Yet Another Mouse Trap Notifier

For many years, we never had a single issue with mice getting into our house. Over the past few winters though, the little varmints seem to have found an entry point that we can't yet determine. Where ever it is, it's a hit and miss affair. We may go months without any activity and then have several at once. It also seems they like to hide out in remotest, hard to reach areas such as the crawlspace in our basement.
It's easy enough to set snap traps in these areas, but checking them on a regular basis sometimes drops off the to-do list for some time. The result is usually finding the snapped trap as some later date with a pile of hair and a disgusting ball of maggots where the mouse used to be.

I looked around for various solutions online, but wasn't able to find exactly what I was looking for. It was only after I had my version completed that I stumbled across J3dante37's "ZWAVE MOUSE TRAP" instructable. It was interesting how similar they were given that they were developed independently.

Here's a quick instructable with my version, just to provide alternate ideas to anyone seeking to do the same thing.

My goals were to use the minimum number of parts and make them re-usable or disposable as the situation called for. Sometimes the guests at the traps ooze fluids necessitating the disposal of the trap. Here's what I used on my trap.

• SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor
• Gorilla tape (or similar)
• Snap mouse trap
• Base material (I used a piece of FRP cut to fit the sensor and trap)

Note: The newest versions of the ST sensor are only $20. However, the older versions (shown in my photo) have a flatter edge that fits more closely to the trap. The newer versions have much stronger magnets as well. I have found that activating the trap is usually pretty violent, so I'm counting on it separating from the sensor. I haven't yet had a "customer" to really test this theory. I have one of each version out now.

Assembly is straightforward. Position your parts on the base material and attach the sensor with double-sided tape or velcro. Attach the magnet portion of the multipurpose sensor to the end of the mouse trap with strong double-slick tape. Leave the trap free to move so the trap/magnet assembly will separate from the sensor when it snaps.

You'll need to set up the sensor in with your hub and test it to confirm connectivity. After that, it's really up to you how you want to be notified. I set mine up with a simple SmartApp that sends a notification and text message when the sensor contacts open. You may also be able to use the vibration detection function of the sensor as well.