Question
Dan,

I have another question for you.  Since the mice are in my attic, and bedroom wall and there are no signs of them inside the living space or the garage, where do you think they might be getting their food source?

I'm trying your suggeston now using the peppermint oil.  I'll let you know how that works for me.  

Thanks Sharon
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi Dan,

I've been battling a problem with field mice every fall for the past three years.  They find their way into my attic and in my bedroom wall.  It took us awhile to figure out how they're getting in, but we believe we found the point of entry.  

Today we sealed the area.  I'm not sure if all of them got out before we sealed off the entry point, I'm sure there was  some still in the attic.  The attic is baited.  Is this going to be a problem for me?  What will happen when the mice come back and find the entry point sealed?  

I don't know what else to do.  I'm tired of battling these critters every Fall/Winter.
-----Answer-----
Hi Sharon,

I use those wind up repeating traps... and cats.

If you know where they come in, there are two things I know that thwart them. Plastic bags and mint.  Stuff wadded up plasic grocery bags into the openings. The thin kind. Mice don't deal with that stuff very well. Put some peppermint or spearmint in the bags. Mice detest mint. You can use mint any other way that works for you. I use dried leaf or powder. You can even put it right in stored dried foods such as beans or corn.  

Dan

Answer
They could be getting food outside and using your house for shelter. Study for food or water sources outside and eliminate them if possible. They also may be inside. Sooner or later they will make a way in. You can test this by leaving a few peanuts against the wall on the floor. They run along wall bases and would take any peanut found. If the peanut is gone they are in. Set a trap near baited with peanut butter. There are almost always 2 mice... or more. Watch around plumbing going thru walls and floor. Under sinks etc. A very common entry. The hole the pipe passes thru gives them a start and they chew it larger. They can chew thru wood, some plastics and even drywall and plaster.