why am I seeing a lot of reports that irish spring doesn't do anything, and in fact attracts them?
As with anything you can find reports of things working and also not working,
Just from real world experiences Irish Spring works
My lazy retirement position lets me meet several people who store campers and cars for the winter in the building we rent out
All before closing the doors, hoods etc carve up Irish Spring and toss it everywhere
These are buildings that have mice. Last year over 100 campers/motorhomes were stored in the various barns ( plus a dozen old cars) none reported any mice or mouse damage
Now in other areas maybe mice love the smell and taste so eat it up.
Just reporting what has worked for me and others in the Buckeye State