Not a Fan of Sticky Traps or Poisons? Try These Methods for Dealing with Mice and Rats Instead

You probably won’t find anyone who disagrees with the fact that having mice or rats in your home is a problem. There is a divide, however, in regards to what people think the best way to deal with them is. Sticky traps leave them to die a slow death from dehydration, while poisons can be dangerous to kids and pets. So what other options are there?

The traditional springtrap is the opposite of a sticky trap in that instead of leaving an animal to slowly die, it kills it quickly. In fact, if set up properly, death is pretty much instant. Place them along rodent runways that the animals are currently using. Be sure to check them frequently. If they don’t kill the mouse or rat, you’ll need to put it out of its misery yourself. Use traps with a metal or plastic base instead of a wood one if you can, since they are much easier to clean. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and a dust mask while handling the rodent yourself to keep yourself safe.

Trapping and releasing a mouse or rat may seem like a pretty humane way to deal with them. After all, it’s one of the few removal methods that don’t kill the animal. PETA considers releasing them more than 100 yards from their origin point is considered inhumane since they may struggle to find food, water, and shelter. Still, mice and rats are pretty intelligent and have been known to travel further than that to get back to where they know they can find food and shelter. If you choose this method, make sure you also take steps to keep them from getting back into your home.

Do you love dogs or cats? If so, consider getting a hunting or mouser cat or a rat terrier. These animals are natural predators of mice and rats. You get a companion and a home that’s less likely to play host to rodents. If you choose to take this approach, make sure you don’t have poisons spread around your home. Your home is now their home, and it should be as safe for them as possible.

At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a humane way to deal with mice and rats, the unfortunate truth is that that’s going to be pretty tough. The nature of pest control means that they’re going to have to suffer to some extent. Mostly there are just less inhumane ways of dealing with them. Still, considering the threat they can be to your health and safety, it’s ultimately best that they be removed one way or another.



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