Most of the time when we get calls about mice in the house the homeowner is not particularly worried about what happens to the mice, so long as they are OUT of the home. Occasionally, however, we’re asked about whether or not there is a way to humanely exterminate the mice or not exterminate them at all. But is humane mice extermination possible? The name itself implies the literal extermination of life. The answer is complicated but let’s get into it.
Humane Mice Extermination Starts with Defense!
If you are worried about the extermination of mice the absolute best thing you can do is work hard to prevent them from getting into your home in the first place. After all, if there are no mice in your home there are no mice to exterminate and therefore your actions or lack thereof are 100% humane.
We’ve shared how to mouse-proof your home in the past and the information is still very relevant. Please check out that blog, here, and follow the steps to thoroughly mouse-proof your home.
When we are called to a home we follow those exact steps, sealing as many entry points as possible and preventing mice or more mice from making their way inside.
Humane Mice Extermination via Traps
When deciding how to treat a home for mice pest control companies, like Kapture Pest Control, have two options to choose from; poison or traps. Poison is the least humane option. Poison will kill the mice slower and oftentimes can result in the homeowner spending thousands of dollars tearing up a wall to remove the dead rodents causing their entire space to stink!
Traps are our preferred method of mice treatment, however, when treating yourself things can get a little tricky. Unlike pest control experts you weren’t trained in effective pest control techniques. This can make it easier to be deceived by clever marketing.
“Humane mouse traps” do exist. The problem is many of these “no-kill” traps do not deliver the way you may think. Most of these are open-air traps and unless you are catching and immediately releasing them (as in within 15 minutes of them being trapped) they will die anyway.
It is true. The no-kill traps almost always result in more dead mice, dying slower and in more pain than the kill traps. Not to mention they are highly ineffective as you would have to catch and release 24 hours a day for weeks on end.
The traps we use here at Kapture Pest Control can and will kill the mice. The difference is our traps are humane. Why? Our traps immediately exterminate the mice on contact. It is instant. There is no suffering and there is no catch and release. We return regularly to clean and replace your traps and monitor the entry points at all times keeping them from returning.
An Important Reminder about Mice
While the idea of killing a mouse is a sad one for many people it is important to remember a few things. First, mice are far from endangered. In fact, there are at least 21 MILLION homes each year that report mice infestation problems in the United States. And most mice don’t even make their ways into homes. Meaning there are millions of mice and the few hundred you’re eliminating is not even going to put a dent in the population.
Secondly, and far more importantly, mice carry diseases. Once they’ve made their way into your home you are literally putting yourself, your pets, and your children at risk every day until they are removed.
Finally, mice – while cute – are not long-living, kind creatures. Mice live short lifespans typically just breeding until they die. They are mean to one another and fight constantly, and they are known cannibals and even mama mice will eat their young with very little need to.
The Verdict: Humane Mice Extermination is Possible
We hope we’ve been able to answer your questions about humane mice extermination. As pest control experts, and animal lovers ourselves it is not our desire to see any animal suffer. All of our treatments for mice are as humane as possible and are done with the sole intention of protecting you and your families. Extermination can be nasty business, but that’s what you have us for. Call today for your free phone consultation.
Contact Kapture for a No-Obligation Phone Consultation and Quote:
Call 1-888-811-5813 or schedule online now to start protecting your home and family today!
