we had an "insident" where several just weaned mice where dumped out of a tub outside while in a temp tub (cleaning day). Only a few where recovered and we noticed that some had gotten back into the house...the dog food was a good source of food...and plenty of water. We where able to catch one or two. Our secret weapon: my wife's jack russel terrior.
suprisingly this dog will even track down escapee crickets!