I have set the trap properly four times. Each time the mouse eats the bait and gets away. A couple of times the trap dehinges and won't snap. Help?
1022449
I had the same issue when I ordered the 6 pack snap e mouse traps. They were defective and were hard to hinge. I would ask for refund and order the 2 pack traps. They work excellent for me.
1022450
I tied bacon onto the bait panel that has holes in it using thread. Mine don't snap fast either.
1022451
Most likely to much bait. I was doing that at first. I took a butter knife and just got a dab on the tip of the knife and put it on the rim of the bait hole. Make them have to go all the way to the hole. They have strong smell. They will go for it. Hope it works!
1022452
Don't try to engage the release mechanism "lightly". It won't trigger. Push down firmly in the bar until there's a small snap and a slight bounce of the platform. When I sat at the table with the traps, setting and releasing with a screw driver, I found I could set some up so they would not trigger. People experienced with old-style traps may have a tendency to mis-set these traps by trying to use a light touch to maximize sensitivity. This will cause the trap to look set but not be trippable by a mouse. Ironically, the situation of stolen bait increases the likelihood of the user mis-setting these traps as the user tries to increase sensitivity. The bad reviews of this trap are likely devices used without the trigger mechanism properly engaged.
473519
We tried peanut butter first and it was licked clean without setting off the trap. I talked to an exterminator who recommended a small (1/4") piece of Slim Jim or beef jerky. By hooking the tough meat on the metal trigger, it forces the mouse or rat to tug at the meat, setting off the trap. That's been very effective.
806190
When you open it the mice will jump out. I take it to a field about 2 miles from my place and then open it holding the top and side, tipping it away from the side I'm holding. The mice jump out and no one has ever touched me, but they get to live. This is easy to do. This is the goal in a live mouse trap.
187365
The mouse will suffer if you just let it sit there. If you're worried about that, consider getting a trap that snaps shut and kills the mouse or else end the mouse's life yourself. This is nothing but glue on cardboard, it's not poisonous to the mouse.
813550
Make sure that the lock is set properly. When the trap is set and the doors are open, the little lock lever must point towards the carrying handle they will slide down into the hook of each door and lock them so that none will escape. If the are wrong, the doors will go up and the critter escapes. No adjustments are needed. I caught 13 ground squirrels with both doors open and none got away. Lube the rods to get a hair trigger. Now I am getting rid of my Raccoons I am on #4 !I tied a raw peanut to the trigger with a wire tie and you can use it over and over.
755208
The trip mechanism on my trap was also very stiff. To fix it all I did was take a pair of pliers and open up the loops in the linkage of mechanism then it worked just fine; 14 chipmunks and going strong. Just placed an order for 2 more.
1335761
I always saw the green light no buzz; the mouse never went inside cause the bait was never touch. I used Tomcat press n set mouse trap use peanut butter and a small piece of chocolate as bait. First night I placed it ta da death mouse. I left them to see if more critters would be caught. Some weeks went by then one night I saw the sneaky bastard running underneath furniture. Two weeks later ta da now my house is free of this critters. This darn critters are smart; you need patience and relocate traps if more than four weeks go by without any luck. The electronic mouse trap I just returned, did not work for me. I always saw the green light no buzz; the mouse never went inside cause the bait was never touch. I used Tomcat press n set mouse trap use peanut butter and a small piece of chocolate as bait. First night I placed it ta da death mouse. I left them to see if more critters would be caught. Some weeks went by then one night I saw the sneaky bastard running underneath furniture. Two weeks later ta da now my house is free of this critters. This darn critters are smart; you need patience and relocate traps if more than four weeks go by without any luck. The electronic mouse trap I just returned,... » Read More I always saw the green light no buzz; the mouse never went inside cause the bait was never touch. I used Tomcat press n set mouse trap use peanut butter and a small piece of chocolate as bait. First night I placed it ta da death mouse. I left them to see if more critters would be caught. Some weeks went by then one night I saw the sneaky bastard running underneath furniture. Two weeks later ta da now my house is free of this critters. This darn critters are smart; you need patience and relocate traps if more than four weeks go by without any luck. The electronic mouse trap I just returned, did not work for me. « Show Less
2095192
Agreed, occasionally ants get my bait. I clean the area scrupulously of debris and replace the bait. Also, make sure that the bait isn't propping the trip lever open. If I use too large a piece of Snickers (my mice's favorite) the trip lever won't move properly.
