The 5 Best Humane Mouse Traps for Stopping an Infestation

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: May 27, 2024
lortek/Shutterstock.com

Advertisement


This post may contain affiliate links to our partners like Chewy, Amazon, and others. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to educate about the world's species.

Unless you’re feeling like Cinderella, you probably don’t welcome mice into your home. Mice can be kept as pets, but wild mice should be caught and released. An infestation should be stopped because it can be extremely unsanitary for you to share your home with wild mice. These types of mice may carry different types of bacteria and other yucky things that they’ve found in the garbage. But now you have a dilemma. How do you get rid of them in a humane way? We have great news. There are many humane mouse traps!

Mice are part of our ecosystems. They’re a part of an important food chain, especially in environments close to forests, fields, and deserts. Mice also serve as a source of food for a wide variety of predators. While you may have seen that you have different options like poisons and glue traps, these aren’t the best methods for getting rid of your mouse infestation. Humane mouse traps offer a wonderful alternative.

If you use poison, it’s possible the mice will carry it into the food chain, harming rodent predators like owls and even pets like dogs and cats. If you use a glue trap, the mice get trapped alive, which means that they suffer a slow and painful death. You just want to get rid of the small furry creatures, not torture them! Luckily, there are some awesome humane mouse traps for stopping an infestation right in its tracks.

Below, we share our top five picks for the best humane mouse traps, and let you know why we chose each of them. We also explain how to choose the right humane mouse trap for your needs and give you some tips and tricks on preventing mouse infestations in the future. We break down the pros and cons of each different type of humane mouse trap and answer some of your frequently asked questions toward the end of this article. You were looking for a humane way to get rid of mice and you’ve come to the right place!

  1. CaptSure Original Humane Mouse Traps
    • Designed for catch and release
    • Endorsed by humane societies
    • Very simple to use
    • Easy to clean
    Check Amazon
  2. Kat Sense Humane Traps
    • It uses bait to lure the mouse inside of the trap
    • No-kill mouse trap
    • Safe to use with pets and children
    • Made with nonabsorbent quality polystyrene
    Check Amazon
  3. Mice Cube Reusable Humane Mouse Trap
    • Made with molded plastic
    • Doors swing in one direction, trap critter
    • Designed for humane capture and release
    • Reusable
    Check Amazon
  4. Victor M333 Multiple Catch Humane Outdoor and Indoor Mouse Trap
    • Can catch up to four mice per setting
    • Use either indoors or outdoors
    • Safe to use with other animals
    • Simple to release the mice
    Check Amazon
  5. Kensizer Humane Rat Trap
    • Very durable option
    • Made with lightweight galvanized steel
    • Features a highly sensitive trigger mechanism
    • The design is patented
    Check Amazon

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Humane Mouse Traps

#1 Best Overall: CaptSure Original Humane Mouse Traps

The best overall humane mouse trap is the CaptSure Original Humane Mouse Trap. This mouse trap is reusable, you can use it indoors or outdoors, and it’s 100% humane. It’s designed so that you can catch and release mice, which means that you can get rid of your mouse problem without any pain or cruelty toward these small animals. This manufacturer is endorsed by humane societies and animal rights organizations in the United States and throughout the world. If you’re looking for an option that helps you get rid of your mouse problem but keeps your conscience clean, this is your go-to solution.

The way this mouse trap is designed makes it safe for use around children and pets. There is no glue, poison, chemical, or electricity used with this mouse trap. Additionally, it has safety features that prevent you from ever having to come into physical contact with the mice you catch. This greatly reduces the risk of diseases or bites that may happen if you were to come into contact with the caught mouse. It protects the mouse with plenty of ventilation but traps it effectively so that you can pick it up, take it outside, and let it out to live freely.

If this is your first time using a humane mouse trap, you’ll be relieved to know that it is designed to be super simple to use. You don’t have to be an expert to learn how to use this mouse trap. Its design makes it effortless for anyone, even newbies, to capture, transport, and then release any small rodent. This is a reusable product and it’s extremely easy to clean. It’s waterproof, so you can wash it after every use, and set it out again until your mouse problem is solved. The trap is activated with even the smallest and sneakiest mice. With consistent use, you’ll have a rodent-free house in no time.

