Glue Traps: Not so humane

Before I get started with this piece, I must point out right now this is not for the faint of heart. Even I while planning out this piece, could barely stand it.

Glue traps are used to catch mice, rats, sparrows, and other small birds. They are merely a little rectangle piece of cardboard or plastic with glue on it. It is said to be more humane than most traps which is the reason why my mom decided to buy one. Let me tell you my experience with these traps before I continue.

We have a family of mice living in our garage. When I was told, I was very tempted to catch them. In all seriousness, I probably would have. I love rodents. My mom....not so much. She had tried to get rid of the mice by laying down your standard mouse trap. But, these mice were too smart for them (or I just went out into the garage and warned them about the evil things). Anyway, my mom decided to try to catch the mice in a more humane way, because none of us liked to walk into the garage and see these poor animals dead. So, she went to our local Lowe's and talked to an employee there. He suggested these glue traps. 

While we laid them out in the garage, my mom assured me that these are humane and safe. So, I slept assured that these mice wouldn't get hurt. But boy, was I wrong.

It turned out that these are probably the most inhumane thing I have ever seen in my life. I ran out to the garage the next day to see if the glue traps worked and indeed it did. But, what I saw, I didn't expect to see. 

What I saw was a poor mouse trying to struggle and get out of the trap. His legs were caught. His head was stuck. EVEN HIS TONGUE WAS STUCK TO THE TRAP. I couldn't help but cry. It was still alive after one night and I couldn't bear it. I had to walk inside.

To those who haven't had to experience the horridness of a glue trap, consider yourself lucky. In truth, these traps that are meant to be more 'humane' are actually the total opposite!

A study in 1983 found that trapped mice who were struggling would pull their fur off to expose their skin. Some would break or chew their own legs off. If their head was stuck, they'd slowly suffocate to death. After a few hours, they'd relieve themselves due to stress and then they'd get covered in it. Eventually after 3 to 5 days they'd finally die, if they didn't die from dehydration or starvation before that.

So below, I have listed some traps for mice that ARE humane. I also urge you not to use these traps because (I know it sounds silly) but put yourself in their paws. I'd rather die quickly then suffer.

• Buy a cage trap for the mice. Set it up and once you've caught one, set it free (one mile away).
• Make this trap out of a tall bucket and a toilet paper roll (http://journal.chrisglass.com/2005/09/how_to_catch_a_.html)