Glue boards (aka glue traps) are a seemingly simple pest control method that have been a controversial topic for years. Their ability to capture a wide range of pests, from rodents to insects, without the use of harmful chemicals has made them a popular choice for many. However, the ethical implications of their use have raised significant concerns among animal welfare advocates and environmentalists alike.
The Issue with Glue Boards
One of the primary advantages of glue boards is their effectiveness in capturing a variety of pests. The sticky adhesive on these boards can trap small animals, preventing them from accessing food sources and spreading diseases. This can be particularly beneficial in areas where traditional methods, such as pesticides, are not suitable or effective such as in a food production facility, where the use of chemicals can contaminate products, glue boards can be a safer and create a product friendly option.
Additionally, glue boards are relatively inexpensive and seem easy to use. They require minimal setup and with some training, can be placed in strategic locations to target specific pest populations. This makes them a convenient and accessible pest control solution for both homeowners and businesses.
However, the effectiveness of glue boards comes at a significant cost to animal welfare. The adhesive used on these boards is extremely strong and can cause immense suffering to trapped animals. They may struggle for hours or even days to free themselves, experiencing pain, stress, and ultimately, a slow and agonizing death. This inhumane treatment of animals has led to widespread condemnation of glue boards.
Furthermore, there is a risk of non-target species being caught on glue boards. Birds, reptiles, and even small mammals can become trapped, leading to unnecessary suffering and potential population declines. This is particularly concerning in areas with diverse wildlife populations.
While glue boards can be effective in certain situations, their use should be carefully considered and limited. They should only be used in areas where other pest control methods are not feasible, such as food production facilities. Additionally, they should be placed in strategic locations to minimize the risk of non-target species being captured and never used to catch anything more than insects. It is essential to monitor glue boards regularly and release any non-target animals that may become trapped.
Releasing a trapped non-target animal such as a snake can be a challenge, especially if the trapped animal can pose a threat to the human who is attempting to release them. So if you don’t feel that you can safely do this, seek help from a company like Prickly Pear who has the experience and tools required to safely remove these animals.
If you are capable of removing the animal yourself though, you may use vegetable oil or olive oil rubbed along the glue next to the animal and slowly lift the animal out of the glue. As the glue begins to break down, the animal will begin moving itself in an attempt to free itself. Once freed, the animal should be washed gently in a dawn dish soap and water mix to remove the remaining glue from their fur/skin. When done successfully and early enough, the animal can make a full recovery!
Summary
It is important to explore alternative pest control methods that are more humane and environmentally friendly. These may include traps that provide a quick and painless death, exclusion techniques to prevent pests from entering buildings, and habitat modification to reduce pest populations.While glue boards may offer a convenient and effective way to control pests, their use in the wrong applications or placement creates inhumane and ethical concerns. While they may be necessary in certain situations, their application should be carefully considered with careful placement in order to minimize harm to animals. When used, they should be monitored frequently to ensure that no non-targeted animals have become trapped by the glue board.
How Does Prickly Pear Use Glue Boards?
Prickly Pear specializes in humane wildlife control. That means that we take special care to ensure the safety of the humans AND the wildlife when solving pest or wildlife concerns. As such, we never recommend homeowners or DIY’rs use glue boards because of the risk to non-targeted animals. Prickly Pear will use glue boards when necessary to measure pest infestation levels or control in food production. When we do, we ensure that the traps are placed in places that minimize the risk to other animals and we always pair it with frequent checks to ensure that they are working as intended. If you want to learn more, reach out to us and we would be happy to talk through your specific use case.