One reviewer lives in a wooded area and was excited to try a new product. She had tried different types of humane traps, but she kept getting frustrated. She’s not sure if the mice in her area are just extra small, really smart, or super skilled — but nothing seemed to work. That’s until she tried these. She is excited that these don’t kill the mice, they’re so easy to set up, and when it’s time for release, the door opens with ease so can let them out. She’s pleased, highly recommends them, and feels happy to know that she’s helping out the local owls.

Some reviewers said that opening the door to release captive mice was difficult.

Pros and Cons of CaptSure Original Humane Mouse Traps

ProsCons
This humane mouse trap is reusable and can be used indoors or outdoors.Some reviewers said that opening the door to release captive mice was difficult.
It’s safe for use around children and pets because it doesn’t use glue, poison, chemicals, or electricity.
To protect you from bites and disease, this trap has safety features that prevent you from having physical contact with captured mice.
It has ventilation so the mouse can breathe until you release it.
It’s waterproof and easy to clean.
Best Overall
CaptSure Original Humane Mouse Traps
  • Designed for catch and release
  • Endorsed by humane societies
  • Very simple to use
  • Easy to clean
Check Amazon

2. Best Innovative Design: Kat Sense Humane Traps

Kat Sense Humane Traps allow you to catch and release mice back into the wild. It’s a reusable form of pest control. You can buy either a set of two or a set of four, depending on your needs. Rodent control is a reality for many homeowners but if you’re not in the business of killing animals, then this ventilated mouse trap will provide you with a reliable method to catch a mouse without killing it. It uses bait to lure the mouse inside of the trap and once the mouse is inside the door snaps shut. When you notice that a mouse has been captured, you can take the trap away from your home, and release the mouse in an open area.

Since there are no dangerous bait blocks, snap traps, or glue traps, this is a great option for use in homes where there are pets and children. This product is recommended by animal rights organizations because the mouse can breathe inside of the trap and munch on its snack until you get home to set it free outdoors. This option is designed to be humane, effective, and affordable. It uses a trap door type of entryway to keep any mouse quarantined until you’re able to release it. It’s made with nonabsorbent quality polystyrene, which keeps mice contained while keeping them alive.

One reviewer has admittedly used crueler mouse traps in the past. However, after testing this one out, he is convinced this is the best option out there. When it rains in the desert area he lives in, mice tend to invade his home. He commented that the design is simple with few moving parts, which means less can go wrong. He appreciates that the plastic material is clear because it allows him to confirm that the catch has been successful prior to him opening it. He noticed that the hair-trigger in the rear area sets off with very light pressure. He was able to catch two mice in five hours and didn’t see them any longer. He knows that whenever there is rain, he can set these out as needed and they’ll be effective.

A few reviewers reported that mice were able to chew their way out of these traps.

Pros and Cons of Kat Sense Humane Traps

ProsCons
You can purchase these traps in sets of two or four.A few reviewers reported that mice were able to chew their way out of these traps.
They’re safe for use around children and pets since they don’t use dangerous bait blocks, snapping mechanisms, or glue.
They feature tiny holes for ventilation.
It’s made of nonabsorbent polystyrene to keep mice contained until you’re ready to release them.
Best Innovative Design
Kat Sense Humane Traps
  • It uses bait to lure the mouse inside of the trap
  • No-kill mouse trap
  • Safe to use with pets and children
  • Made with nonabsorbent quality polystyrene
Check Amazon

3. Best Swinging Door: Mice Cube Reusable Humane Mouse Trap

Mice Cube Reusable Humane Mouse Trap are sold in packs of four. These are designed to be safe, clean, silent, and reusable. They are equipped with a one-way swinging door to keep mice securely held until you are able to release them. They’re made with molded plastic and the doors swing freely but in one direction only. There are small holes in the door, which allow the odor of the bait to attract the mice. Once the mouse is interested, he enters by pushing the lightweight door inward, and then once it’s in, escape is no longer a possibility.

