We use the stinkiest dryer sheets we can get our hands on. Brand isn't too important. If we can smell the unopened box from the end of the aisle that's the one we buy. Put at least one sheet in every cabinet, drawer, storage area, shelf - everywhere. Wearing gloves will keep your hands from smelling to high heaven for a couple of days.

No mice and no spiders in 20+ years. (We also remove all paper products when we put 'er into hibernation.)

IMHO brass wool is better than steel wool for plugging holes. Both work - but steel is more likely to rust.

I used dryer sheets and they seemed to work then I was told about Irish Spring soap, cut it in quarts and place it around, it worked the first winter then when the smell diminished the mice ate the soap! lol stick with the dryer sheets and check often for any signs