Recommended Bait for Mouse Traps

While some people keep mice as pets, often the animals are unwanted household pests. They transfer germs, chew through food containers and other belongings, and their furtive, hurried movements can send even the most stoic homeowner scurrying for cover. There are several types of mouse bait available, ranging from bacon to breakfast cereal. When attempting to trap a mouse, keep in mind that the wrong bait can sustain, rather than eliminate, an infestation.

  1. Location

    • To successfully bait a mouse, you must first understand its habits. Mice are inquisitive, yet limited creatures. They explore everything within their territory, but their territories rarely extend beyond ten feet of their home. Before baiting a mouse trap, its important to investigate and try to pinpoint where the mouse is likely emerging from. This may be difficult to accomplish, as mice are nocturnal creatures. Listen for skittering, scratches, and squeaks behind walls, cabinets, and furniture. Once you have an idea where the mouse is hiding, the bait's effectiveness is maximized.

    Sticky Bait

    • We've all seen the stereotypical cartoon mouse steal a fat slice of cheddar cheese from the trap without getting caught. Mice are intelligent creatures; they are talented at stealing bait while simultaneously avoiding the trap. If your aim is to bait a mouse--and not feed a mouse--it is important to use sticky bait that is not easily pulled from the trap. For example, if using cheese for bait, a soft brie or cream cheese would be a better solution than Colby, cheddar or Swiss. Other suggested sticky baits are peanut butter, jelly and marshmallows. If you decide to use solid bait, it can be melted onto the mouse trap with a match. Solid bait can also be tied down with a piece of floss or string.

    Aromatic Bait

    • Mice have an acute sense of smell, so any bait should smell strong and inviting. In addition to cheese, peanut butter and jelly, suggestions include oatmeal, sunflower seeds, bird seeds, bread with butter, pet food, bacon, popcorn, pretzels, beef jerky and any other food with a strong aroma. If the mouse is not caught right away, change the bait before it rots or loses its smell; rancid or odorless foods won't attract mice.

    Sweet Bait

    • Mice are also attracted to sweets and fats, and might be enticed with gum drops, chocolate, maple syrup, jelly beans, caramels, tootsie rolls, Snickers or other candy bars and sweetened breakfast cereal. For optimal results, use something both sweet and sticky like taffy or licorice. Other suggestions include using flavored cotton balls or tissue: Put chocolate, vanilla, or caramel flavoring on a cotton ball or a wad of Kleenex; the mouse will be attracted to the sweet smell.