Mouse traps, what's your best option?

Mice can be a nuisance in any home. Since we have been living in Greely (rural Ottawa, the country) mice have been a bigger issue than they were in the past. Not only are they unsightly and uninvited guests, but they can also cause damage to your property and spread disease. One of the most effective ways to get rid of mice is to use mouse traps. However, there are several different types of mouse traps to choose from, each with its own pros and cons.

Snap traps are perhaps the most traditional and well-known type of mouse trap. These traps work by luring the mouse onto the trap with bait and then quickly snapping closed, killing the mouse instantly. One of the pros of snap traps is that they are very effective at killing mice, as long as they are placed in the right location. They are also relatively cheap and easy to use. However, one of the cons of snap traps is that they can be messy, as the mouse is often killed and left on the trap. But there are newer snap traps which are easer to set and less messy and make disposal much easer. These are the ones I prefer. But all of the these types may also be considered inhumane by some people.

Glue traps, also known as sticky traps, are another type of mouse trap. These traps work by luring the mouse onto a sticky surface where it becomes stuck. The mouse is then unable to move and will eventually die from starvation or dehydration. One of the pros of glue traps is that they are easy to use and disposable. They are also relatively cheap. However, one of the cons of glue traps is that they can be inhumane, as the mouse can suffer for a long time before it dies. They are also not very effective at controlling mouse populations, as only a small percentage of mice are likely to be caught in glue traps.

Live traps are a type of mouse trap that allows you to capture the mouse without killing it. These traps work by luring the mouse into a cage with bait and then closing the door behind it. The mouse can then be released into the wild. One of the pros of live traps is that they are humane and allow you to release the mouse back into the wild. They are also relatively easy to use. However, one of the cons of live traps is that they may not be as effective at controlling mouse populations as other types of traps, as the mouse can be released and return to your home. They may also be more expensive than other types of traps.

Electronic traps are a newer type of mouse trap that uses electricity to kill the mouse. These traps work by luring the mouse onto a metal plate where it is shocked and killed instantly. One of the pros of electronic traps is that they are very effective at killing mice and are relatively clean and easy to use. They are also considered more humane than snap traps, as the mouse is killed instantly. However, one of the cons of electronic traps is that they are more expensive than other types of traps and may require more maintenance.

In conclusion, there are several different types of mouse traps to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Snap traps are effective but may be considered inhumane and messy. Glue traps are easy to use but inhumane and not very effective. Live traps are humane but may not be as effective at controlling mouse populations. Electronic traps are effective and humane but more expensive and require more maintenance. Ultimately, the best type of mouse trap for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. My personal preference after trying all of these has been the newer style of snap trap. It is easy to set, a quick kill and a easy cleanup for reuse.