We use these traps which are NZ made in Wellington:

Super MAX - Pet safe Multi-rodent trap

I use mixed nut butter with a very small amount of vanilla essence added.

Unfortunately, the "sensitive" setting is a bit too-sensitive so I use the normal setting and this means sometimes mice get away. But it has never failed to catch a rate and these traps have a strong spring. The rodent will get killed instantly.

When you first place the trap it will have your scent on it so the rodent may be a bit wary. Wash your hands first and be patient. 

I have also found once one rodent has gone into the trap any others hanging are not far behind. My record is 3 rats in 20 minutes. Today I got 2 rats in an hour. So if you hear the trap go off deal with it immediately and put it straight back where it was.

We have several cats so understandably avoid bait but if we have to use it to deal with a particularly wily rodent we keep the cats in their catio.

We live in a rural area so unfortunately rodents are a thing. Some years are worse then others. Right now its getting colder so they are heading inside.

We do our best to make sure they are not welcome. We have sealed off our kitchen area and keep dry food in large plastic containers. As a bonus this also keeps it in the dark. Rodents especially like flour and sugar. Food scraps go into a wheelie bin.

All our cats are well fed so any rodents they hunt is for sport. Lets say some are more keen to earn their keep then others, but they have to be in the mood. Cats are a good form of rodent control but should be used in conjunction with other methods. Also note rodents are most active at night and our cats are in their cages from evening bird feeding time to the morning.

Unfortunately, there isn't much pest controllers can do about rodents because they are so pervasive and quick to move in. I recommend people figure out how to deal with them and do it themselves.