Mouse Crying on Glue Trap? Here’s What to Do


Glue traps are not the best way to capture or control the presence of rodents. Although very effective, they inflict unnecessary suffering on frantic rodents like mice, lizards, and squirrels.

When a mouse is stuck on a glue trap for long, efforts to escape usually result in skin peeling, crying, and excessive bleeding. They eventually die due to starvation, dehydration, or blood loss.

mouse crying on glue trap

Credit: Pixabay

There is a high chance of saving a crying mouse on a glue trap if you know what to do. This post covers all the steps involved and also educates you on the best ways to control rodents.


What to Do to Save a Mouse Crying on a Glue Trap

1. Get Supplies

Before attempting to salvage a mouse stuck on a glue trap, you need a list of supplies. This should include:

  • A pair of gloves (a heavy-duty leather glove preferably)
  • Dishtowel 
  • Baby oil or cooking oil (cooking oil preferably)
  • A damp and soft cloth
  • Some tissues
  • A secure container (with vents)

2. Release the Mouse

With your gloves on, cover the mouse’s head with a dishtowel. Gently rub the area where the mouse is stuck with vegetable oil to relax the effect of the glue.

Do not use too much oil, as it can influence natural waterproofing and reduce the chances of the mouse’s survival (especially after release). Once completely separated from the glue trap, place a few tissues over the animal’s path to ensure it does not get stuck again. 


If after trying this, you still cannot release the mouse, contact a veterinarian or a wildlife rehabilitator. 

3. Place In a Secure Container

After releasing the mouse, some parts of his or her body may be covered in oil. Gently massage these parts with a damp (soft) cloth to remove the oil before placing the mouse in a secure container.

This container MUST be well-ventilated and located in a quiet and warm location. You can place a dish towel over the container to make it dark and appropriate for rest. 

4. Decide on What is Next

The mouse should be allowed to rest for an hour or two before deciding what is next. Active animals like mice can be released into the wild if the weather is mild. This should be done within the environment where the animal was discovered.

In the case of extreme or harsh weather conditions, the mouse should be transported to a wildlife rehabilitator.

5. Educate Others

Not everyone is aware or concerned with the significant downsides of glue traps on rodents and non-target animals at large. If you come across such persons or a local grocery selling these traps, educate them about the suffering it imposes on rodents.

Help them by suggesting alternative methods of rodent control. You should also educate your family and loved ones to speak up when necessary.

Alternative Methods of Rodent Control

There are a few simple and effective methods to control rodents within and outside your home. 

1. Eliminate Access to Food

Rodents are naturally attracted to environments with adequate food. To control them, eliminate access to food by:

  • Keeping your floors, cabinets, and counter surfaces free of crumbles
  • Storing pet food in chew-proof containers
  • Picking up fallen vegetables or fruits in the garden and reducing hiding places by trimming grasses and vegetation regularly.

2. Use Repellents on Active Sites

Get a flashlight and identify possible cracks, gaps, or holes within the rodent’s active environment. Feces and partly-chewed food are also signs to watch out for. 

Place repellents like ammonia-soaked rags or cotton balls around these sites and study the effect. Once they have been fully repelled, seal all possible entry points.

3. Live-Trapping Mice or Rats

Live trapping involves the use of a cage or box trap (with baits like oatmeal or peanut butter) to capture rodents alive. These traps must be placed in the areas where rodents are extremely active and checked hourly.

When not in use, it must be washed thoroughly with a mild bleach solution to avoid attracting rodents. Live mouse traps are available in most grocery and hardware stores around you.

Wrap-up

Rodents generally deserve our compassion and respect, hence, it is important to control them without inflicting pain or playing a part in their death.

If your live trap stays untouched after two weeks of set up and there are no crumbles within active sites, it is safe to say that area has been rodent-proofed.

References

  1. https://www.peta.org/action/steps-to-rescue-animals-from-glue-traps/
  2. https://www.orkin.com/rodents/mouse-control/how-mice-enter-homes/
  3. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/glue-boards
  4. http://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/10-easy-tips-to-prevent-mice-and-rodents-inside-the-home/
  5. https://www.peta.org/issues/wildlife/living-harmony-wildlife/house-mice/