When it comes to humane animal removal, the best option is to prevent the problem before it starts. Secure trash disposal, removing food attractants, and storing foods in rodent-resistant containers help prevent nuisance wildlife problems.

However, in some cases, nonlethal Trapping USA Animal Removal & Pest Control methods may be necessary. These include trapping, exclusion strategies, and relocation, all of which must prioritize animal well-being and promote a respectful coexistence with humans.

Glue Boards

Glue boards, also known as sticky traps, are plastic trays or sheets of cardboard coated with extremely strong glue that instantly ensnares rodents and other small animals that walk across them. Despite manufacturers’ claims that they kill animals quickly, these devices do not. Instead, trapped animals can suffer for days as they become stuck and desperately try to free themselves. They can cry out and gnaw through their limbs as they struggle, resulting in irreparable damage.

Moreover, because these traps are so indiscriminate, they often catch “nontarget” animals as well. In a recent survey, two-thirds of Massachusetts licensed wildlife rehabilitators reported treating an animal (including songbirds, a snake, and household pets) caught in a glue trap. Some of these animals were saved through humane methods; others, however, had to be euthanized because they could not be safely released into the wild.

Because they’re so cruel, glue traps are considered one of the worst rodent control techniques in existence. Not only are they inhumane to animals, but they can be dangerous for people as well. Because trapped animals are panicked, they may defecate and urinate in an attempt to escape, which can expose humans to disease organisms. Furthermore, picking up a trapped animal can cause it to bite.

While several organizations, including PETA, have banned the sale and use of glue traps, some stores still sell them. When you see them for sale, politely ask store managers and company leadership to stop selling them because they cause animals to suffer.

If you see an animal stuck in a glue trap, first gently restrain it with a gloved hand. Run hot water over the oil until it feels warm to your touch, but not hot enough to burn you. Then, slowly work the glue away with the hot oil. Continue massaging until the animal is completely unstuck and free. Afterward, take it outdoors during good weather and within a block radius of where it was discovered.

Snap Traps

Snap traps are another popular rodent control method that some consider more humane than glue traps. They work by using a small wooden, plastic, or metal trap with a spring-loaded bar that snaps down on rodents when they seize the bait. This results in instantaneous death, which some find to be more humane than a slow, painful death or poisoning. Snap traps are easy to set and affordable, and they can be used repeatedly. However, they must be checked and dead rodents removed regularly. Otherwise, other rats will become averse to the trap and it may be less effective for future rodent infestations.

Glue traps are a less common but equally humane animal removal technique. They typically use a sticky surface that immobilizes rodents and prevents them from escaping. These traps are usually placed in areas of high rodent activity, and they can be purchased from most hardware stores and DIY/garden centers. Although they are a bit more difficult to use than snap traps, they can be more effective in some environments due to their ability to capture multiple rodents at once. They also lack the sharp components that can harm pets or children if they are accidentally triggered.

Another humane animal removal technique is habitat modification, which involves changing a property’s environment to make it less attractive to wildlife. This can include removing food sources or changing terrain to reduce the appeal of a particular area, and it is often more effective than simply using repellents.

Exclusion is a standard technique in humane wildlife removal, and it can be used to prevent animals from entering buildings or yards. This involves identifying and blocking entry points, and it can be accomplished with a variety of materials including concrete, mesh, and metal flashing. It is important to thoroughly inspect the property and properly seal off entry points to ensure that no new animals can enter. Additionally, exclusion can be complemented with other humane wildlife removal techniques such as repellents and deterrents. By using a combination of these methods, you can effectively eliminate a wildlife problem while protecting yourself and the wildlife species involved.

Live Trapping

When homeowners encounter nuisance wildlife like raccoons in chimneys or groundhogs under sheds, they may be tempted to live-trap and relocate the animals. Certainly, it’s better than letting the critter damage property or create unpleasant messes in gardens and trash cans. However, this rarely ends well for the animals and it isn’t a long-term solution.

The relocating process may cause more problems than it solves. For instance, relocating a wild animal to a new area can hurt the ecosystem by disrupting gene pools and encouraging competition with neighboring animals. In addition, relocating wildlife to residential areas can also lead to health concerns such as rabies and leptospirosis transmission.

Relocation of captured wildlife is best done by a licensed professional. This way, the health and welfare of the critter is assured. The professionals can choose a safe release site far away from residential zones and ensure the habitat is adequate for the animal’s survival.

A common problem with a do-it-yourself approach is that traps are often too small or poorly constructed to accommodate the animal. In addition, most DIY traps are not checked frequently enough to prevent an animal from becoming harmed or sick from starvation or stress. This is especially true in summer when the heat can cause an animal to dehydrate or suffer a heat stroke.

Fortunately, there are many humane trapping options available to homeowners and professionals alike. One of the most effective approaches is to modify the wildlife environment on your property by removing food sources, creating barriers, and providing shelter in a natural setting. Professionals can also capture the wildlife by using humane trapping techniques and relocating it to a more suitable habitat away from residential areas. This can be accomplished by a trained and experienced animal control specialist with the proper equipment and knowledge. The most important thing to remember when capturing and relocating nuisance wildlife is to check the traps frequently and keep them clean. By doing so, you can minimize animal suffering and reduce the number of unwanted guests.

Exclusion

Wildlife exclusion is a cornerstone of humane animal removal and a popular IPM (Integrated Pest Management) technique. It involves modifying the environment or structures to prevent access by wildlife and offers a long-term solution without direct animal handling. It includes sealing entry points, excluding food sources, and using barriers. It can also include deterrents and repellents that don’t cause harm.

Animals are receptive to environmental changes that discourage their behaviors and can promote their relocation to new habitats. Unlike aggressive removal methods, humane exclusion techniques offer a net benefit to both the animals and humans in their community by ensuring they don’t return and damage property again.

It’s critical to choose a humane animal control company that uses effective, safe, and eco-friendly exclusion techniques rather than relying on trapping and other more toxic means of wildlife removal. Look for a service that can provide proof of certification or referral from a local wildlife rehabilitator or humane society. Also, make sure they carry commercial liability insurance and any required licenses.

A reputable animal removal service will take the time to inspect the problem, prioritize animal welfare, and apply one-way doors or live trapping humane strategies. This can help resolve a wildlife infestation in a more cost-effective and less stressful manner. It will also help ensure that the animals can return to their natural environments while keeping them away from homes and businesses.

The best wildlife removal companies will be licensed, and insured and abide by all state and federal laws. They will also follow a strict set of guidelines that are based on a foundation of respect for the environment, animals, and humans. They will never encourage wildlife damage through baiting or feeding, and they will always use traps with a releasable catch door to allow the animal to escape when trapped. They will also use animal-proofing methods to prevent re-entry and avoid future problems. They will also recommend habitat modification and repellents that are safe for the animals. They will also educate customers on the best practices to maintain a healthy ecosystem for all species.