The Best Mouse Traps of 2023

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Despite their small size, mice are troublesome when invading your home’s cabinets, crawl spaces, garbage cans, and other areas. They are in search of food and, until they find it, they chew your home’s interior structures. Controlling mice using a cat might not be as effective as a commercial mouse trap.
In this guide, we discuss mouse traps that work effectively, are cost-efficient, and, in some cases, offer humane solutions. Several types of mice traps are available on the market, so you must conduct thorough research regarding the best mousetrap for elimination or catch and release.
The best mouse traps of 2023
- Best overall: Intruder 30442 The Better Mousetrap, 6-Pack
- Best for your budget: Victor metal pedal mouse trap
- Best electric: OWLTRA OW-2 Indoor Electric Mouse Trap
- Best humane mouse trap: GEROSSI Humane Catch and Release Mouse Trap
- Honorable mentions: D-Con Ultra Set Covered Snap Trap, Snap-E Mouse Trap, Tomcat Press ‘N Set Mouse Trap, Trapper T-Rex Rat Trap, Victor Tin Cat Live Mouse Trap
The research methodology for curating this list of best mouse traps includes looking at factors including budget, ease of use, and effectiveness. Other factors included traditional use, humane options, innovative electronic traps, and bait trap considerations.
Best overall: Intruder 30442 The Better Mousetrap, 6-Pack

Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to set up
- Reusable
Cons
- Mice can sometimes steal bait without setting off the trap
- Only available in pack of six
The Intruder 30442 mouse trap is available as a pack of six, which means you can place them in several areas throughout your home. Their stainless steel construction ensures these mouse traps are durable, easy to clean, and effective inside and outside.
For those who are frustrated by mice stealing bait, the design of this mouse trap solves that problem. There are trenches inside the trap that keep the bait in place better, which means successful mouse catching. There is a considerable amount of force used when capturing rodents, so you must keep these traps away from pets and children.
Best for your budget: Victor metal pedal mouse trap, 8-pack

Pros
- Cheapest mouse traps
- Reliable method
- Can be reused or disposed
Cons
- Have to handle dead mouse
- Mice can steal some types of bait
The Victor Metal Pedal Mouse Trap is ideal for those who are looking for pest control while on a budget. This mouse trap features a classic snap trap design and does not include any bells or whistles. In addition to having a simple design, these mice traps are also affordable. Because it does not depend on batteries, these traps are ideal for indoor and outdoor environments.
Working these traps involves placing bait on the metal pedal. Be careful that you do not catch your fingers in this trap’s metal bar. One of the drawbacks of this budget option is that mice can steal the bait. Therefore, it is ideal to use sticky bait like peanut butter.
Best electric: OWLTRA OW-2 Indoor Electric Mouse Trap

Pros
- Humanely kills mice with electric shock
- User cannot set it off
- Don’t have to handle dead mouse
Cons
- More expensive
- Need to replace batteries often
The OWLTRA OW-2 is a great electric option. One of the best features of an electric mouse trap is that it works instantly, making it more humane than more traditional mouse traps. Due to the high concentration of electric shock, mice cannot survive. OWLTRA uses this technology along with simple construction to create mouse traps that work.
Another key feature of this mouse trap is that the user cannot set it off. The main reason is that there is a sensor inside the mouse trap that detects whether or not a rodent enters the trap entirely. Despite that feature, the recommendation is to keep pets and children away from these traps.
Best humane mouse trap: GEROSSI Humane Catch and Release Mouse Trap

Pros
- Humane catch and release
- Easy to set up
- Reusable
Cons
- Spring mechanism may not activate if mouse isn’t heavy enough
Because this mouse trap is made from plastic materials, that means it is easy to clean and reusable. It has the same operating mechanisms as a traditional cage model. You also set the bait similarly to using a cage trap. The difference is, when the mouse is trapped inside, there is no chance of it coming into contact with you before it is time for releasing.
This mouse trap’s construction allows for easy dismantling to clean parts separately. Even when activated, the Authenzo humane mouse trap does not hurt the animal or user. Because they are completely made from plastic, they are a more cost-effective option compared to other humane mouse traps.
*Pricing information verified on 12/12/2022. Prices are subject to change.
Things to consider when shopping for mouse traps
There are many things to consider when shopping for mouse traps that work. Ultimately, you want to find the best mouse trap regarding effectiveness, ease of use, and whether or not it is humane. Other shopping considerations include:
- Ease of use and effectiveness: Because many do not want traps to catch their fingers, choosing one that is easy to set up is critical. Choose a trap that is effective for elimination or catch and release.
- Types of mouse traps: There are many different types of mouse traps, including snap traps, glue traps, electronic traps, and humane traps. These types of traps also feature different sizes, costs, and key features.
- Mouse baits: The majority of mouse traps work best when using a sticky bait like peanut butter. The main reason is that mice love the scent and taste of seeds and nuts.
- Safety: Some traps snap with a considerable amount of force. So, if you have children or pets in your home, it might be a good idea to choose a trap that does not hurt them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective mouse trap bait?
Because it is sticky, many consumers swear by using peanut butter. Not only does it stick to the trap, but peanut butter is impossible for mice to steal.
Where should I set a mouse trap?
It is best to set traps where you see the most activity. Typically, this includes along walls, behind objects, in darkened corners, or behind appliances.
How do I know if I have a mouse infestation?
Just because you see one mouse, that does not necessarily mean you have an infestation. Look for signs that include rodent droppings, tracks, tail trails, strange noises, and stale odors.
What attracts mice to homes?
Mice look for food, shelter, and warmth. So, before the winter months approach, look for mouse traps that work toward preventing them from entering your home.