624711
After the first night deploying the trap I can tell you that several mice got in and yet none were there in the morning. Either they teleported out, evaporated, or escaped. I am going with escape as the most likely option in which case this trap is not helpful or effective. I am going to go with kill traps.
1761619
I have the Victor or Catchmaster Tin Cat Clear Top (2 Pack) which I think is this same trap. I have had good results with my traps catching over 30 mice in the past couple years (we have wood heat and they sneak in with the wood), I clean it after each use - easy with a clorox wet wipe. This is a humane trap so you have to release them yourself but it is not difficult at all, I have never had any trouble - simply go a good distance from your home, set it down and open top, step back and off they go.
2225006
no, the first mouse gets caught, the other mice get the bait, that is why I don't fill the bait holder all the way up, I have caught 1 mouse, went back re-set the trap and before I can sit back down in my chair I have caght a second mouse (don't feed them bait them). Always put the trap facing the wall because they will run along the wall and step into the trap. by the way I have use several types of traps, these are by far the best for me, they have caught mice and large wood rats. good luck kurt
1104467
Mice just steal from my trap. Bought a second trap, same thing. The trap cannot detect them. Called and emailed Raticator, but they did not reply.
1614719
nothing is wrong. that's what it's supposed to do. the light lights up to let you know its on then shuts off. when you catch a mouse the light will flash like every 8 seconds. however if you dont check the trap the light will stop flashing and will begin to smell.
2136984
I have been getting field mice, which are a lot smaller than rats. I have been getting one per night and throwing it away in the morning when I check the unit. I dump out the dead mouse and dog kibbles, then dispose of the mouse and put the same dog kibble back in to the trap. I am uncertain whether the unit will kill two or more mice at a time. I suggest that you call the rep at 800-737-8927 to find your answer. If you killed one rat, that would fill up the unit.
1176130
First make sure you are using the best batteries they will last longer and give a lethal jolt. It could be the rodent entered the trap and took the food but the batteries were weak but set off the red indicator. Also I use salmon training dog treats and put a couple in front of the trap opening and then a couple way in the back against the metal plate. I have caught and killed mice and small squirrels that some how got into my home attic. Believe me they can smell the dog treats and it has worked every time.
482592
It's a great trap! I used a 5 gallon bucket, put the trap at the bottom and opened the lid. Most of the time the mouse would hide in door part but after a little while would jump out. I'd quickly remove the trap. Be super careful, those little guys can jump like you wouldn't believe. I'm fortunate enough to have an open field behind my house. Take them at least 100 yards away so they won't find their way back. Also do a review of the outside of your house, any holes should be filled with insulation foam. If you have a cat, clip a little fur and put it in small cracks for good measure. Best of luck! It's a great trap! I used a 5 gallon bucket, put the trap at the bottom and opened the lid. Most of the time the mouse would hide in door part but after a little while would jump out. I'd quickly remove the trap. Be super careful, those little guys can jump like you wouldn't believe. I'm fortunate enough to have an open field behind my house. Take them at least 100 yards away so they won't find their way back. Also do a review of the outside of your house, any holes should be filled with insulation foam. If you have a cat, clip a little fur and put it in small cracks for good measure. Best... » Read More It's a great trap! I used a 5 gallon bucket, put the trap at the bottom and opened the lid. Most of the time the mouse would hide in door part but after a little while would jump out. I'd quickly remove the trap. Be super careful, those little guys can jump like you wouldn't believe. I'm fortunate enough to have an open field behind my house. Take them at least 100 yards away so they won't find their way back. Also do a review of the outside of your house, any holes should be filled with insulation foam. If you have a cat, clip a little fur and put it in small cracks for good measure. Best of luck! « Show Less
902333
No, because the trap must be emptied and reset after each kill. Also cleaned from time to time. Still a better design than a snap trap in my opinion. The rats are so smart you might consider Victor's advice to move the trap around often.