What is the best mouse trap?

When it comes to the "best" mouse trap, it depends on whether you prioritize ease of use, a clean disposal, or keeping the animal alive. Expert testing from sources like The New York Times Wirecutter and The Spruce consistently points to a few standout options:

- **Why it's great:** Highly recommended by Wirecutter and The Spruce , this plastic pedal-style trap is inexpensive, incredibly sensitive, and very easy to set with a simple press. It features interlocking teeth for a secure catch and lets you dispose of the mouse without ever touching it.[](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESXQHrOzAV_sX4b6KdvYelCBCToJZcGEC5OXz-8smKp3GYSPh20UyHkwSBWBSxaIGBqMJpJ9e08K8RKmTLFBwty0k0b_KlCOtMMlXgffqQ9xeFQS5MPSszHlYn7uyIXA) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESXQHrOzAV_sX4b6KdvYelCBCToJZcGEC5OXz-8smKp3GYSPh20UyHkwSBWBSxaIGBqMJpJ9e08K8RKmTLFBwty0k0b_KlCOtMMlXgffqQ9xeFQS5MPSszHlYn7uyIXA)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESVQHrOzAV5ezY1JuCgMOG1agft_ylI7td5V2a_rFRNlHmVgsTBJyn0r4KfHAxTkA2hk1SidR2q2-NkcWhsgJRw_RpR06w3MD6FBwjbfl58Z2vo3rSXC0)[[3]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESbwHrOzAVnfF-P8kafpsWhFtCYmlOJCaMaU5ptR7fhZ1sRqcu-VUgQGeF-K5TvvsW_Q1TFxvjOi8yvqjaya1QUQKzlCADjjNxQC1_No2bnpXgvsJnSThBKz9y5NSOlUciI0nAO29HWdF3cqaXe7vXRg)[[4]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESXQHrOzAV_sX4b6KdvYelCBCToJZcGEC5OXz-8smKp3GYSPh20UyHkwSBWBSxaIGBqMJpJ9e08K8RKmTLFBwty0k0b_KlCOtMMlXgffqQ9xeFQS5MPSszHlYn7uyIXA)[[5]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESVQHrOzAV5ezY1JuCgMOG1agft_ylI7td5V2a_rFRNlHmVgsTBJyn0r4KfHAxTkA2hk1SidR2q2-NkcWhsgJRw_RpR06w3MD6FBwjbfl58Z2vo3rSXC0)

- **Why it's great:** If you want a zero-sight, high-tech solution, electronic traps deliver a quick, humane high-voltage shock when a mouse steps inside. They feature a clean disposal chamber so you don't have to look at or handle the rodent.[[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESVQHrOzAV5ezY1JuCgMOG1agft_ylI7td5V2a_rFRNlHmVgsTBJyn0r4KfHAxTkA2hk1SidR2q2-NkcWhsgJRw_RpR06w3MD6FBwjbfl58Z2vo3rSXC0)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESXwHrOzAVpOlNlUHcE6chCKJI5UweuCOjc1sqKtcQbpZqtX_5hf4Tdeua8_eESz448uK7vHIjt7Ycnfzd4EzRCPS2uVuzQq14IlgHKiTwu7ilprqeXNZ7XErye0UDF5M7)[[3]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESdQHrOzAV6GQS1ZwN4765fM0T-aHHySlDrRuQw45zwgDpC5FQRFXu5X5iKHuP95h7gIk8WtGb7VvRCul3qWEb7_1duev0Jm1WNg5M5rKyveyFEaSSyAy5-anfukqS-T0MBbFa6HRvY8q3DgCXHQ31J218L7xxzA)[[4]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAEScwHrOzAV_EFSaNr88mN34Y40YxjxHIUCXwlIuFw7-IK7dpvFGiXHEsdJMpjgUNu3Hnh8_Eq6FFh2ITNQ-jj-uRUUoOaahwvfsVNOmzJnR_d0D2coPIuAj6oCaRItyxmr6Hb7Iz9iPhzl5YtGSoE3ufB7Xns)[[5]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESyQEB6zswFXI1auNAlpVdpog62bTn-Yni0pz4OWIfb046kWY1OmYvSXktlSjOQS11ggxqW2ozFlSvdayp8jrSVzzKqprADi5x1R7oBOo1PSXqkQC_LMp9kuJv5dmExvoRjPrgHDLaADrGhAP-4f7gE7a5bME49IM2r8u96eV_dkhVeoyvezkpl5Mpr0mZNoC28eTNFsqc9IzWzTWIfUXTksghDdVGhVqtbMKRiEVNw-LM9f6nZFL9saX8CrUcpkrdCBm3MJ8d1XuMbnI)

