Why Reusing The Same Bait For Mice Is Doing More Harm Than Good

Do you have a problem with mice in your house? If so, you probably want to get the mice away from your home ASAP. Mice can harbor all sorts of nasty diseases that can impact our health. From Hantavirus to Salmonella, these tiny terrors are more than just annoying — they're major health hazards. It's no wonder, then, that many are eager to banish these furry intruders from their homes. You might start by cleaning and sealing up entry points, but chances are you'll end up setting traps, too, with humane traps being a popular option. 

Now, while humane traps are certainly an effective way to help rid yourselves of mice, there is a downside to their use. As with any trap that uses bait you put in yourself to entice animals to come near, the fact is that you will need to trade out the bait frequently! That's right, you can't simply leave the same bait in for weeks; instead, you will need to trade it out at least once or twice a week for maximum effectiveness. 

First off, let's get one thing straight — mice may not be picky eaters when it comes to type of food, but if it's not fresh and fragrant, they're not interested. Using the same old bait? They are simply not going to be interested in it, and the smell may not be strong enough to draw them in when compared to something fresher.

If you want to catch mice in the trap, then you should check the bait daily — if it's been sitting there for more than a few days without any takers, it's gone stale and it's time for a change. Aim to swap out the bait at least twice a week, especially if you're still noticing mouse activity nearby. 

Some signs of activity include droppings in the vicinity of the trap, gnaw marks, a strong ammonia smell from their urine, shredded nesting material, and spotting live mice. If you are seeing such activity, continue swapping out your bait — but if not, it might be time to change the location of the trap to where you are seeing those signs.

Another thing to keep in mind is that mice will not take your bait if others have already chewed on it. Remember, mice have an incredible sense of smell, which means they can detect the scent left behind by another mouse and they won't want to eat the used bait. Instead, replace bait with a new one every time you catch and release a mouse from your humane trap.

How often you change your bait will also depend on what kind of bait you are using for your humane trap. Peanut butter is a popular choice, but it dries out quickly and loses its appeal. On the other hand, pet food retains its scent and quality longer, making it a more reliable option. Your bait selection will dictate how often you need to change it. The key is to keep it fresh (and irresistible).