Snap traps are the classic choice for DIY and homeowners who want to get rid of the mice in their homes.
Easy to set and effective at killing, snap traps are humane when set properly. The swing bar delivers a near-instant kill.
Snap traps are easy to find online and in home improvement stores, but you may feel overwhelmed by all of your choices.
What are the best snap traps for mice? We share our top picks and offer some tips on how to succeed with baiting and trapping.
Our 5 Picks For the Best Snap Traps for Mice
1. Snap-E Mouse Trap (6 Pack)
Best Plastic-Reusable
Standout Features
- Preformed bait cup
- Extra-large strike bar and trigger paddle
- Catches rodents from front, back, and sides
- Reusable design
Made with durable polystyrene and steel, Snap-E’s mouse trap can be reused multiple times and is resistant to stains and odors.
An extra-large strike bar and trigger paddle make it easier to catch rodents from all angles. The preformed bait cup takes the guesswork out of baiting.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Snap-E
- Material: Polystyrenes/steel
- # in Pack: 6
- Dimensions: 8” x 6” x 3”
Our Verdict
We like that the Snap-E trap is easy to use and can be reused. The smart design eliminates the need to touch the dead mouse, and the materials used do not hold onto smells or odors that may deter living mice.
If you’re looking for a plastic reusable snap trap, Snap-E is a great option.
2. Tomcat Press ‘N Set Mouse Trap (2 Pack)
Best for Squeamish Homeowners
Standout Features
- Press ‘N Set design
- Grab Tab for easy disposal
- Compatible with Tomcat Attractant Gel
- Kills mice guaranteed
Tomcat’s Press ‘N Set mouse trap is convenient and easy to use. Just like its name says, this trap sets with just one touch. It’s also compatible with Tomcat’s Attractant Gel, which makes it even easier to bait the trap.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Tomcat
- Material: Plastic
- # in Pack: 2
- Dimensions: 1.5” x 6” x 4.5”
Our Verdict
If you’re a squeamish homeowner who doesn’t want to handle dead mice, you’ll appreciate the Press ‘N Set trap’s design. The Grab Tab allows you to dispose of the dead mouse without having to touch it. Plus, this trap is so easy to set, it’s virtually foolproof.
3. JT Eaton 409BULK Jawz Plastic Mouse Trap (Pack of 24)
Standout Features
- High tension spring
- Reusable plastic design
- Works with solid or liquid bait
- Can be set by hand or foot
JT Eaton’s Jawz traps are easy to use and can be set with the tap of your foot. The high-tension spring delivers an instant kill, and the plastic design allows this trap to be cleaned and reused.
The Jawz is a versatile trap that can be used with either solid or liquid bait.
Specs
- Manufacturer: J T Eaton
- Material: Plastic
- # in Pack: 24
- Dimensions: 9.2” x 9.13” x 4.75”
Our Verdict
JT Eaton’s Jawz trap is great for homeowners who want multiple bait options. With this trap, you can use liquid or solid bait to see which one works best for the mice in your house.
4. Made2catch Classic Metal Mouse Trap
Best for Indoor/Outdoor Use
Standout Features
- Powerful spring and classic snap trap design
- Corrosion-resistant metal design
- Reusable design
- Large bait pedal
Thanks to its fully galvanized design, made2catch’s metal mouse trap can be used indoors or outdoors. The galvanized metal is resistant to frost and corrosion, making it highly durable and reusable.
A powerful spring ensures a quick and humane kill. The all-metal construction makes clean-up a breeze.
Specs
- Manufacturer: made2catch
- Material: Metal
- # in Pack: 8
- Dimensions: 3.82” x 2.05” x 0.47”
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a trap that can be used indoors or outdoors, made2catch’s all-metal snap traps fit the bill.
The company also includes detailed instructions on how to set and use the trap, so even newbies will have an easy time setting these up.
5. Victor M156 Metal Pedal Mouse Trap
Best Budget Buy – Excellent Multipack options for even more savings.
Standout Features
- Kill bar method
- Trough bait location
- Indoor/outdoor use
Victor’s M156 snap trap is one of the most recognizable mouse traps. People have been using this trap for more than 100 years to successfully bait and kill the mice in their homes.