- **Why it's great:** A step up from the classic wooden snap trap, this larger-pedal plastic trap has a fierce, reliable snap mechanism that drastically reduces the chance of a mouse eating the bait and escaping.[[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESVQHrOzAV5ezY1JuCgMOG1agft_ylI7td5V2a_rFRNlHmVgsTBJyn0r4KfHAxTkA2hk1SidR2q2-NkcWhsgJRw_RpR06w3MD6FBwjbfl58Z2vo3rSXC0)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESVQHrOzAV5ezY1JuCgMOG1agft_ylI7td5V2a_rFRNlHmVgsTBJyn0r4KfHAxTkA2hk1SidR2q2-NkcWhsgJRw_RpR06w3MD6FBwjbfl58Z2vo3rSXC0)[[3]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAEScwHrOzAVgHxhljtKcuwqi0OcGCCE_rueNeQsTwcmYtwGlT2NbIP1WRUqBVLwHOGUGpZz9OJcIKIl48GO9zlfOibArqdEvcegzimyNm9dpM6nBFjAMpMPq4clPJDwIOyELn7jk702NN4KXkXKXp1hSb7M_jQ)[[4]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESVgHrOzAV8ykm9ZU9624jwH5j3aWx3JTd3g9ZocBIa-_kTCG5dyYgf-JKGh1TZ434ATeRV0p-SSKOfOVZwhBPNpcHChBzjZLA3XAAA4aiiGRSzqpu-vBQ)

- **Why it's great:** The traditional wooden-and-metal snap trap. It takes a little more care to set safely without pinching your fingers, but it is ultra-cheap, highly effective, and completely disposable.[[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESVQHrOzAV5ezY1JuCgMOG1agft_ylI7td5V2a_rFRNlHmVgsTBJyn0r4KfHAxTkA2hk1SidR2q2-NkcWhsgJRw_RpR06w3MD6FBwjbfl58Z2vo3rSXC0)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESqQEB6zswFTMHMemxasgQEEV7ScDao-ibAHobJj1-_ACem2dcA2_jhmniof5prT0R0vbA46DSjge5Syi3QfsI5Yd4vzUDJCa3LhudkWHhAp6dROyrP0h2aASXgivGfcoRd8_HGkW_bqXwQY6yb_zLlbwXbbd6hYlPApaquioXDGDUoRtlxhcpzwcepg9ZTN80ClUvM3ADsp6xuAASgsMaXJj0YZdLgwrw47XI)[[3]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESXgHrOzAVSDgQMeQa-FwEhr48BMlhXTOo8Q92BXFrpKWJGI2OGeTUNm73riaYKOibGJbsNbJIF4oCFZfkOw280096Hx1YoL5-Z-rZZyIDQFo5IhCE8gNKdyiso6gnQSc)[[4]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESUgHrOzAVWtoPZ6XHK9aMAtVvOxtkRLKPRxETBggmu-IGOaOgvVzZBSTLwX6IPMcVciIgwtLyWbW6c_ojHkaDTvyz19NJKEVAics7KhBGN6rcwic)

