Do sticky mousetraps work?
Do Sticky Mousetraps Work?
When it comes to trapping mice, the traditional method is to use a snap trap, also known as a spring-loaded bar trap. But that’s not your only option. One alternative is the sticky mousetrap, aka the glue trap. It consists of a flat piece of cardboard covered in specially designed sticky glue.
Do sticky mousetraps work? Yes, but the results aren’t pretty. When mice walk on the sticky trap to get the bait, they are immobilized by the adhesive surface. They die from hypothermia since they can’t move and maintain their body temperature. When the mouse has died, you can simply pick up the sticky paper, mouse and all, and discard it.
Sticky Mousetrap Pros and Cons
Sticky mousetraps have some attractive benefits:
- They do not use toxic baits;
- they’re simple and easy to use;
- they are inexpensive;
- mice die on the glue as opposed to wandering off and dying in an unknown location as they do with poison.
On the minus side, the longer a sticky mouse trap sits around, the less sticky it gets. It becomes coated in dust and will no longer be effective. In general, these traps are ineffective in locations with a lot of dust, dirt or water. They’re also less useful in extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Alternative Trapping Methods
if you have a mouse problem, being nice to the interlopers may be the last thing on your mind. But it’s not exactly humane to trap and kill mice — especially with traps that force them to die slowly. After all, mice, like anyone else, are just trying to survive.
If you prefer an alternative method, you can do what we do at my house and try a live trap with a door that snaps closed to capture the creature. You will then need to release the mouse back into the wild. We take our captives to the local state park and release them far from other homes. They may have trouble adapting, but at least they have a fighting chance.
FAQ
Are sticky traps more effective than traditional mousetraps?
If trapping is your preferred method to get rid of your mouse problem, snap traps are more reliable and humane than sticky mousetraps. You can also try traps that kill with electricity. Using strong scents like peppermint to keep them away is also an option. Or you might try used kitty litter in areas where children and pets don’t have access.
Where should I place sticky traps in my home?
Regardless of your method, pinpointing where the mice are getting in to your home is of the utmost importance. This can be hard to do, because as pest control expert Meg Pearson points out: “Mice are able to squeeze through cracks in your home that are so small, you likely don’t even realize they’re there.” And mice can show up in places where you don’t expect them.
Anywhere you see mouse droppings is a prime spot to set mouse traps. , and that usually includes the kitchen, pantry and anywhere there might be food crumbs on the floor. Set a lot of traps. The more you set, the more mice you’ll catch—period.
About the Expert
- Meg Pearson is the Training Manager at Critter Control and is a recognized pest control expert.
