Mouse Glue Traps: Do They Work?

Most people tend to envision a classic wood and metal snapping-type model when mouse traps are mentioned. 

However, today, there are far more options than traditional traps including the ever-increasing in popularity mouse glue trap.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about mouse glue traps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mouse Glue Traps

Never heard of a mouse glue trap, or maybe you’re merely interested in learning more about this modern pest control product?

Here are a few of the most significant questions people ask about mouse glue traps:

What Exactly Is A Mouse Glue Trap?

Mouse glue traps, also commonly known as glue boards, are precise as described;  boards, or trays, typically made of plastic, coated in a potent glue. These traps are set out in the same manner (and same places) as any other mouse traps. 

Once a rodent, insect, or anything else that happens by, steps onto the board they are stuck-like-chuck (worse than chuck, they’re destined for death once trapped – chuck was only stuck).

Most department stores and online retailers sell individual and bulk packages of mouse glue traps along with the other pest control products. Depending on where you live, and shop, you may even find tubes of DIY mouse trap glue and be able to make your own. 

How Does A Mouse Glue Trap Work?

Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your standpoint, glue boards don’t necessarily kill rodents. They literally glue them in place, and that is that. Though without being able to move, there is no getting away from the trap. 

But, there is also nothing to kill them outright other than the fumes of the glue, suffocation from the glue itself (if their face somehow drops into it and gets stuck), and time. In time, they will die due to a lack of sustenance if nothing else. Once dead, if not discovered right away, you’ll more than likely be learning all about how to get rid of dead mouse smell.

However, frequently checking your mouse glue traps should allow you to dispose of the captured rodents before they become deceased and smelly.

How Do I Dispose Of Rodents Caught On Glue Traps?

As the saying goes, there are more ways than one to skin a cat. Likewise, there is no singular way, or right way, to dispose of rodents caught on glue traps. This is partly due to the fact that there is no guarantee of how the rodent will be stuck to the trap (unlike classic traps where they will definitely be smooshed under the snapper or not there at all).

People have reported disposing of mice on glue boards in all sorts of manners (many of which we wouldn’t dream of mentioning). Some of the most common methods included drowning, tossing the entire trap into the garbage, burning it, burying it and more.

However, as far as we are concerned, there is only one acceptable way to dispose of a rodent trapped a glue board: quick, fast, and efficiently. Anything less is inhumane. If you don’t believe that you can kill the rodent once caught, reconsider using glue traps.

Furthermore, in most countries, you also have a legal obligation to quickly and humanely kill the rodents trapped in glue traps you’ve set. So, keep these factors in mind while considering whether or not mouse glue traps are right for you.

Do Mouse Glue Traps Work As Long-Term Pest Control?

Glue boards do not work as a long-term pest control solution. At least not in the way that most people are hoping. Glue traps will not have the same effect as an exterminator, or other DIY pest control methods such as applying pesticides or baits for that matter.

Mouse glue traps are designed for capturing a single, or small handful of rodents per trap whereas traditional traps are meant to be used over and over. That said, all mouse traps, reusable or glue-types, are simply population control devices, not extermination tools.

The best you will get out of glue traps, in regards to long-term pest control, is showing the mice in your territory who the boss is. And, possibly intimidating more rodents from invading the mysterious land where no mice return once venturing off to explore.

How Dangerous Are Mouse Glue Traps?

Mouse Glue Traps may not be as dangerous as many harsh pesticides or potent poisonous baits, but, in some cases, they are not much better. For example, smaller glue traps can become stuck on domestic pets, wildlife, or even birds, and carried off to contaminate nature if disposed of or placed improperly.

In countries such as the UK it is illegal to place glue traps in such a place that an animal other than a rodent could get trapped accidentally. Even so, cats, birds, and even children continue to get stuck on glue traps regularly due to poor placement.

Another significant danger of mouse glue traps lies in the fact that many times you will be faced with a scared and stressed out rodent that needs to be killed. If you are not careful, you can easily be bitten even though the rodent is stuck on the glue. Furthermore, there are also traces of urine, feces, and possible diseases that may be picked up while handling these pests and/or glue boards.

Final Thoughts

Whether or not you decide to enlist the help of mouse glue traps in your battling with rodents in your residence is a choice that only you can make. That said, glue traps are easier to use than other sorts of traps, taking less time to set, less time to clean, and just being generally much more all-around convenient.

Whatever your decision is, keep in mind that mouse glue traps, or any sort of traps for that matter, are not a reliable replacement for professional pest control solutions. 

If you are experiencing a serious mouse infestation in your home, contact an exterminator because glue traps will not resolve a full-blown rodent problem.