- **Why it's great:** If you prefer not to kill the mouse, this lets you trap it alive using a sensitive trigger door. *(Note: Experts caution that you must release live mice at least a mile or two away, or they will find their way back inside your home).* [](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESbwHrOzAVnfF-P8kafpsWhFtCYmlOJCaMaU5ptR7fhZ1sRqcu-VUgQGeF-K5TvvsW_Q1TFxvjOi8yvqjaya1QUQKzlCADjjNxQC1_No2bnpXgvsJnSThBKz9y5NSOlUciI0nAO29HWdF3cqaXe7vXRg) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESbwHrOzAVnfF-P8kafpsWhFtCYmlOJCaMaU5ptR7fhZ1sRqcu-VUgQGeF-K5TvvsW_Q1TFxvjOi8yvqjaya1QUQKzlCADjjNxQC1_No2bnpXgvsJnSThBKz9y5NSOlUciI0nAO29HWdF3cqaXe7vXRg)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESVQHrOzAV5ezY1JuCgMOG1agft_ylI7td5V2a_rFRNlHmVgsTBJyn0r4KfHAxTkA2hk1SidR2q2-NkcWhsgJRw_RpR06w3MD6FBwjbfl58Z2vo3rSXC0)[[3]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESUAHrOzAVfP_CkzeK1aaHwR4t1DO50UrSLx5XHl3nbEqMva_8Pv4W61saMtcW8EyisZh-v0VbYFRRAtL2yVVTdXuVwJIFX-zsGv1DNlA4MCVH)[[4]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESzgEB6zswFePM0V6r4ixubZdXhiKyliwK9Sk5Kbpom-1Zd3ubPnwX-fiDpr35Zk0Bi5gCcFbjegd2bJPtSTI4tKfDqEjtePjvpXvxxB7hSl4XDSCCSnZPZFImTFH_3CS9wlJtXiVLJZCYYMAsNUQqJDbRK0TiMjV_z77bDcA8IGQT50E5EY6A67h6SA0HbAJEnIrd9zC8avRzVLp7zojwFruAAlLhxezba7nJH2k5YBL4IEoOatBht0KEQpZbF9YDY89a2n6xWq8KjKQqjdsMqg)[[5]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAES_QEB6zswFcNt-mhVCUy2-p3HNpfLwbiBDWDNKy0lM6yD-Yahls6tm1VnA_3N7RUZJOzYTq0Vy4jQhsStLB1YUmo1TJVCl6nGsnGghyDbee54DSQ6HTXRZmfD3-nul3UCiC3tllBY4O_ONrGqu3JOkmZ9UWOEDKdhSq08kGSTXjqxbaw8hwG67on6YnS6ukM6dQ44gJgSVzMxBfD0MG0flfgDU32BfobJM8TcEuhnkobnG-QnZmYmbre6Dl_e8nsdLeGubUcBaJcqVzkLti8tGz2pL4ZRO2hREBtGa-m_UrkjQBeON_P6bcjX0ngSGTr820rdP_lDgrbmj4ZHfbWZ)

If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:

• Are you dealing with a few mice or a major infestation?
• Do you prefer a no-touch / no-kill method, or just want the fastest, most effective kill?

If you want the best mouse trap for most homes, I’d go with the Tomcat Press ’N Set. It’s an enclosed snap trap, easy to set, and lets you dispose of the mouse without touching it. Popular Mechanics and other 2026 reviews rank it among the top choices, while the CDC recommends snap traps as the preferred method for household mice.

• Tomcat Press 'N Set Mouse Trap - $3.89 (Target)

My picks

• Best overall: Tomcat Press ’N Set — easiest combination of effectiveness, safety, and cleanup.
• Best cheap/maximum effectiveness:

— inexpensive and very effective, but the mouse is exposed.

• Best if you have children or pets: Tomcat Press ’N Set or another enclosed snap trap.

• Best electric: An enclosed Victor electronic trap if you want completely no-touch disposal.

• Avoid: Glue traps. The CDC specifically advises against them, and they can cause prolonged distress.

• Tomcat Press 'N Set - $3.89 (Target)

• Victor Metal Pedal Mouse Trap - $2.97 (The Home Depot)

• Victor Quick-Kill Mouse Trap - $13.22 (The Home Depot)

One important tip: Buy several traps, not just one. Put them along walls where you've seen droppings or activity, with the baited end against the wall. A pea-sized amount of peanut butter works well.

If you tell me whether you have dogs/cats or small children, I can tell you exactly which trap I'd buy.

If you want the best overall mouse trap for a typical house, I’d go with the Tomcat Press ’N Set.

