Updated On

December 31, 2023

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    No one wants mice living in their home but perhaps you don’t want to kill them either; certainly not in a way that is cruel or painfully drawn out.

    Poison baits are both since the mouse suffers for hours or days before it finally dies.

    There are plenty of humane mouse traps that trap the mice alive without harming them and allow you to release them out into the wild.

    Trying to decide which one to pick can be something of a challenge though, so let us help you with it.

    We’ll walk you through the popular brand names, giving you the lowdown on each one in turn.

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    What Are Humane Mouse Traps?

    Humane mouse traps are traps designed for trapping mice without harming them.  They are also known as a no kill mouse trap or a live catch trap.

    For animal lovers, humane traps give you a way to catch and release mice instead of killing them.

    However, sometimes snap traps can be just as humane as a live trap.  If you don’t check a live trap at least 2-3 times a day, it can quickly become inhumane as the mice slowly starve or die of dehydration.

    If you can’t check the traps on a regular basis because of business or travel, the best humane mouse traps in that situation might be snap traps.  A kill trap might not be ideal, but at least the mice won’t suffer.

    Read Also: What are the best mouse poisons?


    How Do Humane Mouse Traps Work?

    A humane mouse trap uses a bait such as peanut butter, crackers, dry pet food, or sunflower seeds to lure the mouse into the trap.

    The bait needs to be placed all the way at the back of the trap to ensure the mouse puts its weight on the trigger mechanism.

    The trigger is typically a spring-loaded plate at the bottom of the trap, held in place by a catch.  When the mouse puts pressure on the plate, it moves just enough for the catch to slip.

    When that happens, the spring-loaded trap door snaps shut, trapping the mouse inside.

    The traps have holes bored in them to allow the mouse to breathe until you release them from the trap.  Except for the multi-catch traps, you’ll hear the trap when it snaps closed, alerting you to the fact you’ve caught a mouse.


    Are Humane Mouse Traps Effective For Catching Mice?

    Yes, they are.  Some users have reported catching their first mouse within 45 minutes of putting the trap in place.  Overall though, trapping takes some time, so be prepared for that.

    Once the mouse has been caught, you’ll need to take them at least two to three miles away from your house to release them or they’ll find their way back.

    Humane societies much prefer these types of traps to the traditional snap traps, glue boards, glue traps, poison bait blocks, or electric traps.

    Be aware though, if you’re using an outside trap, it’s possible you’ll capture the occasional chipmunk since they’re rodents with the same diet as mice and they’re about the same size.


    How To Use a Humane Mouse Trap

    Mice have such poor eyesight, they’d be classified as legally blind if they were people.  They can’t see much beyond six feet.

    Instead, they use their whiskers, called vibrissae, the same way a blind man uses his cane.  This means they stick close to the walls.

    Read Also: What are the best ultrasonic pest repellers?

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    When you’re setting out traps, you need to position them close to the walls too.  Outside, place them next to fences, the foundation of your house, and around the base of trees.  Inside or out, place them at about 10-foot intervals.

    Mice actively explore their surroundings, but they seldom venture more than 50 feet from their nest.  Positioning a trap outside that radius will be ineffective.  You need to make sure all your traps are within 50 feet of their nest.

    You should check the traps every few hours, at least three to four times a day.  Mice can begin to starve if they’re left in the trap too long.  They get all their water from their food so if that runs out, they’ll also begin to suffer from dehydration.


    Are Humane Mouse Traps Safe Around My Pets and Children?

    The live capture traps are very safe around pets and children.  There aren’t any chemicals, glues, poisons, or electricity to hurt them.  They also don’t have spring-loaded jaws to hurt little fingers or paws.

    However, if you need to use snap traps for some reason, please be aware, snap traps are not safe around children and pets.  You’ll have to position the traps where they can’t be reached.


    How Do You Find the Best Humane Mouse Trap?

    Most of the humane mouse traps are made of plastic and since mice naturally gnaw on things, eventually they’ll be able to chew through any plastic trap, so don’t assume the trap is defective if they chew through it.

