Mouse problem: better strategy? better alternatives? better mousetraps?

Until a few weeks ago, we’ve never had to deal with mice. All of a sudden we have one or more rodent intruders. And we’re not winning.

If you’ve ever won a battle with mice, or even scored a few points, what worked for you?

We’ve set conventional traps, sticky traps small and large, and electronic traps. After one narrow escape from a sticky trap, the pest has stayed clear of all the rest and shows no interest in peanut butter. Is there a more enticing bait?

We’ve discovered and closed off little gaps under doors and between floors.

We’ve put foodstuffs such as muffins and cereals in inaccessible places.

We’re not getting involved with another family cat at this stage of things. I lived with cats for about 50 years and loved them, but that’s enough.

We found that the mouse had been feasting on some dried maize (corn) that I used to use as decoration in the fall and that has been stored in the basement. Are we better or worse off if we remove it and now the mouse wants our active supplies? I don’t want to find a hole in a 25-pound bag of rice.

Finding a gnawed potato is one thing. Finding little mouse poops on dining room chair cushions is another. I want to win this, but I don’t know what else to do.