How to Set a Wooden Mouse Trap Without Pinching Your Finger

Wondering how to set a wooden mouse trap without pinching your finger?

In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions to do just that. We will also go over some common mistakes to avoid.

Steps for Setting a Wooden Mouse Trap Without Pinching Your Finger 

1. See the staple securing the arm bar to the trap’s base? Remove that. Pliers, a screwdriver, or even a key can work for this.

2. You can now pull the arm bar back off the trap. Set it down so it is resting behind the trap and pointing away, not on top of it.

3. Direct your attention to the metal pedal on the other side of the trap. This is where you put your bait. Not sure what to use for bait? Check out our article on the best types of mouse trap bait.

There is a trick you can use to deal with clever mice that know how to eat without setting the trap off. Just loop some dental floss around the pedal and tie it. Put the peanut butter on top of it. As the mouse eats, it will snag its teeth. As it tries to pull them loose, it will set off the trap.

4. Lift the kill bar and pull it back to the opposite end of the trap, holding it down on one corner using your thumb.

5. Now it is time to lift the arm bar back up and pull it across toward the bait end. While you are doing this, continue to hold down the kill bar. You will notice that the bait pedal has a notch. Putting the arm bar under that notch successfully may require you to not press down as hard on the kill bar. Just don’t take too much pressure off of it.

6. The trap should now be set. Be aware that it can sometimes spring as you try to let go, so you should do so rapidly.

7. You can now carefully place the trap where you feel it will be most effective. Need some tips on placement? Find out where mice hide in your home so you know the best locations to set your traps.

Common Mistakes with Wooden Snap Traps

There is a reason they call them snap traps, but you don’t want your fingers to be what gets snapped! Here are a few additional tips to help you be more successful when baiting your mouse traps

• Trying to use your fingers instead of a pair of pliers or another implement to remove the staple/lock at the beginning can damage the arm bar, causing your trap to malfunction when you set it.

• Holding the kill bar incorrectly while setting the trap can easily snap your fingers. Using the method we described with your thumb in one corner should help prevent injury.

• Letting go after setting the trap at the wrong moment or too slowly can result in hurt fingers. Try and make sure that the kill bar isn’t exerting any more tension under your thumb before releasing, and then be fast about withdrawing your hands. If there is no more tension in the kill bar, it shouldn’t spring. But if it does, getting your hands out of the way promptly will protect your fingers.

• Not handling the trap very gently when you place it can set it off. Try holding it with two fingers for more stability.

Summary

Traditional wooden mouse traps can be affordable and effective. But setting them without catching your own finger in the process can be a challenge. Hopefully, this article helps you avoid the most common pitfalls.

Want to see other types of snap traps? Read our article that compares the most popular snap traps for catching mice.

Rather skip all this time and effort? Consider an electric mouse trap like the Victor M250S No Touch, No See Trap.