The last time I had mice, I tried everything. From the little machines that make a sound to peppermint that is supposed to drive them away. Didn't Work!!! Sticky traps are gross and work for a couple mice, then the mice smarten up and avoid them. I finally had to use bar bait in every single room in my house. I have to hide it because of the dog, and yes I had to pick up dead mice everywhere, but I will tell you I would rather pick up dead mice and throw them out than to have the damage from the mice. I even have to fix a wall where they chewed through it. They didn't however chew through the rubbermaid. I guess there were too many other things for them to eat.