How to set a trap for a mouse in a tight space
Mechanical traps are difficult to place in cramped areas like ceiling beams without accidentally triggering them by hand or failing to fit properly. This leaves people struggling to catch pests safely while also risking leaving a rotting carcass behind where it cannot be reached.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Placing snap traps or live traps on the floor or ledges nearbyDid this help you?
- 2Using electronic box traps or bucket trapsDid this help you?
- 3Using throw packs or poison baitDid this help you?
- 4Sealing entry points with steel wool and caulkDid this help you?
- 5Setting up traps all over the apartmentDid this help you?
- 6Sealing visible holesDid this help you?
- 7Using alternative baits like peanut butter, nutella, bacon grease, or cotton ballsDid this help you?
- 8Removing food sources and detailing the car to clear out crumbsDid this help you?
- 9Considering filling the car with smoke to drive the mouse outDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I’m not comfortable putting a mechanical trap up in that space cause it’ll probably trigger from the tight fit while it’s in my hand.”source ↗
“What are some options to get the mouse out of the house and avoid having a rotting corpse in the ceiling?”source ↗
“I did manage to get a trap on the ledge of the metal beam but didn’t think it was going to work cause of how tight it was so I disarmed it and posted here for ideas.”source ↗
“I have some snap taps on hand, but it’s just a tight fit to get anything in there because of the wire and copper gasline. Makes me nervous in case I accidentally trigger it. The live trap is a better option for sure!”source ↗
“I spotted a rat inside my apartment, but have not seen it for a few days, but I see dropping everyday so I know it is still in here somewhere.”source ↗
“I set up traps all over, but haven't got anything.”source ↗
“I can't figure out how it is coming in and out of the apartment. How do I trap it?”source ↗