Humane Rodent Control?

Dr. Robert Corrigan, a nationally recognized expert in rodent damage management and author of Rodent Control: A Practical Guide for Pest Management Professionals, gave the keynote address at the Urban Pest Management Conference sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln, NE (February 2, 2010). In that presentation, which outlined various trends in pest management, one in particular caught my attention. He touched on the increase in requests for humane rodent control and/or non-lethal rodent control.

Let’s set some context here. Dr. Corrigan works for the City of New York as part of their rodent management program. It’s a monumental job and one that New Yorkers are keenly interested in as rats comprise their top three complaints about living in the city. But as much as New Yorkers hate rats, requests for non-lethal control (a.k.a. humane rodent control) of those rats are increasing. Residents are uncomfortable with contemporary rodent control methods involving, snap traps, toxicants, and of course, glue boards, likely because they consider those methods cruel.

What do you think about humane rodent control? Do you believe that more work should be done in reducing the pain and suffering involved in the control of house mice and rats? I would like to hear your thoughts?

For information on humane rodent control or humane control of other wildlife obtain a copy of Being Kind to Animal Pests.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Click the links for past {shows} and {interviews}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to [email protected] Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.