How to Kill a Mouse

This article had a different slant than the others I read. It was clear that Aaron Broverman, the author, didn't want to mess with any capturing and releasing. He wants the mice dead! He provides the reader with four different methods for killing mice: mousetraps, poison, inert gas, and ultrasonic sound.

Using humor, Broverman points out the flaws in all but one method. He believes "the best way to go is probably the electric route." This method of killing the mouse is quick and there is a protective covering that hides the dead mouse and protects kids and pets from being injured by a trap or seeing a dead mouse.

Here are some of the flaws he mentions with the other methods:

1. Mousetraps: Although they are inexpensive, you have to remove the dead rodent from the trap. Apparently mice can also figure out how to "get around" these traps--especially if the wrong bait is used.

2. Poison: The biggest drawback is that it takes awhile for the poison to take effect on the mouse and you never know when (or where) the little critter is going to fall over dead. And, most of these poisons contain a carcinogen which can be fatal to humans. So, this probably isn't a good option if you have curious children or adults in your house who like to eat things off the floor.

3. Inert Gas: This is the most costly method and the only way to get information about this method is through e-mail.

4. UltraSonic Sound: This super high-pitched frequency is too high for humans and pets to hear, but it makes the mice want to leave the premises. (Hamsters and Gerbils may want to flee as well.) The other problem is that the sound weakens with distance.

In the article “The Best Ways to Catch a Mouse” the author very objectively shares different methods for capturing a mouse. In this article; however, the author shares different methods for killing mice, but he does so with elements of humor and sarcasm. It’s odd, but he almost bullies the reader into agreeing with his “best way” for killing a mouse.