Pest control shops usually sell glue traps for difference purposes. Some glue traps are designed to catch mosquitoes and flies only so they are usually of small surface areas and of weaker holding strength. However, glue traps that are intended for catching mice are sold in different lengths and sizes depending on the area where the trap will be placed. Since mice are more capable of freeing themselves from being stuck, mouse glue traps use very strong adhesives. Mouse glue traps are usually made from shallow trays filled with non-hardening glue. The glue inside the tray is deep enough to hold the paws of the mouse.
Luring Mice into the Traps
Of course, because of the very inquisitive nature of mice, without the use of proper baits it will be very difficult to lure mice into the glue traps. The best mouse bait that can be used for this purpose is peanut butter, not cheese like what some children's cartoon show tells you (mice do not love cheese). Peanut butter is the perfect bait because it is sticky, so mice have to lick it from where it is placed, making their stay in that place longer. Putting peanut butter around the periphery of the mouse glue traps will make the mouse unmindful about the trap, eventually leading it to step on the trap and thus, getting stuck. Other food baits that are rich in fats and proteins are also good baits. Mice also like cereals and sweets so you might as well choose baits that fall under this category. Nonetheless, there are mouse glue traps that are already pre-scented to make the glue itself to smell like food. These traps are usually more expensive as compared to other unscented glue traps but for homeowners who do not want to worry about placing baits, it is the more viable option.
Mice Disposal
Mice stuck in glue traps usually end up dying because of dehydration or starvation because of their immobility to look for food. But of course, there is always a more humane way to deal with mice. In this case for example, it is always a better option to simply not prolong the suffering of the mouse and then dispose the soiled trap.
As a general rule, mouse glue traps should be checked every after six hours, but if you happen to hear a house struggling somewhere the trap has been placed, it is always a good idea to come and check it immediately. Truthfully, mice caught in mouse glue traps would definitely suffer because of their condition, some mice would even willingly decapitate themselves just to be free from the glue. Thus, the most humane thing for you to do once you see a mouse caught in the glue trap is to end their misery right away. Some people might not be capable of killing mice on the spot, so the more feasible option is to drown the mice. You can do this by simply submerging the glue trap into a basin or pail filled with water. If you can't stand the sight, go ahead and watch the television and surely, the moment you are done, the mice are already dead. Then all that you have to do is to dispose them.
In disposing mice, be always mindful that the carcass of an infected mice can still carry the diseases that the living mouse can carry. So always wear protective gloves and sanitize yourself after doing the deed. After removing the mouse from the water, put it immediately in a plastic bag and then drain the water in the pail or basin. Use a sanitizing agent to clean the basin or pail too. A tablespoon of bleach may be sufficient to disinfect the basin. If possible, reserve this container as your "mouse-drowner" and not use it for some other purposes in order to be sure.
Optional... (for those who want to develop their pest control instincts and become a mice exterminator):
However, in the event that you can't find a suitable container (a basin or pail) to serve the same purpose, you can also drown the mouse in the toilet, just make sure that you don't flush the mouse into the toilet too. If you can't stand this, try suffocating the mouse inside an airtight bag or container.
Removing Glue for Accidental Trapping
Since mouse glue traps use a very strong adhesive to make mice immobile, it is already given that the glue used in glue traps is not easy to remove. Nonetheless, there would always be instances when unintended targets end up being stuck in the glue tray. Pets and children are usually very curious and this curiosity can eventually lead to possible accidents. So, if you happen to own a pet or have children in your house, you might as well want to learn how to remove glue from fur, skin, hair, clothes, among other surfaces.
The most effective lubricant used to weaken the effect of the glue is peanut oil. You just have to dab peanut oil unto the fur or hair area where the glue is stuck and the glue will slowly wear off. If the entire glue trap is stuck unto the surface, all you have to do is to put peanut oil in between the surface and the glue and slowly unattached the board or tray from where it is stuck. You can use your fingers to put the oil in between them. For people who are allergic to peanut, mineral oil is also an effective substitute.
To remove the oil from the surface, just use soap and water. Wet a piece of cloth with the soap and water solution and then scrub the surface with the cloth. Oil will wash away with soap so you won't have any problems whatsoever. Removing the oil is very important when you are cleaning special surfaces like carpets or sensitive wooden furniture. If left un-removed, the oil might seep into the carpet or furniture ruining its colour and appearance.
After washing with soap and water, use another cloth to dry the surface. Make sure that you do not leave any moisture in the area because moisture can damage carpets and furniture too. However, if you are removing glue from pets and children, after applying peanut oil and removing the glue, you can simply bathe your pet or child and you are done.
There are still many things that might interest you about mouse glue traps. While this article does not cover all of these, the things discussed in here are sufficient to give you a clear head’s up as to how you are going to handle the use of mouse glue traps. Just remember that for you to use any mouse control device, you have keep yourself informed.
All the best,
Sergiu Zburatoru