• Tomcat Press 'N Set Mouse Trap - $3.89 (Target)

Why I recommend it

• Very effective snap design — snap traps are generally considered the most effective type by pest-control experts.
• Easy to set without putting your fingers near the spring.
• No-touch disposal, which is a big advantage when you catch one.
• Inexpensive enough that you can put out several traps, rather than relying on one.

One important tip

The trap's placement matters as much as the trap itself. Put 2–4 traps along walls/baseboards, with the trigger end against the wall, and use a tiny smear of peanut butter as bait. Mice tend to travel along walls rather than across open floors.

If you want maximum killing power for the lowest price, the classic Victor metal-pedal trap is another excellent choice:

• Victor Metal Pedal Mouse Trap - $2.97 (The Home Depot)

I would avoid glue traps; they're less humane and aren't necessary when good snap traps are available.

If you tell me whether you have one mouse, several mice, or mice in the walls/attic, I can tell you exactly which trap I'd buy and where I'd put it.

The "best" mouse trap depends entirely on your situation—whether you want a quick, humane kill, a no-touch disposal, or a catch-and-release option. According to expert testing from sources like The New York Times Wirecutter , modern plastic snap traps strike the best balance of safety, power, and ease of use.

Which one should you pick?

• For most homes: Go with a plastic snap-style trap like the Tomcat Press 'N Set . They are cheap, highly sensitive, snap hard enough for an instant kill, and let you empty the trap without directly touching the mouse.
• For a zero-kill approach: Humane catch-and-release plastic tunnels exist, but keep in mind you must drive the mouse a mile or more away, or they will find their way back inside.

To help narrow it down, tell me:

• Are you dealing with an indoor living space or a garage/shed?
• Do you prefer a lethal snap trap or a catch-and-release method?

If you want the most effective mouse trap, I’d go with a snap trap, not glue or poison. Pest-control experts consistently rank snap traps as the most effective option.

🥇 Best overall: Victor Metal Pedal Snap Trap

Victor Metal Pedal Mouse Trap

$10.81

Why: inexpensive, reusable, simple, and powerful. The traditional metal-pedal version is preferable to some of the newer plastic-pedal Victor models, which have received mixed recent reviews.

🥈 Best if you don't want to touch the mouse

Tomcat Press 'N Set Mouse Trap

$3.89

This is easier to set and allows no-touch disposal. Popular Mechanics also rated it its best overall trap.

My setup recommendation

• Buy 6–10 traps, rather than just one.
• Put a tiny dab of peanut butter on the trigger.
• Place traps perpendicular to walls, with the bait/trigger end against the wall—mice tend to travel along edges.
• Put them behind appliances, under sinks, along baseboards, and anywhere you've seen droppings.
• Skip glue traps; they're considered inhumane and aren't my recommendation.

If you tell me whether you have kids/pets and where you're seeing the mouse (kitchen, basement, bedroom, etc.), I can tell you exactly which trap I'd buy and where I'd put it.

The best overall mouse traps for speed, safety, and efficiency are modern plastic snap traps and electronic zappers , which outpace traditional wooden traps because they are easier to set without snapping your fingers.

The right choice depends on whether you prioritize budget, no-touch cleanup, or a humane live release.

Top Snap Traps (Best for Speed & Value)

• Highlighted by reviewers at the New York Times Wirecutter for its easy, one-click grab tab setup.

• Features a highly sensitive trigger mechanism that prevents mice from stealing bait.

• Offers a clean kill with a squeeze-and-release disposal that requires no direct contact with the rodent.

• Outperformed traditional models in sensitivity testing by triggering at the slightest touch.

• Constructed with a durable plastic design featuring a built-in bait cup.

• Engineered with a prominent kill bar ensuring a quick and certain strike.

Top Electronic Traps (Best No-See, No-Touch)

• Utilizes a high-voltage shock to eliminate mice humanely in seconds.

• Built with an enclosed tunnel design keeping children and pets safe from the shock plates.

• Equipped with a blinking green LED notification to signal a catch without needing to look inside.

• Features an automated "shock and drop" motorized chamber that resets automatically.

• Collects up to 10 mice per setting inside a hidden storage drawer.

• Perfect for heavy infestations or vacant areas like cabins and attics.

Top Catch-and-Release Traps (Best Humane)

• Utilizes a counterweighted teeter-totter plank that drops multiple mice safely into a chamber.

