Wildlife Center of Virginia Urges Public to Avoid Inhumane Glue Traps for Pest Control
The Wildlife Center of Virginia is issuing a public plea to Virginians to stop using glue traps for pest control. As cooler weather approaches, small animals like mice and rats often seek shelter indoors, leading many residents to use these traps. However, the center highlights that glue traps are indiscriminate, catching not only target pests but also other wildlife such as birds, snakes, rabbits, and squirrels. Dr. Karra Pierce, lead veterinarian at the Wildlife Center, explains that animals get stuck to the sticky surface, and in their struggle to escape, they often suffer severe injuries, including torn skin, feather loss, dehydration, emaciation, and ultimately, a slow and painful death from exposure or starvation. The center sees dozens of such cases annually, emphasizing the inhumane nature of these devices. They advocate for alternative methods, urging residents to first identify and seal entry points to prevent animals from entering homes.
