Mousetrap is a special type of animal mousetrap, which is mainly used to catch mice. However, it may (intentionally or unintentionally) trap other small animals. Mousetraps are usually placed indoors, where rodents are suspected. Larger traps are designed to catch other kinds of animals. For example, rats, squirrels, other small rodents or other animals.

Known as the first patented lethal mousetrap, the mousetrap is a set of spring-loaded cast-iron jaws known as the "Royal No. 1.". On November 4, 1879, it was patented by James M. keep of New York, with a U.S. patent of 221320. It is clear from the patent specification that this is not the first mousetrap of this type, but the patent is for this simplified and easy to manufacture design. This is the development of the dead angle trap in the industrial age, but it depends on the force of the spring rather than gravity.

This type of gripper is operated by a coil spring, and the trigger mechanism is between the grippers, and the decoy is kept between the grippers. The trip closed the jaws and killed the rodents.

This style of lightweight trap is now made of plastic. These traps are not as powerful as other types of traps. Compared with other deadly traps, they are safer for the fingers of people who set them, and can be set by pressing a single finger or even pressing a label with their feet.