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The Trouble with Mousetraps
Mousetraps: the cliches abound. What does make a mousetrap better? Efficiency, human safety, and the elimination of the problem? But is there a way to eliminate the problem without killing the mouse?
Those experiencing a vermin problem in their home can attest that it is a distasteful situation. Even the presence of a house cat does not always solve the problem, and can actually lead to a messier result.
Patent records show hundreds of plans and designs to solve this age old conflict, but the majority of these resolutions are traps designed to kill the mouse, whether on the spot, or later, elsewhere.
Our exhibit concentrates on a different approach, a more humane one, and often a better one.
These traps are designed to trap, then allow the mouse to be released elsewhere. All rely on a bit of bait; peanut butter is often recommended.
The Hold-Em wire trap has been around for decades, since before the last turn of the century. A large size was manufactured for rats and a smaller for mice. These traps are now often found at flea markets and swap meets. The smaller version for mice is less prevalent, but works on the same principle.
They are a work of beauty, sculptural (now rusted) wire formed in a circular manner with the recessed trap door entrance at one end, and a circular door at the other, allowing for release.
These traps enjoyed a long period of popularity, seen in houseware catalogs up through the 1960's. One is even pictured in the Walt Disney movie Cinderella from 1950. If you can locate one, they make a very effective trap for home use.
A completely different design was literally dreamed up by William Oviat. He envisioned a tubular trap that would tild with the weight of the mouse, entrapping it by use of a ping pong ball. It is an unusual and effective product, and since it can be used in a humane way, it is a better mouse trap.
What do to do with those inexpensive potentially finger snapping models? How about a mousetrap powered car? A bit of ingenuity and effort will result in a spring-powered car that both kids and adults love to race. See here for ideas.
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