How to Catch a Mouse Without Killing It

Co-authored by Chris Parker

Last Updated: February 5, 2022 References

Does the sound of scurrying mouse feet keep you awake at night? If so, it might be time to catch the culprit. If you're not looking to kill the mouse, learn how to prepare a trap, handle the mouse, and deter mice from returning.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Catching the Mouse

1
Make a humane trap. Dab a little peanut butter on the inside of a very tall trash can (at least two feet high) and set the trash can next to a countertop that is taller than the trashcan. Crease an empty paper towel tube to create a flat tunnel and stick a little peanut butter on the inside at the end. Set this tube on the counter so that the end with the peanut butter hangs out over the trash can.
- If using a purchased live trap, be certain to follow the packaged instructions.
2
Place the trap strategically. Put the trap in the room that you've noticed the most mouse activity. Once you've placed your trap, you'll want to avoid the space for a while so you don't accidentally drive the mouse away from the trap.
- If you don't have a counter to use, you can create a ramp by propping up a small board. Place a bit of peanut butter on the end of the ramp.The mouse will still be able to get in the trash can, but won't be able to get out.
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3
Remove the mouse from the trash can while wearing gloves. Be sure to wear rubber, latex, or vinyl gloves since mice carry communicable diseases.^{[1]
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Research source}
- Get your cleaning supplies out, so that you can immediately disinfect the space once the mouse is contained. You'll need a mixture of bleach and water in a spray bottle.
4
Transfer mouse to a container. The mouse shouldn't be able to get out, but must have ventilation to breathe.
- Do not put the mouse in cardboard, since it can easily chew through cardboard containers.
- Now you can thoroughly disinfect your trashcan and countertops with a mixture of bleach and water after you've removed the mouse. Throw away the cardboard tube.
5
Remove the mouse from your house. Whatever you do, do not release the mouse right outside your home. Mice can find their way back into a warm environment nearby. Instead, drive the mouse at least five miles away and release it.^{[2]
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Research source}
- Try to relocate the mouse as soon as you can. The mouse will be contained for a shorter period of time, and you can get on with cleaning and disinfecting your home.
- You can increase its chance of survival if you release it near some kind of shelter. Avoid urban areas, where the mouse might simply return to another home, and wide-open spaces, where it can't find shelter from predators.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Deterring Mice From Returning

1
Clean and disinfect areas of mouse contamination. Open windows for ventilation and spray any droppings with a mixture of bleach and water. The ratio of bleach should be one part to ten parts water.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- Do not sweep or vacuum up mouse droppings or nesting materials.^{[4]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
  Go to source} These can kick up dust which could carry disease.
2
Wait five minutes for bleach mixture to soak into the droppings. Then, use a paper towel to scoop up the droppings and throw away.
- Disinfect floors once you've cleaned the countertops by mopping with a bleach and water mixture.
- Remember to wash bedding in hot water and clean any upholstered furniture you think mice might have contaminated.
3
Deter mice from coming back. In addition to keeping a clean home, check the seals on doors, windows, and access points to the outside. You can use whatever method you like to seal the gap, just be sure to fill all of them.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Chris Parker
Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 21 April 2021.}
- Do not use caulk or plastic fillers to seal gaps since mice can chew through them.^{[6]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  The Humane Society of the United States
  National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
  Go to source}
- Sprinkle a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and tuck them around your home. Since mice don't like the strong scent, they'll stay away.
4
Clean your space. Mice are initially attracted to your cozy environment. If you clean out your house and make it less hospitable, mice will be less inclined to stay.
- Remove all clutter throughout your house. Don't leave out clothes, papers, or materials that mice could use to create nests.
- Don't forget to tidy up storage spaces, especially where paper goods or old clothes are kept.
5
Clean up and seal away all food. Be incredibly through about this, as mice can make a meal out of almost anything. Wipe up crumbs from behind appliances and in cabinets.
- Do not leave food sitting out. This includes pet food. Be in the habit of sealing and storing your pet's food at night. This will make it harder for the mice to get comfortable.
- Food stored in a pantry should be completely closed. For example, if you've opened a sack of flour you should transfer it to a sealable container for longer storage.

Community Q&A

Question

Is it possible to keep the mouse as a pet?

Community Answer

It is, but you'd be better off releasing it, as it's a wild animal, and you could get a domesticated mouse at a pet store.
Question

Does baking soda help get rid of mice?

Elijah Franco

Community Answer

Yes, baking soda can repel mice. The most effective way to use baking soda to repel mice is to sprinkle a line around the perimeter of your house (outside). You will need to reapply the line after any rains. Luckily, baking soda is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased locally.
Question

Will a mouse return after removal?

Community Answer

It's very unlikely, but you can take the mouse far away from your home to make sure.

Warning

Catching and releasing house mice will not prevent them from dying. Hypothermia and predators kill most house mice that are released into the wild.^{[7]
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Research source}
Native white-footed or deer mice can be released into the wild with much greater success at survival.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
The Humane Society of the United States
National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
Go to source}