Which Mouse Control Method is Right for You?

Not sure which trap or treatment to use for your mouse problem? You're not alone. With all the options available — snap traps, humane traps, electric traps, rodenticide, and more — it can feel a bit overwhelming.

The good news is, you don’t need to guess. This guide will walk you through your choices and help you pick the best solution based on your home, your preferences, and how serious the problem is.

Quick Guide: Pick Your Method

• One mouse / occasional sightings: Start with snap traps (in a bait station if kids/pets) for the fastest result.
• Kids/pets in the home: Choose enclosed options (bait station + snap traps, enclosed electric trap, or humane trap).
• Ongoing activity (droppings most days / multiple rooms): Use multiple bait stations + traps, and prioritise proofing.
• Hard-to-reach areas (under floors/loft voids): Bait stations can be more practical than single-catch traps.
• Want “no-kill”: Humane traps can work for a small problem, but they require frequent checks and a realistic release plan.

Start by Understanding Your Situation

Before choosing a treatment, it’s worth asking yourself a few quick questions:

• Where are you hearing or seeing mouse activity — kitchen, loft, under the floor, outdoors?
• Do you have pets or young children in the home?
• Is this a one-off incident, or something that’s been happening more than once?
• Are you looking for a humane option, or are you after the fastest fix?

Comparing Mouse Control Options

Each method has its pros and cons. Here's a simple breakdown to help you decide what fits your needs best:

Method	Best for	Pros	Things to consider	Where to buy
Snap traps (ideally used in bait stations)	Quick, visible results indoors; small to moderate infestations	Fast, reusable, no poison	Use inside a bait station if there’s any risk to children/pets; usually single-catch	Shop snap traps
Humane traps	Ethical, non-lethal approach; small or occasional infestations	Reusable; no chemicals	Needs frequent checks and a sensible release plan (otherwise it can be stressful for the animal)	Shop humane traps
Electric traps	Clean, hands-off disposal indoors; small to moderate infestations	Quick and tidy	Battery powered; typically single-catch; higher cost	Shop electric traps
Rodenticides (always used in bait stations)	Moderate to larger infestations; ongoing or hard-to-reach activity	Can reduce multiple mice over time	Slower; must be used correctly and only in tamper-resistant bait stations	Shop baits

Safety & Legality (UK)

• Avoid glue traps: It’s against the law to use glue traps for rodents unless you have a licence (England) and they’re intended for exceptional circumstances.
• If you use rodenticide, follow a planned approach and protect non-target animals (always use a tamper-resistant bait station; keep baits away from wildlife).
• Not sure what you’re allowed to use or how to use it safely? GOV.UK recommends, seeking professional advice.

Choosing What’s Right for You

Still trying to figure out the best method for your situation? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Just one mouse indoors? Try a snap trap or a humane trap. Mouse traps are relatively easy to set and should ideally be placed inside a bait station box for safety.
• Got kids or pets in the house? Stick with enclosed options. A snap trap inside a box, a humane trap, or even an electric trap are all safer choices.
• Keep getting mice? If it’s happening more than once, go for multiple bait stations paired with traps — or use rodenticides (always in a sealed station) for more stubborn infestations.
• Need results fast? Snap or electric traps give you quicker wins. If you're okay waiting a bit longer, rodenticides are great for tackling more established problems over a week or two.
• Prefer a no-kill method? Go with a humane trap. You can catch and release the mouse without harming it — just be sure to check it often.

Can You Combine Different Methods?

Absolutely — and in many cases, it’s the most effective approach. Here are a few smart combos:

• Use snap traps inside and rodenticide bait stations outside
• Place humane traps in bedrooms, with electric traps in kitchens or lofts
• Use different trap types in multiple areas to increase success

Don’t Forget to Prevent a Return

Getting rid of mice is just half the job — the other half is making sure they don’t come back. Here’s how:

• Seal any holes or gaps near pipes, vents, and brickwork with rodent-proof fillers and other rodent proofing solutions
• Store food, pet food, and bird seed in strong sealed containers
• Keep clutter to a minimum, especially in sheds, garages, or under sinks
• Clean up crumbs and spills quickly, and vacuum behind appliances now and then
• Close outdoor bins tightly and trim back plants touching external walls

Browse our rodent-proofing range to protect your home for good.

Final Word

There’s no universal fix when it comes to mice — and that’s okay. The right method depends on what you’re comfortable with, how bad the problem is, and what kind of home you’re working with. What matters most is that you act quickly and safely.

FAQs

Are glue traps legal in the UK?

For the public, glue traps for rodents are effectively off-limits - in England it's illegal to use them without a licence, and licences are for professional pest controllers in exceptional circumstances.

What's best if I have children or pets?

Choose enclosed setups: snap traps inside a locked bait station, enclosed electric traps, or humane traps placed where pets/children can't access.

Do ultrasonic repellents work?

Treat repellents as a supporting layer at best - they don't fix entry points or remove active mice. If you're seeing droppings or hearing activity, use traps + proofing. (Link internally to your repellents article.)

Is poison always a bad idea?

Not always - but it must be used carefully. A planned approach that minimises risk to wildlife and non-target animals is essential.

Can I combine methods?

Yes. Traps indoors + bait stations outdoors is a common, practical combo (and proofing is non-negotiable).

When should I stop DIY and call someone in?

If activity is widespread (multiple rooms), contamination is heavy, or you can't locate entry points, get professional help or contact your council.

We go to great lengths to ensure that our DIY mouse control products are effective, fast & easy for everyone. You may also find our expert guide useful if you want to learn more about getting rid of mice from your home or workplace.