Mouse trap

This mouse trap was made by Joseph Molloy, Dooey, Lettermacward, Co Donegal.

It consists of a tin canister 16.5 cm high and 11 cm in diameter. Below the rim, a wire axle has been inserted horizontally across the diameter of the canister through two holes in the sides, the ends of the wire being bent down to secure it in position.

A circular trapdoor is fitted on the axle, secured by having a small lug cut out of opposite sides and bent upwards at right angles to the rest of the trapdoor. The axle passes through holes in the lugs. The trapdoor thus rests in a horizontal position across the mouth of the canister.

Bait is placed in the bottom of the canister and when the mouse stands on the trapdoor, it swings over and the trap door rights itself into the horizontal plane again.