All over the world, there is always the issue of how effective rodent control can be done in the most humane way possible. “Kind” and “gentle” are two words frequently used by animal welfare activists and companies engaged in the containment of domestic pests such as rats and mice. Since these animals are commonly found in homes and pose real risks to the health of human beings, efforts are geared toward reduction and elimination first. The use of methods with intent to annihilate is always a last resort.
The primary strategy in rodent control typically enforced by various governments and firms like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Ontario, Canada is the improvement of conditions in and outside residential properties to prevent access to rodents. In its website, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) reiterated that “if there is no access to food, water, shelter, or nesting sites, rodents will go elsewhere and will not be able to produce or maintain significant populations.” It particularly stressed the value of proofing houses.
Good housekeeping is strongly advised by UFAW, moreso in kitchens and other areas in the home where food is prepared, served, consumed and stored,. Proper storage of edible products should be observed at all times. Food sources that rodents are drawn to, like fatty and sugary foods, should be kept in places that have been sealed off.
Pest management is not just about keeping the surroundings free from crumbs and food materials that mice and rats find irresistible. UFAW recommended the use of wire wool and other relatively non-lethal implements. Wire wool can be used to seal cracks and holes that serve as points of entry for rodents.
Trapping is, likewise, a method of mouse and rat reduction that UFAW prefers to poisoning and other inhumane (and sometimes unsafe) elimination techniques. Even established rodent control companies could use this method, but are reminded by UFAW not to go overboard, and to practice extreme caution. The animal rights advocate said to set traps in ways that prevent unnecessary injuries or capture of the wrong target are avoided.
At the same time, traps should be inspected as frequently as possible. If a rodent, for example, has been caught, pest control operatives or rodent control specialists like Skedaddle can be called in. Such experts will know how to properly handle the animals without subjecting them to further harm or injury, and could likewise determine when a house is completely free of rat and mice infestation.
