BUILD A BETTER MOUSETRAP

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Finally, trim one end of the remaining 1/4" X 1-1/4" X 6-1/4" wooden slab to a 45° angle, then drill a 3/32" hole through its width—as shown—2-3/4 inches from the angled tip. Secure the piece between the walls of its housing by running the last 1-7/8" hanger rod through the side sections and the bore in the ramp.

To use the trap, just set some bait inside the box, near the bars, and place the ramp assembly—grille first—into the tunnel's open end till the finishing nail falls into the locking hole. Your "prey" will enter the opening at the end of the trap, and its weight will cause the ramp to fall . . . allowing the critter to get at the eats. But once the mouse steps off the ramp, that offset part will fall back into place, thus blocking the rodent's only route to freedom.

SOLITARY CAN-FINEMENT

This tin-can calaboose is so basic that some folks say the only reason it catches mice is that the critters can't believe it actually works. If you'd like to try it out, simply find yourself a wire coat hanger, a soup can (with a lid), and two thin rubber bands. Then, using a 1/8" bit, drill holes into the tin and the disk at the places indicated in the drawing (there'll be a dozen, all told).

Next, cut your coat hanger to form five rods of the following lengths: one 3", two 4", one 6", and the last 9" . . . and then—using a pair of needle-nosed pliers—start to bend the wire sections to the shapes illustrated. (The best way to do this is to form the rods to near completion, but in each case leave a straight section so you can slip them into their respective openings ... then finish the bending process once they're in the holes.) Rubber bands, stretched between the hooks on the door and the back of the legs, snap the cover shut when the latch is released.

The gizmo is set by first wrapping your bait around the "crank" of the catch rod, then securing the door's latch arm under the catch's elbowed tip. When the tiny pest tugs at its dinner, the lid "pulls to" . . . and the mouse will be securely canned until you're ready to grant a reprieve.

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