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Around here he mice like to move in this time of year, this will take care of them.
This is not an original idea but one I've used for several years with good results.

Components consist of
1. 5 gallon bucket (size not important)
2. quarter inch dowel (any size will do) or use an unbent coat hanger
3. plastic bottle (most sizes are ok)
4 peanut butter (any brand will work)
5. water

Construction
Drill a hole near the top, in each side of the bucket for a snug fit of the dowel
Drill a hole for a loose fit in the cap and bottom of the bottle
Assemble the bottle, dowel, and bucket
Apply peanut butter to the bottle
provide a ramp for the mice to have access to the trap
put a little peanut butter on the ramp to help them find their way
put a few inches of water in the bucket
place it in the shop and forget about it

Operation
Mice climb onto the bottle to get the peanut butter, the bottle spins, the mice fall off into the water and meet their demise. Capacity of the trap is probably about a thousand mice but it gets pretty gross if you don't empty it from time to time.

Gallery

Comments

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Im gonna give this a shot …. mice are moving around here too, had our first snowfall this morning. Here comes old man winter, and 4 months of hibernation.
 

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LOL I was thinking that would be one rank trap if not attended to regularly….thats a good trap.
 

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Simple and clever. That looks like it will work.
 

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Looks to be The Ultimate Mouse Trap! I may try that design myself soon!
 

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I chuckled at your directions…. pretty specific :)
although I was wondering if water could be rain water or hard water or .. ;)

I think I'd be emptying it on a daily basis… don't want any floaters :(
 

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How long before evolution runs its course and they learn how to tread water? :)

Actually, it must take them a while to die. I have them fall into my swimming pool once in a while and come out the next day to find them swimming in circles around the edge.

I think your trap is brilliant, but PETA might have other thoughts. lol!
 

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MsDebbieP - I would suggest using hard water, that way they will break their little necks when they hit and not suffer so much! LOL
 

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Been using a simular design for years with great sucess, but I like the bottle set-up
last catch was 13 in a week. Buddy of mine got creative and put up a "swin at your own risk sign" ;)
Also I use RV antifreeze in colder months.
 

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Charlie,
PETA would be welcome to come over and trap them live and find good homes for them if they want to.
 

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I think as long as you arent skinning them and making a mouse fir coat out of them….PETA doesnt care.

cool idea! I think you need to set up a spycam on it so we can see it in action! haha
 

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I tell all unwanted creatures that enter my home, "not in my house… leave now or you shall meet your demise" .. then it's there choice :D Does that make a difference?
 

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I tell all unwanted creatures that enter my home, "not in my house… leave now or you shall meet your demise" .. then it's there choice :D Does that make a difference?
 

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For all of you that might be concerned: drowning is completely painless. Actually you just become very calm and go to sleep.

How do I know for sure? I drowned in the Pecos River when I was 5 years old.
 

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My check is in the mail….I prefer that to "beating a path to your door." People for the Ethical Treatment of Paths will appreciate my support in this effort.
 

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hi great idea just what i need the mice has invaded my shop, tired emptying mouse traps i am going to set one of your traps tomorrow thanks for sharing
branch
 

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Yeah, that is a great idea…I will be working that tonight.

Grub
 

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Charlie,

Shows you how my mind runs. I thought you were going so say "How long before evolution runs its course and they start setting traps for us?". Swimming mice is an adaptation; evolution takes a bit longer. ;)

Whit
 

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How about larger rodents like rats or squirrels? Would it work or are they too large and/or smart
 
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