5 Best Humane Mouse Traps That Wouldn’t Hurt a Fly

An analysis of the best humane mouse traps – from single-catch to multi-catch, from metal to plastic for you to choose from.
By
Phyllis McMahon
Phyllis McMahon
Research Writer
Phyllis teaches English Literature at a local college and loves writing in her free time. She’s also a great cook – her British beef Wellington is something the best res read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Chas Kempf
Chas Kempf
Expert Consultant
Chas works in a professional pest control company and knows all the nuances of this job. Also, he’s a fantastic tennis player and loves to organize BBQ parties for his fam read more
Last updated: August 24, 2023
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If you’re tired of dealing with mice in your home, it’s time to bring out the big guns… or rather, the humane guns. That’s right, gone are the days of inhumane snap traps and glue traps. These days, you can humanely capture those pesky mice and release them back into the wild (or at least, the nearest park).

For your convenience, we tested 15 different models and selected the 5 best humane mouse traps. We’ve included models that won’t harm the captured rodent in any way. You can opt for either a single-catch model or a multi-catch model for a dense mice infestation. Plus, we’ve chosen models that are made of sturdy aluminum or ABS plastic that mice won’t be able to chew. Based on these, the The Kensizer Animal Humane Live Cage Trap got us more impressed than others.

Quick Summary

  • "It features a super sensitive mechanism, a wired aluminum structure, and two size options to accommodate various rodents."
  • Best for Home Use: The CaptSure Humane Mouse Trap
    "Coming with a bait compartment and a release door, made fully out of plastic will ensure no direct contact with captured mice."
  • "A triangle-formed trap with entrance-only doors and a see-through lid for catching several mice at once."
  • "An automatic lid, that is supposed to be set on a bucket, comes with a ramp to catch up to 20 mice or rats."
  • "Made of ABS recyclable plastic, this one works with a sensitive trigger system and has just enough space for a mouse. "

Top 5 Humane Mouse Traps Review 2024

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Features
  • Material: aluminum
  • Dimensions: 10.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 in. (small); 12.5 x 6.5 x 5 in. (medium)
  • Weight: 0.5 lbs. (small); 0.95 lbs. (medium)
  • Target species: chipmunk, mouse, rat, vole, hamster

The Kenizer Live Animal Cage Trap turned out to be our Editor’s Choice as it is equipped with an incredibly sensitive pedal trigger mechanism to lock a mouse at a railway speed and an escape-proof door to keep it secure in a trap till release. There’s a bait hook in a cage, placed just in a right place to trigger the mechanism. The finest wire mesh made of galvanized steel is bite-proof for small animals’ teeth. However, keep in mind that it won’t be suitable for opossums or big squirrels since they can bite through the mesh. The trap has two size options, a smaller trap for mice and a bigger one for rats.

The Kensizer Animal Humane Live Cage Trap stacks up well against other humane traps within its price range like the popular Havahart 1025. The two have a similar design, except the Havahart 1025 is solidly built with steel and has two doors with sensitive triggers for quick, secure trapping. All in all, the Kensizer cage trap is a decent option for the money, as it is lightweight and well-designed.

    What makes it stand out?
  • A sensitive trigger mechanism;
  • Made of sturdy material;
  • Easy to use;
  • Patterned design and an escape proof door.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Can be hard to clean.
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9.6
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9.1
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9.1
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9.6
2
Best for Home Use

The CaptSure Humane Mouse Trap

Features
  • Material: plastic
  • Dimensions: 6.7 x 2.4 x 2.5 in (small); 7.91 x 2.95 x 3.15 in (large)
  • Weight: 0.28 lbs. (small); 1 lbs. (large)
  • Target species: chipmunk, mouse, rat, vole, hamster, mole

The CaptSure can be considered to be one of the best humane mouse traps for home use because it is made of plastic and designed to guarantee you won’t come into physical touch with a mouse so it’s safe to use even at home with kids decreasing the risk to be bitten by one of the rodents. Air holes and enough space inside the trap make waiting for a release comfortable. There’s a special compartment for bait which also plays a role of a release door for easy setup and release. It is also pretty easy to clean and can be used multiple times.

