Make sure you cover all exposed skin. Use a mosquito-net over your bed in rather than rely on repellants at night in bad areas. Suggested baits are bacon, fish, nuts, peanut butter, honey, apple and banana or chocolate coated nuts or fruit. Mice will prefer fruit and nuts. With rats it may be necessary to bait but not set the trap for a couple of days so the rats become familiar, then bait and set.
Check traps daily and use fresh bait each day.
1 part cement dust to 1 part icing sugar can be a good bait. There are now closed traps available if you don't wish to kill the mice or rats - just put in the bait and empty when the job is done. Check agricultural or rural papers for ads. Regular vacuuming is essential and a thorough vacuuming every few months especially bookshelves. Use plenty of lavender oil on bookshelves, several times a year.