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Could a pest return if humanely trapped and released?

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

We are often asked this question and the simple answer is, yes. The issue of humane trapping always ends with the question of disposal.

Animals will always return to somewhere they know they can find food and shelter, unless there is a better alternative. Therefore, when disposing of a mouse or rat, you need to take them at least a couple of miles away, or they will find their way back.

Stopping further problems means finding the means of entry and food sources and plugging them. Tagging experiments have shown the lengths rodents will go to return to a safe place with a reliable food source. There have been reports of mice and rats covering two miles to return to a property, and you should be sure to take any rodent you have trapped at least this distance away from your home to ensure your houseguest does not return.

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Squirrels

Squirrels that have been live trapped are even more of a problem than mice to get rid of. In the UK it is actually illegal to release a grey squirrel that you have caught, so you will find that a pest control company will be called to kill it for you, unless you want to keep it as a pet. Even if you could release it legally, squirrels find it even easier than mice to travel long distances and once they have found a suitable nesting spot they will be unwilling to leave. The only way to dispose of problem squirrels is humane dispatch by a professional pest control company.

Humane Trapping

Humane trapping can be cruel to an animal, if it is not done correctly. Trapped rodents suffer severe stress, so if you are attempting to trap a mouse or rat, make sure you check your trap every hour or two. If a trap is outdoors, the animal can suffer shock, dehydration and hyperthermia quite quickly. When you release a rodent, make sure you choose a spot where it is likely to be able to find food.

The chances of it surviving are low, however, since predators will almost certainly catch it. You should consider very carefully the wisdom of live trapping rats, since releasing them simply transfers the problem to somebody else. They are a health hazard, and should really be dealt with humanely by a pest control company. House mice carry bacteria and viruses, too, the most significant being Salmonella and Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV).

If you are suffering from problems with rats, mice or other pests in the Reading or Berkshire area and need some professional, affordable and effective help, just call Pest Control Berkshire today; we're the 'go-to' Berkshire pest control company, offering great service, keen prices, and we're licensed and accredited too!

Did you find this article useful/ helpful/ interesting? Perhaps you know someone who would enjoy reading it?
Here's the full link:- https://www.pestcontrolberkshire.com/blog/could-a-pest-return-if-humanely-trapped-and-released

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