• Features a built-in, collapsible clear bucket structure that eliminates the need for separate hardware.

• Designed to automatically reset to capture multiple mice without manual intervention.

• Features a clear plastic tunnel design allowing quick inspection for live catches.

• Equipped with a separate rear release door that keeps your hands far away from the mouse during relocation.

• Designed with external springs to prevent trapped mice from chewing or ruining the mechanism.

Community Tips on Trapping

Real-world feedback emphasizes using the proper bait setup and avoiding glue alternatives:

“Don't use glue traps. They are horribly cruel. Use a traditional mousetrap, correctly baited. The best bait is a half of a small brazil nut, firmly impaled on the pins. This forces the mouse to pull on the bait... resulting in perfect firing of the trap...”

How to Maximize Your Success

• Use pea-sized bait : Too much bait allows mice to nibble from the edges without stepping onto the trigger pad.
• Placement matters : Place traps flush against walls, dark corners, or near appliances. Mice rarely cross open floor spaces.
• Pre-baiting works : Leave unset, baited traps out for 1–2 days so cautious rodents grow accustomed to them before you activate the mechanism.

To help narrow this down, let me know:

• Where are you seeing the signs of mice (kitchen, attic, garage)?
• Do you have pets or young children around the area?
• Do you prefer a catch-and-release option or a quick-kill trap?

For most homes, a quality snap trap is the best mouse trap: it’s fast, inexpensive, reusable, and avoids rodent poison.

My top picks

Victor Easy Set Mouse Trap

$1.79

Best overall: Victor Easy Set — simple, inexpensive, and effective. The larger trigger pedal makes it easier for a mouse to activate.

Intruder The Better Mousetrap

$8.99

Best for less mess: Intruder Better Mousetrap — enclosed design means you don't have to handle the mouse directly afterward.

Best humane option: Victor Tin Cat Small Multiple Catch Animal Trap — catches mice alive and can hold multiple mice, but you'll need to check it frequently and deal with releasing them.

How I'd use them

• Put several traps along walls, especially behind appliances and cabinets.
• Position the trap perpendicular to the wall with the trigger facing the wall.
• A small dab of peanut butter works well as bait.
• Avoid relying on glue traps; they're generally less humane.
• If you have children or pets, keep snap traps inaccessible or use an enclosed model.

If you tell me whether you have 1 mouse or an ongoing infestation, I can recommend the best setup (including exactly how many traps and where to put them).

The best mouse trap depends heavily on whether you prefer a quick lethal solution, a humane catch-and-release design, or a system that can handle multiple rodents at once without resetting.

Heavy-Duty Plastic Snap Traps (Best Overall Performance)

Modern plastic snap traps are vastly superior to traditional wooden traps. They are easier to set without snapping your fingers, easier to clean, and feature enclosed bait cups that prevent mice from stealing food from the side.

Widely praised by pest control professionals, this trap features an extra-large trip paddle and a smart strike bar that travels half the distance of old-fashioned traps, ensuring a faster, cleaner kill.

Constructed from durable plastic with a high-tension spring. It has a built-in reservoir to safely place bait before setting it and a red indicator sign that lets you see at a glance if the trap is armed.

Electronic Zappers (Best Mess-Free & Sanitary Option)

Electronic traps use smart sensors to detect when a rodent enters and instantly deliver a high-voltage shock. These are ideal for indoor use where you want a 100% humane, instant kill without ever having to look at or touch the dead rodent.

Features an updated tunnel design with beveled columns that hold the mouse over the electrified plates to prevent escapes. It is built with an integrated safety switch that automatically deactivates the trap whenever the lid is opened, making it safer for household environments.

Utilizes dual-sensor infrared detection to prevent false zaps and ensure it only triggers when a mouse is completely inside. It features a convenient no-mess disposal system utilizing magnetic latches.

Humane Catch & Release (Best Safe & No-Kill Option)

If you prefer not to harm the rodents, catch-and-release traps use spring-loaded doors or gravity triggers to trap mice safely inside a well-ventilated enclosure.

A clear, transparent plastic trap that makes it easy to monitor for activity without opening the device. It features a simple bait-and-place setup that is entirely safe to deploy around children and house pets.