To use this humane mouse trap, just spread a little bit of peanut butter on a cracker and put it at the far end of the trap. You might even spread a thin layer of the same peanut butter on the swing door just so that it can absorb the scent of the peanut butter. Clean it off before you set it, and this makes the perfect lure for a mouse. Make sure that you place it somewhere along a wall or in an area where you have noticed there are many mouse droppings. Make sure you check it at least once a day. To keep these traps humane, you need to ensure the mouse’s release within 24 hours after capture. Without food or water, mice will not make it, even though this trap is designed for humane capture and release.

One reviewer is a very sweet animal lover who stops at nothing to save the lives of any animal he encounters. He tested these and was able to capture four out of five mice that he has noticed on his property. He used these in an extremely cold environment, and he knew that if he released the mice into the outdoors, they simply wouldn’t make it. So, in an attempt to keep them safe and alive, he set up a warm place for them to sleep and gave them clean water, and an unlimited supply of food. Perhaps not the route that just anyone would take but we know his heart is in the right place. He plans to use these regularly. He said they work as advertised!

Some reviewers reported that these traps don’t offer enough ventilation and that trapped mice seemed to have difficulty breathing.

Pros and Cons of Mice Cube Reusable Humane Mouse Trap

ProsCons
These mouse traps are made of molded plastic and feature a one-way swinging door to ensure that captured mice can’t escape.Some reviewers reported that these traps don’t offer enough ventilation and that trapped mice seemed to have difficulty breathing.
Small holes in the door allow the odor of the bait to waft out and attract mice.
Simply bait the trap and place it along a wall or in any area where you have seen mouse droppings.
Be sure to check the trap at least once daily so you can release the mouse within 24 hours.
Best Swinging Door
Mice Cube Reusable Humane Mouse Trap
  • Made with molded plastic
  • Doors swing in one direction, trap critter
  • Designed for humane capture and release
  • Reusable
Check Amazon

4. Best Multiple Catch: Victor M333 Multiple Catch Humane Outdoor and Indoor Mouse Trap

If you’re looking for an efficient humane mouse trap that can handle more than one mouse at a time, the Victor M333 Multiple Catch Humane Outdoor and Indoor Mouse Trap is the best option. This one is able to catch and hold up to four mice per setting. The lid opens easily and allows you to release the captured mice offsite. Reuse this as many times as you need after cleaning it. It’s also a great mouse trap that you can use either indoors or outdoors, depending on your needs. Typically, if you’ve seen one mouse in your home, that means there are more. With this capture and release model by Victor, you can stop a mouse infestation and relieve yourself of the nuisance they bring into your home.

Set this product up anywhere you have noticed mice travel. Try these in your living room, kitchen, basement, garage, attic, or even your outdoor chicken coop. With this design, there are no poisons and no snaps. You can use natural baits to lure mice into the trap and because there are no snaps like conventional mouse traps, curious children’s fingers and your pet’s paws remain safe. When you’re ready to discard the mice, you can do so without any contact. Just use a little bit of peanut butter in the trap and place it in the prime location where you’ve seen the mice. Once it’s full, go ahead and release them back into the wild, away from other neighborhoods.

A verified purchaser said that he was able to catch five mice in two nights. He put this trap in the cabinet where he noticed mice droppings and he caught two together the first night and then three together the second night. He found it simple to release the mice, clean, and reload the trap with more peanut butter. He offers a reminder to anyone who will be using this trap: make sure to check it regularly because otherwise, mice can chew through the plastic. He doesn’t count this as a con, rather he knows that it’s expected because they serve a purpose to catch and release, not to hold mice for more than 24 hours. He is happy with the product and would recommend it to anybody wanting to catch and release.

Some reviewers said that the plastic is too opaque. They couldn’t see whether they had caught a mouse unless they picked the trap up and held it to the light.

