This^
I know some people don't think about this, and this isn't a shot at you OP so please don't take it that way, but a lot of local predators be it birds or coyotes, come to know where there's a quick bite located especially during the winter. That's why it's recommended that you keep bird seed in your feeders even in the winter, because some birds will remember your house is a good spot for a snake when they're migrating.
That mouse population might be maintaining a hawk family somewhere near/on your property, so if you can leave them for them, I would. Although growing up on a farm myself I 100% understand your desire to keep them out of the house haha