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In a perfect world, we would choose who – and what – to share our home with. Unfortunately, real life doesn’t always play out like this, and it’s entirely possible that we end up with some uninvited roommates from time to time.
Even if you no longer have to live with human roommates, it doesn’t mean much to rodents and other living things that are constantly in search of food and / or shelter. Sure, you may not be keen on these uninvited renters, and while you may want to evict them, you might not want them to die in the process. This is where humane pest control comes into play. Here’s what you should know about these no-kill methods.
What is humane pest control?
Basically, humane pest control – sometimes referred to as “wildlife removal” – involves removing unwanted animals from your home or garden without killing them and preventing them from getting in at all.
Accordingly Humane Society International, Once you discover that you have a pest problem, it is best to take action right away. Start by identifying and removing the food source that brought the living things to your garden. (This includes securing any trash, recycling, and / or compost bins that you have outside.) Then, use a no-kill method to evict and seal the animal (s) out of your home any holes or other access points that would allow them to re-enter.
How does humane pest control work?
While there is a lot you can do yourself to prevent unwanted animals from getting into your home or yard, the removal component is a little tougher. For example, setting traps without killing and then moving animals may seem compassionate, but according to the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA), it is neither a permanent nor a humane solution.
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In many cases, it is best to have a professional remove it. But that, too, poses another challenge: make sure you choose a company that uses methods that do not harm the animals in the process. Humane Society International has put together instructions to selecting a wildlife removal service, including the questions that need to be asked to determine if the company’s practices are truly humane and ethical.
