Introduction: The History of the Mousetrap

The mousetrap has been a household staple for centuries. Its purpose of catching rodents has made it an indispensable tool for many households across the globe. However, the origin of the mousetrap is shrouded in mystery, with many claiming to be the inventor. In this article, we will delve into the history of the mousetrap and the individuals who have claimed to have invented it.

Ancient Traps: The First Mousetraps

The use of mousetraps dates back to ancient times. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used various traps to catch rodents. The most common trap was a simple device made of a wooden plank and a stone or heavy object. The rodent would step on the plank, causing the heavy object to fall and trapping the rodent underneath. Other traps included sticky substances and cages made of bamboo or metal. These traps were not only used for catching rodents but also for other pests such as insects and snakes. The ancient mousetraps were effective, but they were crude and lacked the precision and safety of modern traps.