Pros and Cons of the Victor M333 Multiple Catch Humane Outdoor and Indoor Mouse Trap

ProsCons
This traps allows you to catch up to four mice per setting.Some reviewers said that the plastic is too opaque. They couldn’t see whether they had caught a mouse unless they picked the trap up and held it to the light.
You can easily open the lid to release the captured mice away from your home.
This trap is safe to use around children and pets.
Best Multiple Catch
Victor M333 Multiple Catch Humane Outdoor and Indoor Mouse Trap
  • Can catch up to four mice per setting
  • Use either indoors or outdoors
  • Safe to use with other animals
  • Simple to release the mice
Check Amazon

5. Best Galvanized Steel: Kensizer Humane Rodent Trap

The Kensizer Humane Rodent Trap is the most durable option on this list. It’s available in different sizes and you can buy one or a set of two if you prefer. It’s made with lightweight galvanized steel that’s sturdy and lasting. The wire mesh can withstand a mouse’s small, persistent teeth. It’s equipped with a highly sensitive trigger mechanism, which means that when the trigger is touched, the door auto locks immediately. It will trap any mouse or mice that have made their way inside. The design is patented and has several features that make it easy to use. Use the bait hook to apply your preferred bait, like peanut butter, and watch how it captures mice with ease.

If you’ve ever dealt with mice that seem smarter than you, then you’ll love this trap. Some mice are just adept at escaping and seem to know when a trap has been set up. A reviewer used this trap and considers it the best for smart mice. He did put a piece of cardboard on the floor of the trap so that they don’t have to try and walk on the rough wire cage bottom and because they leave their scent behind. He set it up in a high mouse traffic area and turned off the lights. He knew the mice he was working with were sneaky and would only feed at night. He wanted to make sure that he kept his pets away from that area at night as well so that the mice could feel like that was their local hangout spot.

To outsmart the mice, he fed the traps for three days but kept them open. Yes, open! He did not set them up to trap. He wanted to let them get comfortable, fat, and happy, and he wanted them to let all their friends know where to go. On the fourth day, he fed the traps again then left the area and set up a camera. He checked on them every hour and as soon as the trap would spring, he would hustle over and pick up the entire trap. He would then release the mice, take it back to the original location, and reset it to trap. He stayed up late that night, but he was collecting mice every hour. He was dedicated and had to employ some ingenuity, but he loves how this works and highly recommends these to anyone looking for a humane solution to their mouse problem.

One reviewer reported that the wire spacing was too large to contain mice securely. Several said that the wire mesh was “poor quality.”

Pros and Cons of the Kensizer Humane Rodent Trap

ProsCons
You can purchase this trap in different sizes, either individually or in sets of two.One reviewer reported that the wire spacing was too large to contain mice securely.
It’s made from lightweight galvanized steel to be sturdy and long lasting.Several said that the wire mesh was “poor quality.”
It features a sensitive trigger mechanism that automatically locks the door to trap any mouse that’s inside.
Best Galvanized Steel
Kensizer Humane Rat Trap
  • Very durable option
  • Made with lightweight galvanized steel
  • Features a highly sensitive trigger mechanism
  • The design is patented
Check Amazon

How to Choose the Right Humane Mouse Trap

If this is your first time shopping for a humane mouse trap, you may still feel a little bit confused about which one may be the best for your needs. To help you make your final decision, we break down the three most important factors to look for.

Materials

You’ll find that humane mouse traps are made with two primary materials: plastic and stainless steel. For more affordable options, you’ll tend to find plastic as the primary material while stainless steel may be a little bit more costly. In fact, stainless steel is suggested if you plan to use them long-term because it can last for many years after purchase.

Design

The design is also an important consideration. Some of them are baited traps, which help to lure mice in with some type of bait. Others are un-baited and are designed to appeal to a mouse’s innate curiosity. Whether it’s baited or un-baited, the way that it works is by getting the mouse inside the trap and then using some kind of a trigger system that closes the door behind it. Sometimes it’s weighted while other times there’s a spring action that closes the door after they’ve walked in. Depending on the design, it’ll reset automatically once you’ve released the mouse, or you may need to manually reset it before you put it out again.

Safety Features

Your humane mouse trap should be easily washable. It’s important that you’re able to use hot, soapy water to get any bacteria off of it in between each catch and release. Another safety tip for you is to always use gloves when you are ready to release a caught mouse. They are typically riddled with bacteria and viruses and can transfer those over to you through their saliva, whether they bite or not.