    They can’t chew through metal traps but the hinges on those traps need to be oiled regularly.

    Otherwise, they’ll freeze up or won’t close fast enough and the mice, who have very fast reflexes, will be able to escape.

    If you only have a few mice in the house, look for the cheaper plastic traps.  If you’ve got an infestation though, you should turn toward the multi-catch metal traps.


    6 Best Humane Mouse Traps

    CaptSure Original Humane Mouse Traps

    The CaptSure is one of the best mouse traps on the market.  Its transparent design allows you to see captured mice.

    There are plenty of air holes in it so mice can breathe and there are two doors, the trap door and the release trap door on the other end.

    It’s 100% humane because it doesn’t use chemicals, poisons, glue, or electricity to kill or hurt the mice, and that makes it safe around children and pets too.

    Baiting it is simple and the sensitive trigger will catch mice as soon as they walk over it.

    The one complaint is that the bait door sometimes sticks but otherwise, this is a topnotch way to get rid of mice.

    Comes in a 2-pack
    Baiting is simple
    Plenty of air holes so mice can breathe
    Can be hand washed after each use
    Safe around children and pets
    Inexpensive
    Bait door sometimes sticks
    Mice can chew through the plastic if they’re in it too long

    Catcha 2 Piece Humane Smart Mouse Trap

    A good design never goes out of style.  This plastic trap looks the same as the top two, made out of green, transparent plastic with a spring-loaded trap door on one end and a release door that doubles as a bait cup on the other end.

    It doesn’t use any electricity, poison, glue, or chemicals so it’s extremely safe around pets and children.

    It’s effective though.  Some customers reported catching their first mouse within 45 minutes of putting it out.

    The plastic construction on this brand isn’t quite as sturdy as it should be.  There are complaints that mice can chew their way out of it in just a few hours.

    Easy to use
    It is simple to bait
    The 2-pack is very inexpensive
    Hand-washable after each use
    Plenty of air holes so mice don’t suffocate
    Mice can chew their way out in a matter of hours

    Victor TIN CAT Live Catch Mouse Trap

    This rectangular metal trap can hold up to 30 mice at a time.  There is an opening on either end.

    The mouse’s weight presses the ramp down when they enter but then it springs up behind them, trapping them inside.

    Put some peanut butter or crackers inside the tin trap, close the lid, and place it next to a wall or fence with openings next to the wall or fence.

    When mice encounter it, they’ll smell the bait through the mess and go inside.

    It’s simple to use, easy to clean, and easy to empty – just open the lid on top and they scamper away.  Safe around children and pets.

    It is reusable
    Easy to use
    Easy to bait
    Easy to empty
    Needs oil on the entrance ramp hinges

    Tomcat Press ‘N Set Mouse Trap

    This humane trap kills mice instantly, without pain or suffering.  Setting it is painless for you too since your fingers never come near the jaws or teeth.

    There is a tiny cup in the middle for holding the bait of your choice.

    This trap isn’t safe around children though.  The jaws on it are strong enough to break a baby’s fingers and do serious damage to your pets if they stick their paws in it.

    It’s made of sturdy plastic that is reusable and hand-washable.  The sensitive trigger and recessed bait cup won’t let mice steal the bait.

    You’ll have to deal with some blood and guts though, so it’s not for the faint of heart.

    No glue, poison, chemicals, or electricity
    The trigger is super sensitive
    Easy to bait
    The bait cup is recessed
    Easy to use
    It isn’t safe around children or pets
    You’ll have to deal with some blood and guts

    Final Thoughts On Humane Mouse Traps

    A mouse infestation doesn’t mean animal lovers have to sacrifice their principles.  A live catch mouse trap will take care of your mouse problem in a humane way.

    You won’t have a dead mouse in a trap nor will you have to touch a live one, plus, no more mice.  It’s the best of both worlds.

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    avatar for Ed Spicer

    Ed Spicer

    Ed has been working in the pest control industry for years helping 1,000's of homeowners navigate the world of insect and rodent management.

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