CaptSure’s closest competitor must be the Heyouou mouse trap. They are almost identical in design and are within the same price range. They both have a translucent design that allows you to monitor the rat’s capture situation. The only difference between the two traps is that the Heyouou trap has plenty of holes in all directions to prevent the rat from suffocating. All considered, you’d get great value from either options.

    What do we love it for?
  • Made of plastic;
  • No touch with mice design;
  • A bait container is removable for cleaning;
  • Affordable.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Mice’s tails can be snaped with the door.
Also Product Ranking:
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9.5
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9.0
9.5
Features
  • Material: aluminum
  • Dimensions: 7 x 2 x 7 in
  • Weight:  1.04 lbs.
  • Target species: mouse

The Southern Homewares Humane Mouse Trap stood out due to its design. This trap is made of sturdy and durable aluminum so there is no way to escape for mice. It was smartly designed as it has a see-through window for regular inspecting with no need to open the trap and also it comes rectangular to fit any corner compactly. The trap features no snaping mechanical components to not hurt mice. Instead, its self-closing chamber will ensure mice are captured in the trap while catching other mice at the same time. There are also breathing holes for mice to feel comfortable in it. You don’t need to place bait in it, although we still recommend using it for better results.

Compared to other mouse traps like the Kensizer and CaptSure models on this list, the Southern Homewares mouse trap is the best effective option if you are on a tight budget. It is also a prime consideration if you need a trap that can fit well in a hidden corner in your home or workplace. Of course, it is not as aesthetically pleasing as the CaptSure trap but it gets the job done.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Can be used multiple times;
  • Made of durable aluminum;
  • Can catch several mice at once;
  • Has a see-through window.
    What could be better?
  • Not for larger rodents;
  • Can be hard to clean.
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9.2
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8.9
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Features
  • Material: plastic
  • Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 3 in
  • Weight: 0.8 lbs.
  • Target species: mouse, rat

The Flip N Slide Bucket Lid Mouse Trap is a perfect option for those who want deals with a huge mice infestation. Due to its unique design, this trap can automatically reset itself and hold up to 20 mice inside the bucket you set it on. Just make sure you use a sturdy bucket that is hard to flip over. There’s also a special ramp coming with the lid for mice to climb up to the lid where you are supposed to place some bait. As soon as the mice reach the top, the plank will flip over and capture the mice. After that, it resets waiting for other mice to come.

The Flip N side bucket lid mouse trap compares favorably with most conventional mouse traps like the Kensizer cage trap on our list. Its features like automatic reset and pet and kids-friendly design are unmatched. It is a better option than the Kensizer cage trap and other traps on this list if you have small children and pets. It is also better if you have a large mice infestation because it can catch as many as 30 mice or 10 rats.

    What do we love it for?
  • Perfect for mice infestation;
  • Easy to set up and clean afterward;
  • Works on mice and small and medium-sized rats.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Additional equipment is needed (5gl bucket).
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Features
  • Material: plastic
  • Dimensions: 19.25 x 3.35 x 3.15 in
  • Weight: 0,37 lbs. / 6 ounces
  • Target species: mouse

We liked the Original Mouse Motel due to its reasonable price and cute motel design. This motel trap is spacious enough for mice to feel comfortable while waiting for a release. It has a highly sensitive trigger system with the pressure plate placed further from the door to prevent mice tails from snapping. Plus, the door doesn’t snap but slides down to cause less harm to mice. The tarp is made of ABS recyclable plastic so it’s also eco-friendly cause it releases no toxins. It’s easy to release a mouse and then clean the trap preparing it for the next time.

Just like the Flip N Slide Bucket lid mouse trap above, the Original Mouse motel is a pets-and-kids-friendly mouse trap. It uses a newly improved highly sensitive trigger system that guarantees the capture of even the tiniest mice. Unlike other models with sensitive trigger systems on this list, the Original mouse motel comes with tips and tricks that even your kids can easily follow to trap and release the mice.

    What do we love it for?
  • A reasonable price;
  • No tails snapping;
  • A spacious motel for mice;
  • Made of safe materials.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • A fragile plastic door can be chewed through;
  • The mechanism can come defective and work in a wrong way.

Things to Consider

As the name implies a humane mouse trap won’t kill or hurt a mouse in any possible way. These traps usually capture mice and don’t let them escape the trap until you release them somewhere in the woods. These traps have air holes to keep mice safe inside of them.