When you’re ready to release the mouse, make sure that you don’t go further than 100 yards. This is because mice need to be able to find sources of food and water to continue their lives. Ideally, you want to release them somewhere they have plenty of shelter (like shrubs) so that they can hide and find a new place to call home. When you have found the point of entry in your home, make sure that you block it off to prevent mice from returning.

How to Prevent Mouse Infestations

Seal All Holes

The first and most important step to take when preventing a mouse infestation is to seal all holes both inside and outside of your home. Mice and other rodents use the small openings to squeeze in. Even if it looks too small for a mouse to get in, it probably isn’t. Mice can squeeze into holes the size of a nickel. Tackle each part of your home one at a time and look underneath cabinets, under and behind your refrigerator and stove, in every closet, around doors, in your basement, attic, and anywhere there are pipes going to hot water heaters and furnaces. This step requires you be completely thorough both inside and outside, all the way around your home.

Use Humane Mouse Traps

Next, you’ll want to set out the humane mouse traps to capture any mice that might be lingering in or around your home. You will have already sealed up their points of entry by this step, so this is just about catching any mice that have been trapped inside your home and any that are still trying to find a place to get in around your home.

Clean Your Environment

After you’ve made sure to seal any holes and set out your humane mouse traps, get to cleaning. Your kitchen is a popular spot for mice because there are food sources for them there. Make sure that you keep your food in containers with tight lids and clean up any spills right away. If you have a birdfeeder, keep it away from your house and always put any pet food away after your pet is done eating. If you have seen mice in your area, it is not wise to leave food or water bowls out for them overnight. Make sure your garbage is well sealed as well, both the bags you use and any bins you use. Make sure to always keep your environment free from possible rodent food sources to ensure they don’t return.

The Different Types of Humane Mouse Traps: Pros and Cons Compared

Multiple-Catch Humane Mouse Trap

ProsCons
Greater efficiencyRequires extra care and attention to release
Tackle one location with ease 
Capture as many mice as possible 

Galvanized Steel Humane Mouse Trap

ProsCons
Long-lastingN/A
Auto-lock design 
Wire mesh for extra breathability 

Plastic Humane Mouse Trap

ProsCons
ReusableMice can bite through it if left out too long
Easy to clean 
Capture scents 

Verified Review: User Experience

CaptSure Original Humane Mouse Traps are easily our top favorite. One user shares her success with this model: “I love animals, even mice. Had a bad infestation during the pandemic. Don’t know why, I never even saw an ant. I tried everything humane, but I have a cat. These little mice kept having babies. My cat got bored. I set up these traps all over my house. You could hear when they would snap shut. I would wake up, hear the mouse shaking the trap, and I would jump up to free it. When I say small, I mean less than an inch. I felt so bad putting those babies out, but I can’t live with mice. I never wish to hurt, just clear them from my home.”

Summary of the 5 Best Humane Mouse Traps for Stopping an Infestation

RankProductBenefit
1.CaptSure Original Humane Mouse TrapsBest Overall
2.Kat Sense Humane TrapsBest Innovative Design
3.Mice Cube Reusable Humane Mouse TrapBest Swinging Door
4.Victor M333 Multiple Catch Humane Outdoor and Indoor Mouse TrapBest Multiple Catch
5.Kensizer Humane Rodent TrapBest Galvanized Steel
About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

The 5 Best Humane Mouse Traps for Stopping an Infestation FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Do humane mouse traps actually work?

Yes, humane mouse traps work. They do put you in a more hands-on position, however. This is because after you have caught the mouse, you need to handle the mouse trap and release the mouse back into the wild. You should take extra measures to prevent the mice from returning. Whereas other traps just aim to kill, humane mouse traps ensure that you don’t damage the delicate ecosystem that rodents are a part of.

What is the most humane way to get rid of mice?

The most humane way to get rid of mice is to use catch and release mouse traps. This helps you capture any mice from either inside or outside of your home and once they’ve been caught, you are able to release them back into the wild.

How do you humanely catch a mouse in your house?

We highlighted five of the best humane mouse traps in this article to help you humanely catch a mouse in your house. Once you’ve caught the mouse, all you have to do is release it. When you take the steps to prevent a mouse infestation, you are able to solve the problem in a completely humane way.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.