The Best Cheeses To Lure Mice With Ease

When it comes to mouse traps, the best type of cheese is one that has a strong smell. However, despite what cartoons may have led us to believe, cheese might not actually be the best bait for mouse traps. Mice are more attracted to carbohydrates than dairy, and will only eat cheese if they are hungry and no other food source is available. Peanut butter, for example, is a better option as it has a high protein content, stays fresh longer, and is sticky, making it harder for mice to steal without getting caught.

Why cheese might not be the best bait for mouse traps

Although it may seem like the obvious choice, cheese might not be the best bait to use in mouse traps. This is due to a few key reasons:

Firstly, mice are generally more attracted to carbohydrates than dairy. According to the National Pest Management Association, "mice will consume almost any human food but prefer grain-based products." Mice will actively avoid cheese, especially those with strong odours, as their sense of smell is sensitive. Sweeter, softer cheeses like goat cheese, gouda, or mascarpone may be more appealing to mice than harder, more pungent varieties.

Secondly, the myth of cheese-loving mice is just that—a myth. It likely stems from the days when people stored food in cellars. Grains and meat were kept in containers or hung from rafters, while wheels of homemade cheese were left on open shelves to ripen, making them easy targets for rodents. So, when people found mouse gnaw marks on their cheese, they assumed that mice preferred cheese over other foods. In reality, mice were simply taking advantage of an easily accessible food source.

Thirdly, cheese can be difficult to position in mouse traps, and it tends to dry out quickly, making it even less appealing to mice. Using too large a chunk of cheese is also common, allowing mice to nibble on it without triggering the trap.

So, what should you use instead? Experts recommend baiting traps with small amounts of peanut butter, chocolate, beef sticks, or other sticky, sweet treats. Peanut butter is a top choice because it's tempting, sticky, and forces mice to stay at the trap longer. For more easily stolen baits like chocolate, try tying them to the trap with dental floss to ensure the mouse can't take the bait without setting off the trigger.

High-fat and high-protein foods are more attractive to mice

Mice are attracted to foods that are high in protein and fat. This is why the best mouse trap baits include peanut butter, hazelnut spread, chocolate, and meats like bacon or beef jerky. Mice also have a sweet tooth, with chocolate and fruits ranking high on their list of delicacies. Their staple food is grain.

The myth that mice love cheese can be traced back to when people routinely stored food in cellars. Wooden barrels and earthen jars kept grains safely out of reach, and meat was hung from the rafters to cure. Wheels of homemade cheese, on the other hand, were left on open shelves to ripen, making them easy pickings for hungry rodents. When people discovered gnaw marks on their cheese, they assumed mice munched on their preferred snack. In truth, it was simply a question of access.

The strong sense of smell of mice is another reason why they are not attracted to cheese. The nose of a mouse is very sensitive, and strong-smelling cheeses can be extremely pungent and unappealing to mice.

Peanut butter is a top choice for mouse traps

The high sugar levels in peanut butter are tempting to mice, and its stickiness means that mice are forced to stay at the trap for longer, increasing the chances of the trap being sprung. Mice are not particularly picky eaters, but they do have their preferences. They are primarily nut and seed eaters, so they are strongly attracted to peanut butter.

The smell of peanut butter is also more appealing to mice than that of cheese. Cheese can be extremely pungent, and this strong smell is unappealing to mice. They will eat cheese if they are hungry and no other preferable food source is available, but they will actively avoid it if they can get their paws on grains, vegetables, sweets, or foods that are high in protein and fat.

When using peanut butter as bait, it is important to use a small amount—no more than a pea-sized amount. This will be enough to attract mice without the risk of them eating it without setting off the trap. It is also important to keep the bait fresh, as mice, like humans, prefer fresh food.

How to set up a mouse trap

Contrary to popular belief, cheese is not the best bait for mousetraps. Mice are generally more attracted to carbohydrates than dairy, and are put off by strong-smelling cheeses due to their sensitive sense of smell. Instead, opt for foods that are high in protein and fat, such as peanut butter, hazelnut spread, chocolate, bacon, beef jerky, or sunflower seeds.

• Identify the kill bar, pedal, and armbar on your snap trap. The kill bar is the distinct, rectangular-shaped bar that loops around one side of the trap and is spring-loaded to snap back and kill any lured mice. The pedal is a small, copper-colored piece of metal that springs the trap when stepped on. The armbar is a thin, wire-like piece of metal that hooks onto the pedal and holds the kill bar in place.
• Remove the staple holding the armbar in place. This is usually stapled to the left side of the wooden trap.
• Set aside the armbar for now, and apply a pea-sized amount of bait (peanut butter or hazelnut spread) to the pedal using a toothpick or swab. Avoid touching the pedal with your fingers to prevent transferring your scent, which may deter mice. Alternatively, you can use string or dental floss as bait, as mice like to use string in their nests.
• Tug the kill bar back and hold it down with your thumb. This may require some effort as the bar is spring-loaded.
• Hook the end of the armbar beneath the latch on the metal pedal. Use your free hand to flip the armbar up and over the rectangular bar. Secure the curved end of the armbar beneath the latch. Be careful, as this part can be tricky. Keep pressing your thumb down on the kill bar to prevent it from springing back.
• Let go of the kill bar quickly. Don't be discouraged if the trap doesn't set immediately—keep practising!
• Choose a strategic location for your trap. Mice generally take the same path between their nest and food sources, so place the trap along that path, flush with baseboards, in corners, or near small openings they use to enter. You can also set traps near gnaw marks, droppings, or other signs of rodent activity.
• Set multiple traps to increase your chances of success. Place at least six traps for each mouse you've spotted. Set two traps side by side or in a row to prevent the agile critters from jumping past.
• Check your traps regularly. Even if you don't hear a trap go off, check them frequently to ensure they are still set and baited. When you've caught a mouse, remove it as soon as possible. Wear gloves to avoid any contact with germs or diseases, and dispose of the mouse and trap in an outdoor bin.

Alternative foods to use as bait

Contrary to popular belief, cheese is not the best bait for mousetraps. Mice are more attracted to carbohydrates than dairy, and will actively avoid strong-smelling cheeses, which offend their sensitive sense of smell. So, what are some alternative foods to use as bait?

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is one of the most effective baits for mouse traps. Its high fat and protein content attract mice, and its sticky texture makes it difficult for them to steal without triggering the trap. Its strong aroma grabs the attention of mice, and its high sugar content is enticing to them.

Chocolate

Mice have a sweet tooth, and chocolate—especially dark chocolate—can be an irresistible treat for them. The strong aroma and sweet taste make it an excellent choice for bait. However, chocolate can be dangerous for pets and children if ingested, so caution should be exercised when using it as bait.

Bacon

Cooked bacon has a strong, enticing smell that can lure mice to traps. Its high fat and protein content also make it a favourite among these rodents.

Nuts

Nuts, especially those with strong scents like almonds or hazelnuts, can be very effective as bait. Their appealing aroma and high fat and protein content make them one of the best foods to use as bait for mouse traps.

Seeds and Grains

Seeds and grains, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, or oats, can attract mice. They are small and easy for mice to grab, and their high fat and protein content make them a good food source.

Fruits

Dried fruits, such as raisins or bits of apple, can also attract mice. Their natural sweetness and chewy texture are appealing to these pests.

Frequently asked questions