It’s easy to use, too. Just Bait, hold the kill bar in place with your thumb and set the trap. Place them anywhere indoors or outdoors. If you want step-by-step instructions, see this article on how to set wooden mouse traps without pinching your fingers.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Victor
- Material: Wood/metal
- # in Pack: 64
- Dimensions: 7” x 4.5” x 1.38”
Our Verdict
The Victor M156 snap trap is a budget-friendly option for anyone looking to get rid of mice. Each package contains 64 traps, so it’s also a practical solution for homeowners with bigger mice infestations.
Common Problems Homeowners Have When Using Mouse Traps
Snap traps are the classic choice for trapping and killing mice, but there is an art and science to this method. The wrong placement, improper setup, or poor bait choice can leave you with disappointing results.
Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when using mouse traps.
Touching the Trap With Your Bare Hands
Mice have a keen sense of smell. If you’re handling traps with your bare hands, they’ll detect your scent and may stay away.
For best results, make sure that you always wear gloves when handling traps, especially when disposing of dead mice. The gloves will mask your scent, making it less likely to deter mice.
Using the Wrong Bait
Contrary to what you may have heard, mice don’t normally eat cheese. Their favorite foods are nuts and seeds.
Effective bait options include:
- Peanut butter
- Almond butter
- Hazelnut spread
- Chocolate
In the winter, you may be able to lure mice into traps by using common nesting materials as bait, such as:
- Cotton balls
- Twine
- Yarn
- Dental floss
Try tying or wrapping the materials around the trap trigger. This will force the mouse to chew or pull at the bait, setting off the trap.
Remember, when baiting traps with food, only use a small amount.
It’s tempting to overload the trap with peanut butter or chocolate. The more food, the greater the chances of attracting mice – right? Yes, but you also increase the risk of mice stealing the bait and running away.
By placing only a small amount of bait, mice are more likely to set off the trap.
Placing Traps in the Wrong Locations
Trapping mice can be tricky. Many homeowners fail to catch the mice invading their homes because they place their traps in the wrong locations.
To catch mice, traps must be placed where there is known rodent activity.
Once mice establish a route through your home, they’ll keep using that route. It’s predictable, and it’s easy to follow. Mice have very poor eyesight, so they rarely venture from their established route. And they prefer to run along baseboards or walls.
So, how do you find the mice routes in your home?
Start in the areas where the droppings are, and then work your way backward. Locate the nearest wall and start looking for evidence of mouse activity. Do you see evidence of urine or smudge marks along the wall? You may find some droppings along these routes as well.
These routes, along the walls, are the best places to lay traps. Mice will naturally run along this route, so they’re more likely to find the bait and get caught in the trap.
Not Using Enough Traps
If you want to catch mice, you need to make sure you have enough traps. Even if it’s just one mouse, you want to use multiple traps to try and catch it.
One trap can be ignored, or the mouse may find a way to snatch the bait without triggering the trap.
But if you lay multiple traps, your chances of catching mice are much greater. Try setting traps side by side or back to back. You don’t know which direction the mouse will be coming from, so setting traps in multiple different layouts will increase the odds of success.
Safety Considerations When Using Rodent Snap Traps
Although highly effective, snap traps can be dangerous or cause injury if handled improperly. Here are some important safety issues to consider:
Always place traps out of reach of pets and children.
It’s important to place your traps along mouse routes, but be strategic and only place them in areas where kids, dogs, and cats cannot reach them. Great locations include under the sink, behind the refrigerator, or behind the stove.
Watch your fingers when setting a snap trap.
These traps are designed to break the bones of mice, so they can very easily break the bones in your hands. Always read and follow the trap’s instructions carefully, and always place bait after the trap is already set.
Always wear gloves.
Wear gloves and (if possible) a mask when disposing of dead rodents or encountering their droppings. Use disinfectant to clean areas where traps were laid and along mouse routes.
Conclusion
If you have a mouse problem in your home, it’s important to act quickly. Mice reproduce very quickly, so you can easily find yourself with an overwhelming infestation.
If you’re not sure about trapping mice yourself or don’t want to be bothered with the dirty work, call an exterminator. These professionals will get the job done without you having to lift a finger.