SPCA warns public not to use sticky glue traps
Sticky glue traps are a cruel method of killing mice.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has urged the public not to use sticky glue traps to catch and kill mice, as using them constitutes cruelty.
These glue traps are typically small sheets or cardboard trays with a strong adhesive substance on the top of them. When an animal steps on it, the adhesive holds it in place indefinitely.
Despite a previous national campaign to eradicate these items from store shelves, they have again appeared for sale, especially at hardware stores. The Roodepoort SPCA advises that whilst they may seem practical and are cheap, they are extremely cruel. Bear in mind that a live mouse (assuming the ‘target’ animal is caught), will remain stuck in the glue until it starves to death, dies of injuries sustained trying to break free, or is ‘disposed of’ by an individual.
Despite the instruction on one version of these glue traps to “dispatch captured mice quickly and humanely”, we have to ask how many people would actually do so, or even know how to do it? And, is it actually possible to keep children, pets and “other non-target species of birds and animals” away from the trap, as specified in the warning on the packaging?
Instances abound of calls from distraught people who have discovered kittens, fledglings, frogs and other small creatures stuck to these adhesive boards. All were alive and in a terrible state when found.
These adhesive traps simply do not work in the long run. Using them can actually backfire. This is because when animals are killed/ removed from the environment, a void is created. This means there is more food for the surviving creatures, which leads to accelerated breeding. In other words, populations increase.
The Roodepoort SPCA calls upon everyone to not only avoid using these contraptions but also to speak to the managers of stores where they are on sale, advising of welfare concerns and motivating why they should not be put on sale. The SPCA cannot do this alone.
The SPCA advises the public to rather use ammonia-soaked cotton balls or rags to drive rodents out – they hate the smell. Place them in areas where rodents, droppings, or nests have been seen, and be sure to give the animals a few days to leave.
Snap traps trigger a mechanism which breaks the mouse’s neck, thus quickly trapping and killing mice. This is not exactly pleasant, but avoids drawn-out suffering. However, they can cause physical injury if tampered with by children and pets. Fortunately, covered snap traps are now available.
If the intention is to remove rather than kill the mouse, humane traps can be obtained. They will cost more but enable the release of unharmed creatures back into the wild.
The only sure-fire way to keep mice and other animals out of your house is to make it less inviting to them, so prevent rodents from entering your home by sealing potential entry points. This is especially important as the weather turns colder and rodents start looking for warmer residences, or when building has been taking place in the area and their homes have been disturbed or destroyed.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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