You’ve heard the scratching, seen the droppings, and maybe even spotted a tiny intruder running across the floor. So, you did what most people do—you bought some traps. But the mice are still there. Still chewing. Still leaving signs.
If you’ve been trying to fix a mouse problem with traps alone and nothing’s changing, you’re not alone.
However, traps are only one part of the solution and often are not enough on their own.
You’re Catching One or Two—Not the Whole Nest
Setting a trap and catching a mouse might feel like a success. But mice reproduce quickly. In fact, one female mouse can give birth to up to 10 litters per year, with 5–8 babies in each litter. That’s dozens of mice in a matter of months.
So, while you may have caught one or two, there could be many more hiding inside your walls, loft or basement area.
Traps only reduce immediate activity; any nesting mice will continue to breed in hidden areas. If you don’t do a full nest removal and treatment, the problem continues quietly behind the scenes.
If mice keep returning no matter how many you catch, it’s a sign that you’re dealing with a full infestation—and you’ll probably need more than just traps to solve it.
The Traps Are in the Wrong Places
Trap placement is everything. Mice are creatures of habit. They follow the same paths when they’re searching for food sources. They also stick to the edges of walls, skirting boards, dark corners, and quiet, undisturbed spaces. One sign of mice is seeing smear marks along skirting boards and the edges of walls.
Common trap placement mistakes:
· Putting traps in the middle of rooms.
· Setting traps where you’ve seen mice—but not where they travel.
· Failing to place traps near signs of activity (droppings, gnaw marks, urine trails).
Always put traps along known runways—close to walls and behind appliances. And if that’s still not working it’s an indication you need a trained eye to map out mouse behaviour properly.
Make Sure to Block Entry Points
A mouse can squeeze through a gap the size of a 5p coin. So even if your traps work, more mice might still be getting in, especially if there’s a nest.
If you’re not sealing up entry points, your home or business can be an open door.
Common entry points mice use:
· Gaps under doors and windows.
· Holes in brickwork or vents.
· Pipework access (under sinks, in cupboards).
· Roof spaces and loft eaves.
This is why pest control professionals should begin with proofing— that is sealing off all access points to stop the problem at the source. If you’re not doing this, you’re stuck in an endless loop.
The Wrong Bait
Bait matters. But how you handle it matters even more.
Mice are cautious by nature. They use their senses to detect danger—and they’re especially sensitive to smells.
Common baiting mistakes include using low-quality or dry bait and handling bait with bare hands leaving a warning human scent on the bait. When you’ve found missing bait but the trap hasn’t been sprung it’s likely you’ve not seen securing bait to the trap mechanism properly.
Mice are picky-eaters. Use gloves when placing bait and opt for high-attraction and fresh food like peanut butter, chocolate, or even small pieces of cooked meat.
But even with the perfect bait, it won’t solve a larger mouse problem on its own.
You’re Dealing with a Bigger Infestation Than You Realise
If you’re hearing scratching in the walls, spotting droppings in multiple rooms, or smelling a musky odour—it’s likely more than a one-mouse issue.
Larger infestations are incredibly hard to tackle with traps alone because you’re not just dealing with adult mice. There might be nests hidden in walls, lofts, or insulation while breeding cycles regularly produce new mice.
It’s likely that with high numbers of mice, they are also avoiding your traps entirely.
In these situations, you’ll need a combination of methods: traps, poison bait stations, ultrasonic deterrents, and most importantly—professional-grade proofing and follow-up.
That’s where a qualified pest control mice expert comes in.
Professional Mouse Control
Whether you’re dealing with a few mice in the kitchen or a full-blown loft infestation, professional help gives you a long-term solution—not a short-term fix.
A licensed pest controller will:
· Survey your entire property for entry points, nests, and hiding spots.
· Apply targeted treatments—not just random traps.
· Seal up access holes to stop re-entry.
· Offer follow-up treatments to ensure the infestation is fully dealt with.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still seeing signs of mice despite your best efforts with traps, it’s time to stop wasting time. A trusted pest control mice service can solve the issue at its root.
