Avoiding mice, not enough snakes up here!

[tinsnip]

I ran across an ingenious trap in a hunting camp in the Allagash. Since the camp is left unattended for long periods of time, this device is a pretty elegant solution, and wicked cheap. A bucket, a stick (or dowel), and an empty soda can.

1. Fill bucket 2/3 full with water.
2. punch hole in bottom of empty can
3. push smooth,straight stick (dowel) through hole in bottom and out open pop top.
4. rest stick/can arrangement over bucket (possibly secure ends with duct tape if you want the deluxe model).

The mice walk out the dowel to the can to investigate the sweet cola smell, jump up on the can, and the can spins on the dowel depositing them in the water. Mice are not good swimmers and can't scale the smooth surface of the bucket so it's R.I.P. mouse.

 

[3RRL]

Very clever. I'll try that one.

 

[midlf]

We use a similar system. But with a regular can with top and bottom removed and a ring of peanut butter around the middle. Bucket is 1/3 filled with 50/50 antifreeze so it can be used in winter in unheated spaces. Put a small board up to the bucket as a mouse ramp.

Do not use the antifreeze if domestic animals can get at the bucket.