Is Drowning a Mice Humane? (Expert Answer)


Mice can find themselves in water by mistake or thanks to a bucket trap. While they possess great stamina and flexibility to swim and survive for a few days, allowing them to drown will always be a cruel decision.

is drowning mouse humane

Is Drowning Mice Humane?

Not at all. Government bodies, pest control agencies, and researchers are against killing mice by drowning. The method subjects them to long-term struggle, pain, and suffering before death.


There are more humane ways to kill a mouse if you don’t intend to release it into the wild. Here is your chance to discover 5 of the most humane ways.

5 Humane Ways to Kill a Mouse

1. Asphyxiation By CO2

This is regarded as the most humane way to kill mice. The procedure requires homemade supplies such as baking soda, white vinegar, a sealable plastic bag, a hose, and a separate container (with a hole for the hose).

While it is best carried out by a vet, it is worth knowing how it is done:


  • Get all the supplies listed above. This time, include a protective glove and nose mask.
  • Prepare a CO2 chamber by placing the baking soda and vinegar into the plastic bag. Within the plastic bag, mix the baking soda and vinegar to create a 30%-40% concentration of CO2. 
  • With the CO2 chamber sorted, place the mouse in a sealable container (the euthanasia chamber).
  • Connect both chambers with a hose and watch the mouse die a painless death.
  • Death is usually a result of CO2 concentration; mice cannot withstand it. You may cover the entry point of the hose with a towel to keep it intact.
  • Dispose of every material used and wash your hands with soap.

2. Brute Force (Trauma) To The Head

The aim here is to kill the mouse with a powerful blow to the skull. Solid tools like a hammer and mallet should do the job. 

Note: This option is for the brave and not for the soft-hearted. For those with the guts, this is how it is done:

  • You will be needing a pair of protective gloves, a sealable plastic bag, and a hammer or any object you know can impact brute force.
  • Pick the mouse from the trap (with a sieve, if inside the water) and place it in the plastic bag. Tighten the bag and squeeze it gently until you have the mouse’s shape in your hand.
  • Locate the mouse’s head and prepare it for a powerful hit. 
  • Dispose of all the materials used except the hammer. Wash the hammer and your hands with a disinfectant and soap respectively.

3. Firing a Low Power Gun

This is not a very common but humane option. It is best for emergencies but there are rules guiding:

  • Use ONLY a low-power gun. Sophisticated guns will shoot through mice and create a nuisance. This may expose you to infections if not properly managed.
  • Ensure the rodent is in sight. It is best if a mouse is cornered or has nowhere to run to. This way you can easily aim for the head to kill him or her instantly. 

Aiming for other parts of the mouse’s body is considered cruel.

  • Carry out the operation in a safe space. Ensure there are no people or important objects around that can become victims of a misfiring. 

You should also observe the gun’s safety measures.

Note: This method must be considered legal in your environment.

4. Snap Traps 

Snap traps are designed to serve quick death to mice. To set them up, you need:

  • A pair of protective gloves, a clean snap trap, and bait (peanut butter preferably).
  • Determine the active site of mice by searching for clues such as crumbles or feces.
  • Place the bait correctly and set up the trap. Your trap should be resting on a wall because mice move side by side with walls. This way, they should have no trouble finding the bait.
  • Check the trap regularly and clean it thoroughly after every kill. 

Snap traps are more effective at night when mice are most active. You should also change the bait regularly to keep it potent.

5. Electric Traps

Electric traps are a bit expensive but are great at killing mice within seconds. The trap works just like snap traps with the only difference being death by electrocution. 

  • Wear your gloves and set up the trap (with bait) in an active site just like you did with the snap trap. 
  • The mouse will approach the trap in an attempt to eat the bait and step on the metal pads (within the trap). These pads send volts through the mouse and kill him or her instantly.
  • For faster results, you can place a wet towel just in front of the trap. Water conducts current, resulting in a quicker death.
  • A green light indicates a kill. There is also a safety switch for when it is not in use. 
  • Clean the trap carefully and dispose of other materials used in disposing of mice.

References

  1. https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-kill-pest-rats-and-mice/
  2. https://www.alysion.org/euthanasia/index.php
  3. https://www.ufaw.org.uk/rodent-welfare/rodent-welfare
  4. https://www.wildlife-removal.com/killrat.html
  5. https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/diseases/direct.html