When choosing the best humane mouse trap, you need to keep several things in mind – from the materials used to the sizes, the manufacturer provides to meet your needs.

How to Set Up a Humane Mouse Trap

5 Best Humane Mouse Traps That Wouldn’t Hurt a Fly
Proper bait is essential to lure the mice into the trap. Once they enter, a simple trigger mechanism causes the door to slam shut, preventing their escape.

First and foremost, wear gloves! You shouldn’t leave your scent on the traps and bait you use as there’s a huge chance that they will detect your scent and keep themselves away from the trap.

Secondly, place the trap in the right place. Put it where you saw mice last time or where their droppings or the signs of damage are. Use the right bait.

Thirdly, check the traps every once in a while so that the mice are safe and sound if trapped.

Lastly, release a trapped mouse in a park or woods or somewhere away you’re your home (don’t forget the gloves).

Types of Bait to Use

One important part of setting up a humane mouse trap is adding bait to it. When using the bait, you lure a mouse to the trap faster and easier. The most common baits are cheese, peanut butter, and pet food. However, you can always experiment and find out what attracts your mice.

  • Cheese: Well, of course, this one attracts them, we all know it from the cartoons and fairy tales. We recommend opting for strong-smelling cheese, for instance, blue cheese or cheddar.
  • Peanut butter: It is another popular choice for baiting because it has a strong smell that mice love. Before applying it, check the ingredient list and make sure there’s no added sugar as it can be less appetizing for mice.
  • Pet food: If you’re a pet owner, then you can use wet pet food as bait. However, make sure that it is out of reach for your cat or dog.

Things to Consider when Buying the Best Humane Mouse Traps

Types of Humane Mouse Traps

  • Standard cage traps – these are one of the most common types of traps. A swing door stays open till a mouse comes into the cage and touches the lure at the other side of the cage. Then a sensitive trigger system actuates and captures a mouse inside the trap. These traps are often made of metal wired mesh for mice not to chew through. The release in such traps is a bit messy, as you need to avoid direct contact with mice.
  • Plastic traps – these are similar to standard cage traps but are made of plastic. They work on the same principle. Some models have a special release door. These traps are fully covered with plastic (except for air holes), therefore are safer to use. However, mice sometimes can chew through their way.
  • Plank bucket traps – these require a bucket to work properly. All you need to do is to attach the lid onto a bucket and a ramp near it, then place bait at the end of the lid. When a mouse tries to eat the bait, the drops under its weight and the rodent falls into the bucket. Then the lid automatically sets waiting for other mice to come.

Humane Catch and Release

We believe these will be one of the most decisive factors when selecting the best humane mice traps. Look for traps that won’t harm a mouse when trapping and closing the entrance door.

For safe release, it is recommended to do it within 100 yards. Use the nearest park or woods, so that they had enough food, water and shelter to settle in it. Make sure you seal all the cracks and holes in your house to prevent them from coming back.

Safety

Mice are well-known disease carriers so one of the most important factors to look at when buying a humane tarp for mice is the fact that it is safe for you and your health. Especially when you release mice in the wild, avoid direct contact, wear gloves, don’t touch the wires with bare hands, and use a towel at least. Don’t let the mite you!

After the release, you need to wash the trap. Please, don’t do it in a dishwasher or sink! Use a hose in your garden and some soap. Also, wear rubber gloves when doing it.

Material

The material a humane trap is made of plays a crucial role. When it comes to it there are two options: metal and plastic. In most cases, you’ll find metal options, specifically aluminum. These are harder for mice to chew through and they are also more durable and can be cleaned easily. Though the metal traps already sound like the most effective ones, there are also plastic options that are cheaper. However, mice can make holes in them and find a way through them.

5 Best Humane Mouse Traps That Wouldn’t Hurt a Fly
Metal humane mouse traps are sturdier and last longer. In turn, plastic humane traps In turn, plastic humane traps will not rust or corrode.

Design

On the market there exist pretty many humane mouse traps and they are designed differently. However, they have the same goal – to capture a mouse without harming it. There are multi-catch traps that are perfect for those who have severe mice infestation. They allow them to enter more than one mouse without releasing and hurting them. However, the majority of no-kill mouse traps will be triggered by a single mouse and keep it captured till you release it.

