James Alexander Williams suggested in his patent, that his invention is not only suitable for fighting mice. Demonstrating true Texas hospitality [He was Texan], Williams recommended use of the handgun trap as a clever house alarm to be put in doors and windows.
Mousetrap patent US269766A
Nothing like a gun randomly firing to help keep you on your toes. I bet that’s fun in the middle of the night.
That’s why nowadays stores sell these with a silencer
“Don’t worry honey, in 6 to 18 months, and for only 200 dollars per trap + the cost of the gun and ammo, I’ll have our mouse problem under control”