Mousetraps are widely used to capture or kill mice that are in your home. There are a variety of traps available to use, depending on your needs.
The most common trap is a snap trap. These traps can be baited with peanut butter, cheese, fruit or any other food item that appeals to mice. Snap traps can be very effective, but they need to be monitored and the mice caught in them need be disposed of. Sometimes, snap traps can snap incorrectly and capture a mouse without killing them. They will then starve to death in the trap. This is an inhumane method of rodent removal and should be taken into consideration when you are setting traps.
Another effective but inhumane trap is a glue trap. These are boards covered with a sticky substance that traps the mouse in place and doesn't allow them to move, forcing them to die from starvation or thirst.
The most humane trap is a live trap. These traps work by capturing mice inside a cage to be removed by the homeowner and released into the wild. Although live traps are a humane method, they must be monitored continuously, so mice that are caught in them are released in a timely fashion.
All trapping methods require the potential handling of mice, whether dead or alive. Precautions need to be taken when you are handling any rodents. Mice and rats are well known as disease carriers, and can be very dangerous to humans. If you have a large mouse problem, it's wise to contact a pest control professional to help you manage an infestation. Professionals can create a plan to rid your home of mice safely and effectively. They are well trained and can employ the latest method of pest management that best suits your needs.