How do mice know not to go on a mouse trap?

[gplanet]

We have some mice, and it seems they are smart. They don't trip the mouse trap, they just eat the food and leave. I'm wondering how they know that the device is about to kill them. This is the first time we've set up traps, and I assume that the mice haven't lived in several households and seen their friends crushed to death. Any explanation?

 

[rudder]

use peanut butter.

 

[glen]

They don't; it is just random. However, the ones who don't are the only ones that live and have offspring.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

You're not setting it sensitive enough, or using non-sticky bait. They just walk up, sniff sniff, eat the food and leave. If you're lucky, they hit the trap hard enough to set it off.

Try "skewering" the cheese on the trigger, or using peanut butter.

- M4H

 

[spaceman]

dcon

 

[Kev]

LOL, the mice are outsmarting you!