Size

The size of a humane mouse trap plays a key role in both single and multi-catch traps. For the former, a mouse tail mustn’t be crashed and while it is waiting for release, it feels no discomfort. For the latter, it is significant that the trap isn’t overcrowded and each mouse has enough space.

Benefits of a Humane Mouse Trap

Besides the fact that humane mouse traps don’t kill these small rodents, they also have other benefits.

  1. They don’t cause torture for mice as snap traps do for example.
  2. Humane mouse traps are often reusable and can be used over and over again. Just make sure you clean them properly.

Drawbacks of a Humane Mouse Trap

Before buying this type of trap, of course, you need to consider the obstacles you face when using it.

  1. They are not as effective as other means. An animal can figure out how to escape the trap or avoid it.
  2. They are usually more expensive than traditionally-designed snap traps. You also might be several of them, depending on how many of them you have in your house.
  3. This type of trap is usually for smaller rodents, so they are not supposed to be used for anything larger than a medium-sized rat. It is not suitable for squirrels and opossums.
  4. If a mouse is trapped for too long, it can die inside the trap. So be sure to check it frequently.
  5. If you release a mouse too close to your home, it can find its way back.

If you want to keep mice away, you can also look at other methods, like repelling. We’ve reviewed the best mouse repellents to get rid of mice easily and humanely.

How to Prevent Mice Infestation

  1. Get rid of potential food sources: store grains, flour and sugar in containers. All crumbs must be removed immediately.
  2. Seal the cracks and holes: Check your house for all the smallest holes, because if you don’t find them, mice will. Then seal them with foam or more studier materials.
  3. Clean up your yard: There must be no way for a mouse to find shelter in your yard so remove leaves and all debris.
  4. Maintain normal humidity in the house: keep enclosed places like attics and basements well-ventilated, and fix all leaking pipes and drains.
  5. If you see a sign of mice, immediately find some solution: choose what suits you the most. There are pretty many different options, even some pet-friendly mice poisons.

FAQ

Are humane mouse traps dishwasher safe?

No, they aren’t. Any reusable mouse trap should be kept away from either a dishwasher or sink. You can wash it outside, wearing gloves and using soap with a disposable sponge. Let it soak in a basin full of water with soap and then carefully rinse trying not to damage the mechanism.

Is it safe to use humane mouse traps around my pets and children?

Sure! Humane mouse traps are much safer to use around pets and children, than snap traps or electronic traps. However, it’s still advisable to be on the lookout when using any type of mice traps, just in case.

Is it necessary to check the trap regularly?

Checking a humane mouse trap regularly is not a necessity, it is a must. As the whole point of using such traps is to keep mice alive. And when you’re leaving them unattended, you foreshadow the same future for them as if you used a regular mouse trap.

Our verdict

All in all, we have three favorite picks that stand out among others.

The Kensizer Live Animal Cage Trap, our Editor’s Choice, is made of the tiniest wired metal, and it comes with an extremely sensitive mechanism. There are two size options available to fit not only mice but also rats.

The CaptSure Humane Mouse Trap is the Best for Home Use. It features, a two-in-one bait compartment and a release door. It is made of durable plastic with air holes to avoid contact with mice and keep yourself safe even in domestic use.

The Southern Homewares Humane Mouse Trap has the best unique design as it comes in a form of a triangle to fit in any corner. Plus, it is a multi-catch trap with a swing door that allows mice to enter but not to escape.

We hope you were able to find your perfect option in our compilation of the best humane mouse traps.

References

1.
How to Use Catch & Release Mouse Traps
Learn how catch-and-release mouse traps work, what benefits they have to offer, and how to use them to achieve the best results.
2.
Living in Harmony with House Mice and Rats | PETA
Each year, millions of animals suffer horrific deaths because some consider them a nuisance. Find out how to end the cruelty toward wildlife.
3.
What to do about wild mice | The Humane Society of the United States
House mice, like all animals, like to stay warm and fed, and often spend their lives comfortably inside buildings without causing any problems. If they must go however, these humane tips will help you find them a new home.
9,7
Total Score
The Kensizer Animal Humane Live Cage Trap - Editor’s Choice
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