From the physical issues mice can cause to the emotional stress they bring, it’s no wonder why people go to great lengths to get rid of a rodent problem. If you choose to take matters into your own hands, there are many traps lining the store shelves to help you find a solution. But which do you choose? The Victor Electronic Mouse Trap is one option that was created by a leader in rodent control. To determine if it’s worth trying, we placed it in our home for several weeks to test its success rate, hygiene, ease of setup and cleanup, and price.
Design: No need to touch or see the mouse
The Victor Electronic Mouse Trap is essentially a rectangular, black box that measures 6.2 x 3.2 x 1.8 inches. It has a divider down the middle that separates it into two sides. One side features a panel that opens and closes, which is where the mouse gets trapped. The other side has a space to install the four AA batteries (not included) that power the trap, along with an ON/OFF switch next to the light. It’s a great trap for those who lean on the squeamish side and prefer not to see the mice they catch. When the trap is triggered, the mouse remains inside of the trap until the user disposes of it. And even then, the user can open the panel located on top of the trap, place it over a disposal bin, and look away until they hear it drop into the bin. We found this to be one of its most appealing features.
Setup: Simple to bait and set
Baiting and setting the Victor Electronic Mouse Trap is a two-step process. Before beginning, make certain that the unit is off. Then, simply put a tiny bit of peanut butter on the back wall opposite of the opening. Victor’s customer service team recommends using a toothpick to smear a small amount on the back wall. Because mice have an acute sense of smell, they don’t need any more bait than that. Then, close the top panel, place it in the desired spot in the house, and turn the ON/OFF switch on. The light should blink green once, followed by a short buzzing sound to indicate it’s working. When the batteries are running low, a red light blinks. It also has a built-in safety switch that automatically deactivates the trap when the door panel is open. We found this to be one of the easiest traps to set compared to spring-loaded traps that we’ve used in the past. The simplicity of baiting it and turning it on made the process quick and easy, and we didn’t have to worry about snapping our fingers in the tension bar.
Performance: A humane and quick kill
This trap is designed to eliminate only mice, not rats. The online instructions recommend using it strictly for mice due to the fact that a rat won’t fit into the opening of the trap—it’s too small. This trap uses smart circuit technology that can sense when a rodent enters the unit. Here’s how it works: A mouse enters the opening on the panel side of the trap to retrieve the bait that has been placed on the back wall opposite of the opening. Once the mouse gets to the back, its body will be positioned onto the two metal panels inside. This sets the trigger off and delivers a humane, high-voltage shock to kill the mouse in less than five seconds. Once a mouse is caught, a green light blinks on top of the trap to indicate a capture. We noticed that it is a slow-blinking light, so if you’re not looking for it, it’s not super obvious that you’ve caught something. There’s about a seven-second wait in between blinks. It’s also important to note that it will only blink for 24 hours, so make sure to keep an eye out for the green blink to avoid a rotting mouse inside. Then, the caught mouse can be dumped directly in the trash for a no-touch, no-see disposal. We set up this trap, and it was triggered, but there was no mouse when we checked inside. It’s possible that we over-baited it, which is a common problem, according to the Victor customer service team. Often, the bait falls onto the metal floor-plate and then the bait gets zapped, and the trap deactivates. We have reason to believe this was the case because the back wall where the peanut butter was located was licked completely clean, meaning the mouse likely wasn’t ever zapped.
Safety: Safe to be near children and pets, but not for outdoor use
The way this trap is designed makes it safe for use around pets and children. The unique tunnel shape where the rodent is supposed to enter prevents children and pets from reaching inside of the trap. It’s important to note that the Victor Electronic Mouse Trap is designed for indoor use only and must be protected from water and the elements.
Cleanliness: Easy cleanup, just be thorough
One of the advantages of the Victor Electronic Mouse Trap is that it’s reusable. The process of cleaning it after catching a rodent is fairly easy. Just make sure to clean the two metal plates completely of any debris so that it continues to function properly. Also, make sure that the unit is off when wiping it down.
Price: Pricier than most traps, but delivers results
The Victor Electronic Mouse Trap costs more than $20, which is considerably higher than most mouse traps. But the results make it worth the extra money. This trap humanely eliminates mice with little work to set and clean it. Plus, the user doesn’t have to worry about seeing the mouse they captured—a unique feature that sets this mouse trap apart.
Victor Electronic Mouse Trap vs. Ankace Mouse/Rat Trap
The Ankace Mouse/Rat Trap is another popular reusable rodent trap. It’s similar to the Victor Electronic Mouse Trap in that it is reusable, easy to set, and easy to clean. Both traps humanely eliminate the rodent and do a good job of concealing it. However, the Victor trap conceals the mouse completely, whereas the Ankace trap conceals the majority of the rodent but not its entirety. The main difference between the two is in the kill. The Ankace trap uses a spring-loaded mechanism that sits between two trappers, an upper and lower, that clasp down entirely onto the rodent. The Victor trap uses a high-voltage shock to kill the mouse. Another difference to note is that the Ankace trap is suited for both mice and rats. The Victor Electronic Mouse Trap is intended solely for mice due to the small tunnel opening that only mice can fit through. For someone who is more squeamish and prefers not to see their catches at all, opt for the Victor Electronic Mouse Trap. For those who don’t really care, the Ankace trap will do just fine. Still can’t decide? Check out our roundup of the best mouse traps available today. For a mouse trap that involves little work to set and clean, look no further than the Victor Electronic Mouse Trap. This trap also eliminates the need to see or touch any rodents, whether dead or alive, making it an especially great option for those who get squeamish at the sight of mice.
