In the wild, house mice feed primarily on seeds. In the home, they prefer grain products, bird seed, and dry pet food. Peanut butter or gum drops stuck to the trigger, rolled oats or bird seed sprinkled on the trap are good baits. House mice are inquisitive and actively explore anything new. They tend to nibble on many small meals a night.
House mice are good climbers.
They have a small home range and usually stay within 10 to 30 feet of their nest. Therefore traps for mice should be set 6 to 10 feet apart. Nests are usually in structural voids, in undisturbed stored products or debris, or in burrows outdoors. When food is abundant, nesting material, such as a cotton ball, tied to the trigger can act as an effective lure. Mice and rats are very nervous about moving in the open.