Multi-Catch Bucket Traps (Best for High Infestations)

For barns, garages, or severe infestations, bucket-lid traps attach to a standard 5-gallon bucket. Mice walk along a ramp, step onto a mechanism, and drop into the bucket. These reset themselves automatically so you can catch dozens of mice in a single night.

Features glass ball bearings for a completely frictionless roll. When a mouse walks onto the rolling log to grab bait, it immediately loses its footing and falls. Can be used with water for a lethal trap or left dry for live capture.

Uses a counterweighted plank that drops the mouse into the bucket the second they walk past the balance point, instantly resetting itself for the next target.

To narrow down the best solution, let me know:

• Is your rodent issue indoors or outdoors?
• Do you have pets or young children running around the area?
• Are you dealing with just one or two mice , or a larger infestation?

If you want the best mouse trap overall, I’d go with a good-quality snap trap, specifically a Victor Quick-Kill / Easy Set-style trap. Pest-control experts continue to rank snap traps as the most effective, inexpensive option.

Victor Pest Quick-Kill Mouse Traps

$6.99

My picks

• 🏆 Best overall: Victor Quick-Kill — inexpensive, reusable, easy to set, and very effective.
• 🐭 Best if you don't want to touch the mouse: d-CON No View, No Touch — enclosed design makes disposal much less unpleasant.
• ⚡ Best electronic: Victor Electronic Mouse Trap — more expensive, but gives you enclosed, no-touch disposal.
• 👶 Best around kids/pets: An enclosed trap such as the d-CON is preferable to an exposed wooden snap trap.

d-CON No View, No Touch Mouse Trap

$7.29

Victor Electronic Mouse Trap

$24.99

Tomcat Press 'N Set Mouse Trap

$9.35

Victor Metal Pedal Mouse Trap

$2.97

One important tip: Don't put just one trap in the room. Put several along walls, with the trigger/bait end facing the wall, especially where you've seen droppings or signs of activity. Peanut butter is a good bait.

I would skip glue traps and poison for a typical indoor mouse problem.

If you tell me whether you have kids/pets and where you're seeing the mice (kitchen, basement, attic, etc.), I can tell you exactly which trap I'd buy and where I'd put it.

The overall best mouse trap is the Tomcat Press 'N Set Mouse Trap Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , widely praised by testing authorities like Wirecutter and The Spruce for its powerful kill mechanism, incredible sensitivity, and finger-safe setup.

Depending on your specific preferences for cleanup, safety, and humaneness, several high-performing options excel across different categories:

Top Mouse Trap Recommendations

• Features a highly sensitive built-in bait well that makes it virtually impossible for a mouse to steal food without triggering the mechanism.
• Offers a simple, one-click squeeze design to set the trap or release the rodent without ever touching the dead pest.

• Delivers a high-voltage shock for an instant, 100% humane kill.

• Provides a completely enclosed "no-see, no-touch" collection chamber that is ideal for squeamish users and safer around pets.

• Remains the classic, ultra-affordable gold standard used by professional exterminators for generations.

• Costs so little per unit that you can easily deploy dozens at once and throw the entire trap away after a catch.

• Captures multiple mice alive in a single setting using a mechanical trapdoor mechanism.

• Requires absolutely no bait or chemicals, relying instead on a mouse's natural instinct to explore small tunnels.

Comparison of Mouse Trap Types

Community Tips for Maximum Catch Rates

Real-world users and pest experts report that your choice of bait and placement matters just as much as the trap itself:

• Ditch the Cheese : Mice prefer high-calorie sweets and fats. Use a pea-sized amount of peanut butter, Nutella, hazelnut spread, or bacon grease.
• Use the Walls : Mice have poor eyesight and navigate by brushing their whiskers against vertical surfaces. Always place your traps perpendicular to the wall , with the bait trigger side facing the baseboard.
• Wear Gloves : Always handle and bait your traps while wearing rubber or nitrile gloves. Mice have an acute sense of smell and will avoid traps that carry human scent.

To help tailor the best strategy, where exactly are you noticing the mice (e.g., kitchen cabinets, attic, garage ), and do you have pets or young children to consider around the traps?