pest Trap, 36Count, White Buy on Amazon

These glue traps from Catchmaster have a peanut butter scent designed to attract hungry rats and mice. Each set includes 36 sheets and are approximately 8 inches by 6 inches.

Pros:

  • The glue traps can lay flat or be folded into a box shape for lesser contact with the critter.
  • No bait is required; the traps are already scented.
  • Good for use in areas where poisons, toxins and power isn’t available.

Cons:

  • Not safe around children and pets. Better used indoors so innocent outdoor creatures aren’t drawn in.
  • Users report that trapped critters sometimes chew off their limbs to escape.

Final thoughts: It’s decidedly a low-tech but cost-effective way to catch mice, but safer on adult fingers and traditional traps.

9. Tomcat Glue Mouse Traps

Tomcat Glue Traps Mouse Size with Eugenol for Enhanced Stickiness, Captures Mice and Other Household Pests, Professional Strength, Pesticide-Free and Ready-to-Use, 6 Glue Traps Buy on Amazon

These glue traps from Tomcat are similar to many competing offerings, but Tomcat uses Eugenol to make their glue extra sticky so critters can’t easily escape.

Pros:

  • Also works to attract roaches, spiders and scorpions.
  • More effective than standard traps in the tight places where critters hide.
  • This six-pack set of traps is budget-friendly.

Cons:

  • Keep these far away from children and pets.
  • Best used indoors so as not to trap birds, lizards and other friendly outdoor creatures.

Final thoughts: If glue traps are your preferred method of trapping mice, these sheets from Tomcat are among the best-reviewed and most cost-effective.

10.TBI Pro Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Wall Plug-in

Sometimes the best way to catch a mouse is to simply chase it away. This mouse trap plug-in uses ultrasonic and electromagnetic frequencies to coax critters to leave your home.

Pros:

  • Safe for use around children and pets.
  • Choose different frequencies to repel ants, roaches, mosquitoes and more.
  • No need to empty any messy traps.

Cons:

  • Reviewers say it can take some time to see results.
  • An electrical outlet is required to use.

Final thoughts: Though it’s on the high end price-wise, this pest repeller is a more humane way of dealing with home invaders, though not as quickly as with insecticide.