If mice are present in small numbers, as is often the case in lawns,
gardens, or seed beds, they may readily be caught in strong mouse traps
of the guillotine type (figs. 5 and 6). These should be baited with
oatmeal or other grain, or may be set in the mouse runs without bait.
[Illustration: FIG. 5.--Field mouse caught in baited guillotine trap.]
[Illustration: FIG. 6.--Field mouse caught in unbaited guillotine trap.]
Trapping has special advantages for small areas where a limited number
of mice are present, but it is also adapted to large areas whenever
it is undesirable to lay out poison. It is then necessary to use many
traps and continue their use for several weeks. If mice are moderately
abundant, from 12 to 20 traps per acre maybe used to advantage. These
should soon make decided inroads on the numbers of mice in an orchard
if not practically to exterminate them. For pine mice the tunnels
should be excavated sufficiently to admit the trap on a level with the
bottom. A light garden trowel may be used for the necessary digging.