Mice eating bait, trap not going off! How to fix?

We set the trap as directed, but the trigger obviously isn't working (either that or we have some incredibly intelligent mice... which I doubt).





We are using the normal cheap wood and metal snap traps. The bait we are using is peanut butter. We are placing them facing the wall (but about 2cm away from the wall) in a 'hot spot' near their nest where we have caught many mice before (but this was using a much more expensive plastic trap).





Has anyone else had this problem? What should we do differently?Mice eating bait, trap not going off! How to fix?
I always use slimjims or any cheap beef jerky then I tie it on with a twisty tie or thin string and wait for the show to begin. they easily strip peanut butter, cheese, hotdogs ect. mouse traps are real cheap entertainment.Mice eating bait, trap not going off! How to fix?
tying the bait on is the way to go. they kept stealing the peanut butter on my trap too so i wrapped string around the metal and then coated it with peanut butter. their teeth catch on the string and then snap, you got em. works every time.
A drop of 3 in one oil on the release catch will make it work better.
Never underestimate smart mice. They do exist.





Check the trap to make sure it is not rusted or seized up (a less likely occurrence than smart mice, but still possible.)





You have two options. The first worked for a friend of mine but I don't know if it was logic or skill. For the next few nights, bait the trap with something you can secure to the trap. Cheese is good because it is aromatic but solid enough to be tied to the trap. Let them spend a few nights robbing the trap without worrying about setting it off, then bait and set it.





Your second option is to just try a different kind of trap. This critter knows better than to set off a snapper, so switch to something else. A glue or box type.