For value, you can’t beat the classic spring-loaded Victor mouse trap. They’ve been making mouse traps for 120 years, and the same basic design still works.

At about 54 cents a trap (less if you buy in bulk), you can afford a bunch of them. In case of a mess you just throw the whole thing away, mouse and all.

Downsides are visibility (you’ll see all the gruesome details), pet/child safety (keep it away from curious paws or fingers) and ease of use. For those with arthritis or hand strength issues, these can be difficult to set.

Electric mouse traps zap the critter with a powerful electric charge, disrupting its heartbeat with up to 9,000 volts. We favor the Owltra Indoor Electric Mouse Trap.

One set of four AA batteries puts out enough charge to kill 60 mice. And unlike some other electric models, you can reuse this trap without buying additional parts.

The Owltra features a bait station with air vents at the rear. The aroma lures mice. Once inside, the mouse will pass two sets of infrared sensors before the trap triggers, preventing accidental discharge from a curious child or pet.

The downsides to this design? If you fail to remove a dead mouse promptly, the waste liquids can be tough to clean. And it’s not intended for outdoor use.