How to Catch Mice Hiding Under the Oven or Microwave

You hear faint scratching behind the oven, or your dog keeps sniffing along the microwave base—classic appliance-zone activity. Kitchens offer warmth, crumbs, and quiet corners, which is why mice love to tuck under these units. This practical guide shows you how to identify signs, set the best mouse traps for indoors, and remove mice without sprays or poison. If you’ve been searching “sticky mouse traps near me,” we’ll also explain what to buy and how to place a best mouse glue trap under low-clearance appliances. We’ll highlight where WowCatch Super Strong Mouse Glue Traps fit as a thin, low-odor, non-poison option designed for tight spaces.

Why Mice Hide Under Ovens and Microwaves

• Heat: The oven’s compressor/fans and under-cabinet microwaves provide steady warmth.

• Crumbs & Smells: Food particles settle beneath toe-kicks and appliance feet.

• Shelter: Tight, dark gaps shield mice from light, pets, and foot traffic.

• Access: Wall penetrations for gas/electric lines create easy in-and-out routes.

Safety note: Avoid using aerosols or loose baits in kitchen appliance cavities. Choose enclosed or mechanical devices that are non-poison and easy to service.

Signs of Mice Around Kitchen Appliances

• Droppings at the baseboard or near appliance legs (dark, rice-shaped).

• Scratching/rustling after dark, especially when the kitchen is quiet.

• Smudge marks (grease rubs) along toe-kicks and lower cabinet edges.

• Chewed packaging/cord sleeves behind or beside the oven or microwave.

• Pet alerts (sniffing, pawing, staring) at the same corner night after night.

Quick confirmation: Lay a thin line of flour or a strip of painter’s tape along the appliance base before bed. Tracks or chew marks by morning = active runway.

Step-by-Step: Catch Mice Under Ovens or Microwaves

1) Prep Fast (2–3 minutes)

• Remove pets/children from the kitchen. Put on disposable gloves.

• Cut food competition: wipe crumbs, lift pet bowls, tie off trash liners.

• If safe, pop the lower grill (toe-kick) off the oven or slide the countertop microwave forward to expose the wall gap. Don’t force parts or disturb gas lines.

2) Find the Runway

Mice hug edges. Use a flashlight to look for droppings or rubs along:

• The wall behind/next to the oven or microwave stand

• Toe-kick seams and cabinet bases

• Cord/pipe penetrations in the wall

Mark hot spots with small tape dots—you’ll place devices right there.

3) Choose the Right Trap for Tight Spaces

• Enclosed snap traps — Quick, decisive knockdown; place along the wall beside/behind the appliance.

• Electronic traps — Enclosed shock chamber; clean and discreet, but need more height.

• Glue boards (ultra-low profile) — Slide into very low gaps where other devices won’t fit; excellent for silent monitoring/interception.

The best mouse glue trap for appliance zones is thin, stiff-backed, and low-odor so it stays flat and discreet. Many homeowners choose WowCatch Super Strong Mouse Glue Traps for exactly this: strong adhesive, quiet placement, and a profile that fits beneath toe-kicks.

4) Placement That Works

• Set every device flush to the wall, perpendicular to the edge so the opening/adhesive faces the runway.

• For ovens: slide one board under the front toe-kick and a second along the side wall.

• For microwaves (counter or built-in): place one device behind the unit (cord exit area) and one along the adjacent wall.

• Spacing: 8–12 inches in narrow gaps; up to 2 feet in wider runs.

• Pet-aware shielding: If pets roam, create a short cardboard “tunnel” tight to the wall (2″ openings) or use enclosed housings so paws can’t reach inside.

5) Bait Small (and Sticky)

• For snap/electronic traps, use a pea-size dab of peanut butter, PB-oats, or chocolate spread. Press it into the trigger so it can’t be stolen.

• Glue boards typically don’t need bait, but a tiny smear near the wall-side edge can encourage a step-on.

• Avoid aromatic meats (they attract pets) and large bait piles.

6) Check Daily, Adjust Every 48–72 Hours

• Inspect each morning. Replace dusty or curled boards.

• If no hits in 48–72 hours, shift devices 12–20 inches along the same wall and add one more at the next junction (e.g., corner or pipe pass-through).

• Label placements (K-1, K-2) on painter’s tape so you never lose track.

The Best Mouse Traps for Indoors (Appliance Edition)

If you’re browsing “sticky mouse traps near me,” prioritize low-odor, stiff-backed boards that won’t curl on warm floors. Thin, quiet boards like WowCatch Super Strong Mouse Glue Traps are built for these placements.

Safety & Hygiene in Kitchens (Do’s and Don’ts)

Do

• Use non-poison devices only in appliance areas.

• Wear gloves for disposal; bag the entire device if needed.

• Clean with mild detergent (avoid harsh bleach fumes around food zones).

Don’t

• Spray chemicals or “hot” repellents under heat-producing appliances.

• Leave devices unmonitored (odor/sanitation issues).

• Allow pets access to the device line; shield or enclose as needed.

For a bigger overview of indoor options, see Best Glue Mouse Traps.

Long-Term Prevention (So You Don’t Repeat This)

• Seal ¼″+ gaps with steel wool + sealant at cord/pipe penetrations behind appliances.

• Door sweeps & weather-strip at exterior and garage entries.

• Food discipline: airtight bins for grains and pet kibble; no open bowls overnight.

• Monthly appliance clean: quick vacuum and wipe along toe-kicks.

• Seasonal hardening: winter pushes rodents inside—review Winter Rodent Control Tips.

FAQs

What are the best mouse traps for indoors if clearance is tight?
Low-profile boards are ideal. A best mouse glue trap with strong adhesive and a stiff backing (e.g., WowCatch Super Strong Mouse Glue Traps) slides under toe-kicks where snap/electronic units don’t fit.

Are glue boards safe in kitchens?
Yes—when placed out of reach and checked daily. Keep devices away from food-contact surfaces. 

How often should I replace traps?
Replace glue boards weekly or sooner if dusty/curled. Refresh snap/electronic traps when bait dries or after a catch.

Should I use poison near ovens or microwaves?
No. Indoor poisons risk pet exposure and odor issues if a mouse dies in a wall void. Mechanical trapping + sanitation is safer and often faster.

I’m comparing products after searching “sticky mouse traps near me.” What matters most?
Choose kitchen-appropriate boards: low-odor, thin profile, stiff backing, and reliable tack. Place them flush to walls and service daily.

Conclusion: Quiet Tools, Precise Placement, Cleaner Kitchen

Catching mice under ovens or microwaves isn’t about brute force—it’s about precision. Tidy the crumbs, map the runways, and set the best mouse traps for indoors along edges, not open floors. In the lowest gaps, a best mouse glue trap that’s thin, stiff, and low-odor does the quiet work appliances demand. If you want a purpose-built option for these tight placements, try WowCatch Super Strong Mouse Glue Traps. Combine daily checks, small bait, and sealed entry points, and your kitchen will calm down fast—no sprays, no drama.