What is the best method of getting rid of house mice apart from killing them?

Here is my way of doing it.
Buy some strong metal mesh, a strong wall stapler and, plaster.

Carefully go through your whole house or apartment stapling the mesh wherever there is a hole big enough for mice. Then place plaster over it.

Actually, the mesh itself should be strong enough to stop the critters. I did this and haven't seen a mouse in years! Before that they had very convenient entrances.


I have also placed sharp knives aiming in in some crevasses to discourage attempts at entrance.

I found that a mouse trap with a sunflower seed or two wedged tightly in the area you would put cheese works awesome. They seem to love sunflower seeds. And if you wedge them in tight, they can't sneek off with the food.

If you follow starman's advice, you will also exclude a bunch of cold air in winter and moisture year around. Caulk narrow cracks. That will keep cold air out, and discourage gnawing them wider. I simply glued pieces of light metal over their holes. I cut up scraps from the trim on the house. We haven't had any mice for years.

A few years ago, I saw some no kill traps you might want to use at Wal-Mart. They were just a clear plastic box with a swinging door at one end. Hinge side up, and the mouse can push it up and go in for the cheese, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, etc. Once past it, is swings shut, and the mouse can't pull it open. Take it outside and turn it over, and the door falls open. You could even stand back and turn it over with a stick.

I have also had some luck with the sonic pest control... I also use traditional traps with peanut butter.

Another trick I have found that works is taking steel wool and putting it around pipes and in any hole you find, steel wool is very cheap and it is easy to work with

Good advice JJ2546 Steel wool does a excellent job keeping out mice. Remember the number one rule in preventing mice from entering your home is.
Exclusion!!