Peanut butter works great, I agree! And it lasts longer than cheese.
I had mice in the house once. I trapped three with peanut butter. Then I tried those acoustic things you plug into an outlet - they double as night lights. Supposedly they drive the mice away with high pitched sounds that people can’t hear.
Boom! Gone from the house! I also closed up their egress in the basement. But I think the acoustic things worked. I still have them plugged in. Has anyone else tried these?
I swear by sticky traps now. Caught a whole family of mice on one rat size trap.
The old 5 gallon bucket with some water in it and coke can on a clothes hanger works well. Just have to remember to check the bucket before the critter dissolves.
Some have very positive reviews though they vary in quality based on them, while tests say they show no proof.
Another option are rat zappers, and they do work for mice, though rats are smarter. And can restart their heart after a few minutes. Tell me if this video works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grcl0nI78Jc
Also, Rat Resurrection: Diseases once thought long gone are crawling around the city
While rats can eat through brick, you want to cement any openings into their building, or your apt if that is the case. And use covered heavy barrels.