Contrary to what is often seen in cartoons, cheese is not the best bait for catching mice and rats. Rodents are mainly seed eaters, and mice in particular prefer food that is sweet and sugary. Also, cheese is sometimes difficult to attach to a trap, so rodents often simply take the bait and then move along, not getting caught in the trap. The best baits to use for mice and rats are as follows:
- A pea-sized amount of peanut butter
- A small piece of chocolate
- Bird seed, particularly if it is mixed with peanut butter or another nut spread, such as Nutella
- Fruit jam
- Pet food, particularly if you wet it before placing it in the trap
- Cooked or raw meats, such as hot dog pieces
- Marshmallows and gumdrops
- Nesting materials such as cotton balls, dental floss, and pieces of loose carpet
