Mouse Trap Safety

Mousetraps, just like anything that is used to get rid of a pest, is an item that needs to be handled properly and carefully. The simple reason is that if you don't you can very easily find yourself more physically hurt than you would believe. There are a few simple guidelines for mouse trap safety that you should keep in mind the next time that you begin to put any out to deal with your little fuzzy pests. The guidelines listed here are for dealing with the traditional snap trap.

• Proper placement. One of the most important aspects of mouse trap safety is properly placing the trap itself. When placing a snap trap, you need to place it in an area that a mouse or rat can get to, but one that isn't readily accessible by dogs, cats, or small children. All three critters (dogs, cats, and kids) are curious, and can very easily find themselves getting hurt if you are not careful. Ideally, when you place the trap it will be in a location such behind a refrigerator, under the sink, or behind the stove, all of which are places that your other curious house inhabitants can't get to.
• Baiting. When baiting a mouse trap, the primary thing to remember is that you really should bait it prior to setting it. While many people have an image of a mousetrap being baited with cheese, the best thing to use is actually peanut butter. It will last a little longer before going bad, plus it is sticky and will not come off while you are setting the trap.
• Setting. Be extremely careful when setting a snap trap. The reason for this is that these traps are designed to break the bones of the critters that they catch. If you stop and think about it, this means that it can also very easily end up breaking your fingers, in addition to cutting them with that thin wire bar.
• Cleaning. Cleaning your snap traps may not seem like it is a safety issue, but in reality it can be one of the most important aspects of all. The simple reason for this is due to the fact that when a traditional spring mouse trap is successful it ends up killing the critter it catches. What this leaves you with is a small, dead, and hopefully slowly, decomposing body that needs to be gotten rid of. When you do get rid of the mouse, put on some disposable gloves to protect yourself, and simply throw away the mouse and the trap itself.