Putting mouse traps outside is a common strategy for trying to deal with a mouse problem, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind when deciding if this is the right approach. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of using outdoor mouse traps, laws and regulations around trap use, humane trapping options, and tips for effective outdoor trapping. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of whether outdoor trapping is a good choice for your situation.
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The Pros of Outdoor Mouse Traps
There are some potential advantages to using traps outdoors instead of inside when trying to catch mice:
- No dead mice in the home – Trapping mice outside means you won’t have to deal with finding and disposing of dead mouse bodies in your living spaces.
- Prevent entry into the home – Trapping around the exterior perimeter of a home can help catch mice before they ever make it inside.
- Target nests and entry points – Outdoor traps allow you to place traps directly at areas mice are nesting or entering the home, such as under porches or in garages.
- Less mess – When traps catch mice outside, there is no blood or mess left behind indoors.
- Can trap more mice – You may be able to use more traps outdoors than you would want to indoors, allowing you to trap higher numbers of mice.
For these reasons, many homeowners prefer to use traps outdoors when possible. Catching mice outside prevents issues with cleanup, smells, and seeing dead mice in the home.
The Cons of Outdoor Mouse Traps
However, there are also some downsides to be aware of:
- Not solving the entry issue – Trapping outdoors doesn’t solve how the mice are getting into the home in the first place.
- Ongoing maintenance – Outdoor traps need to be checked and emptied frequently.
- Not pet or child safe – Outdoor traps pose risks for accidentally trapping unintended animals or harming children.
- Weather concerns – Outdoor traps may be affected by rain, wind, or snow.
- Less control – It can be harder to find and dispose of mouse bodies from outdoor traps.
So while putting traps outside can remove mice from the immediate home interior, it likely won’t fully solve the problem. Other pest prevention steps usually need to be taken as well.
Laws and Regulations on Mouse Traps
Before setting any traps outside, it’s important to be aware of any laws or regulations in your local area regarding trap use:
In the United States
There are no nationwide laws in the U.S. governing mouse trap use, but you should check county, city, and local ordinances. Some areas may prohibit certain types of traps or require traps to be set a certain distance from roads, sidewalks, or property boundaries. Breaking local trap laws can potentially result in fines or penalties.
In the U.K.
Use of traps is governed by the Pests Act 1954 and the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981:
- Lethal traps must humanely euthanize mice instantly.
- Trap placement should avoid capturing non-target species.
- Glue traps are prohibited as inhumane.
- Traps should not cause unnecessary suffering.
Violating these trap laws and codes of practice can result in prosecution.
In Canada
Under the Pest Control Products Act, all rodent traps sold in Canada must meet standards of humane euthanization approved by Health Canada. Municipal, provincial, or territorial regulations may also restrict certain traps outdoors.
In Australia
Laws vary by state, but most prohibit the use of glue or live traps outdoors. Leg hold, cage, and snap traps are typically allowed if they kill mice quickly.
Always check regulations for trap use in your specific area. Local authorities can provide guidance on legal outdoor trapping in your municipality.
Humane Mouse Trapping Options
Many people prefer to use more humane traps when trapping mice outside. Some humane options include:
Live Cage Traps
These traps catch mice alive in a plastic or metal cage. The mice can then be relocated away from the home and released unharmed. However, success depends on relocation distance and the mouse’s ability to find food, water and shelter in the new area.
Electronic Traps
Electronic or battery-powered traps kill mice quickly through an electric shock. They allow trap monitoring and kill mice without crushing them. However, they are more expensive than regular snap traps.
Expanded Triggers
These modify regular snap traps with added plastic triggers to increase the chances of swift and accurate trapping. When paired with traps that hold mice in a contained compartment, they can be a fairly humane option.
Bucket Traps
A ramp leads mice into a bucket of liquid or deep container so they drown quickly. However, drowning may cause distress and isn’t considered very humane.
Considering more humane traps can help make outdoor trapping more ethical, but they have mixed effectiveness. Often a combination of solutions is required to fully resolve a mouse problem.
Tips for Effective Outdoor Mouse Trapping
If you do opt to use standard snap traps outside, here are some tips for getting the best results:
- Use traps specifically designed for outdoor use that are weather and rust resistant.
- Look for signs of activity and set traps near entry points or nests.
- Place traps along walls or objects where mice travel.
- Use enough traps and space them close together – 10 ft intervals or less.
- Check and replace traps frequently.
- Use nesting material, food bait, or scent lures to attract mice.
- Set traps perpendicular to the angle mice will approach from.
- Dispose of dead mice carefully by double bagging.
Proper trap placement and baiting is key to catching mice outside effectively and quickly. Traps should be used alongside sealing up entry points into the home for the best control.
Conclusion
While putting out traps around the exterior of a home can help capture mice outside before they get in, this strategy has mixed effectiveness. Trapping outdoors should be paired with finding and sealing up all the holes, cracks, and openings that allow mice to enter in the first place. For the most thorough control, addressing the full scope of the problem through:
- Finding and blocking entryways
- Setting traps at key spots outside
- Continued monitoring and trap maintenance
- Considering humane trapping alternatives
Outdoor trapping alone often won’t solve a mouse problem for good. An integrated pest management plan that looks at all facets of the issue, including rodent-proofing the home, is required for lasting, effective control without relying on traps forever. With some effort, mice can be kept out of the home successfully using multiple strategies.
| Trap Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Snap traps | Inexpensive, easy to use | Risk of catching unintended animals, requires frequent checking |
| Live cage traps | Allows release of mice, humane | Must be frequently checked and emptied, mice may return |
| Electronic/Electric traps | Swift and humane, allows remote monitoring | More expensive than other traps |
| Expanded trigger traps | More humane, improves catch rate | Still must be checked and emptied frequently |
| Bucket/Drowning traps | Do not require resetting | Considered inhumane, risks catching other animals |