Trying to catch an uninvited mouse in your home can be frustrating! It may always be hidden from sight and give little away to tell you where it is hiding.
With the right approach, it’s a situation you can confidently manage. But it's important not leave anything to chance and to take action immediately.
Here are 10 tried-and-tested tips on how to catch a mouse in your home. Take action now by following these tips to make your home mouse-free once more.
Quick Guide: Catch a Mouse in Your House Tonight
- Remove easy food: put pet food away, wipe crumbs, and shut bins.
- Place multiple traps: set 6–12 snap traps along skirting/walls behind appliances and near droppings.
- Bait properly: use a pea-sized amount of peanut butter (pressed firmly into the bait cup/holder).
- Set at the right time: put traps down at dusk; check first thing in the morning.
- After a catch: double-bag, bin outside, disinfect the area, then seal entry gaps to stop repeats.
#1 Understand Mouse Behaviour
To catch a mouse, you need to put yourself into their shoes. Understand what drives their behaviour, especially when it comes to food, water and shelter. Mice are naturally curious but also wary of new objects in their environment. You may want to give them some time to get used to the traps by placing deactivated ones in their space for a few days before you set them.
#2 Choose the Right Trap or Solution
There are various types of mouse traps available, including mouse snap traps, electronic mouse traps and the more humane live mouse traps, which catch them alive. Initially, you may also want to consider preventing them using ultrasonic mouse repellents. Each solution has its merits, so select one that aligns with your comfort level and ethical preferences.
Quick note: Avoid glue traps — GOV.UK lists rodent glue traps among the methods you cannot use for wildlife on your property.
#3 Select the Right Bait
Many mouse traps require a bait for attraction. Mice love seeds and nuts, as these are staples in their natural diet. Peanut butter is also a highly effective bait due to its stickiness and enticing aroma. You may also wish to consider professional-grade mouse baits and attractants, which are specially designed for optimal results.
#4 Place Traps Strategically
Mice usually travel tight to edges (skirting boards, pipe runs and behind appliances), so place mouse traps flush to the wall with the baited end/trigger closest to the skirting — ideally perpendicular to the wall so a mouse hits the trigger from either direction. This increases the chances of catching a mouse as it passes by.
We recommend using a mouse bait station to help protect children/pets and reduce accidental contact. They often include features which tell you if the trap has been triggered.
#5 Regularly Inspect Traps
Check traps at least daily (and more frequently for live-capture traps) so you can deal with any catch promptly and reset/rebait if needed. Wear gloves, then bag the mouse/trap and dispose of it in an outdoor bin with a lid. Finally, disinfect any nearby surfaces.
#6 Always Wear Gloves
For hygiene and to keep human scents off the traps, always wear gloves when handling traps. Mice have a great sense of smell and are less likely to approach a trap that smells like a human.
#7 Relocate Captured Mice
If you choose live mouse traps, keep the trap out of the heat/sun and check it regularly (at least every 12 hours). Once caught, release mice in a sheltered spot at least 2-3 miles away from your home to prevent them from finding their way back. Be aware that relocation isn’t always as ‘humane’ as it sounds — released mice may struggle in unfamiliar areas — so many households prefer a well-placed snap or electronic trap for a quick end.
#8 Go All-In on Day One
The first night is often the most successful, so put as many traps out as possible. Mice have not yet grown wary of the threat of traps and so are easier to trap. Set traps every 50cm-100cm in areas where you believe mice are present.
#9 Tidying Up
Mice love clutter and rubbish as it gives them somewhere to hide and feed. Reduce the amount of space they can live in and hide by clearing away all clutter and maintaining high cleanliness standards.
- Store food (and pet food) in sealed containers.
- Reduce nesting material (cardboard, paper piles).
- Seal entry gaps — mice can squeeze through very small openings (around 5mm), so check around pipes, air bricks and under doors.
#10 Consider a Pest Control Professional
If you're still seeing evidence of mice, such as fresh droppings after a week or so of intensive trapping and proofing, consider hiring a professional pest control expert, even if it's going to cost more money.
Final Thoughts
Applying these 10 tips means taking control of your living space once more. Remember, the key is to act quickly and persistently. Remember that it's your home, so you have the power to take the action that's required.
Empower yourself with knowledge. Approach the task with the comfort that you're doing the right thing - for your home, your family and your possessions.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best bait for a mouse trap?
Peanut butter is a top choice because it's sticky and aromatic. Use a pea-sized amount pressed firmly into the bait cup/holder.
Where should I place mouse traps in my house?
Along skirting boards, behind appliances, in cupboards/under sinks, and anywhere you've seen droppings or gnaw marks.
How many traps do I need?
More than most people think. For an active area, start with 6-12 traps and space them along edges where mice travel.
How often should I check mouse traps?
Check kill traps daily. If you're using live-capture traps, check more regularly - at least every 12 hours.
Should I use a bait station?
Yes if there's any risk to children/pets or non-target wildlife - it helps keep traps/bait contained.
Can I use glue traps in the UK?
Avoid them - official guidance lists rodent glue traps among methods you cannot use.
We go to great lengths to ensure that all our DIY mouse control products are effective, fast & easy-to-use. You may also find our expert guide useful if you want to learn more about getting rid of mice from your home or workplace.
