Glue trap warning: B.C. wildlife rescue group seeing birds, bats getting caught
The Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. is issuing a warning about the use of glue traps, after seeing an uptick in admissions related to the pest control method.
The association’s co-executive director Linda Bakker said they’ve had a “number of birds and bats” that have gotten stuck, and have required rescue.
“As soon as an animal gets trapped, instinct kicks in and it will try to escape. So it might pull, it might roll over, so it gets all over their body,” she said. “They require specialized care to be able to survive.”
Bakker said this year, the association has seen over 30 intakes related to glue traps. One recent case involved a crow, which had its feathers coated with the sticky substance.
Bakker said the people who found the crow called the association’s helpline at their support centre, which is available from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., seven days a week.
“They didn’t remove the crow themselves, so that’s really important,” she said. “Do not try to remove the animal yourself. It often leads to more damage, and if the bird or other animal does get away – then we cannot help it anymore and it might not survive on its own.”
The crow was brought to the organization's rescue centre in Burnaby, where the trap was removed. Then staff used a special process to clean the bird’s feathers. Ultimately, the crow was able to be released.
RISKS TO BIRDS, BATS
Bakker said they have seen many different species caught in glue traps, which are available at hardware stores. The traps themselves consist of a plastic tray, filled with a thick, sticky glue.
“A lot of songbirds forage on the ground for little seeds, so they just hop around and hop on the tray,” she said. “We have a gull in care right now. They are attracted because they are curious, they check things out. It might look like a food tray.”
The Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. is issuing a warning that the use of glue traps is dangerous for birds and bats.
Bakker noted the traps can also cause other injuries.
“Sometimes they do jerk around so much, that they rip feathers out, or open their skin, or even break bones, or they’re in the trap longer than a day and then immediately they get dehydrated and emaciated,” she said. “If the damage is too extensive, there’s nothing we can do. If they’re severely emaciated, it’s really difficult to turn that around.”
The Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. is issuing a warning that the use of glue traps is dangerous for birds and bats.
Bats can also unintentionally fall victim to the traps.
“Bats can often get stuck on a glue trap that’s meant for insects. So in barns, people put out glue traps that are hanging down,” Bakker said. “They do attract insects, insects get stuck on them, but it also then attracts bats to go after the insects and then get stuck themselves.”
ALTERNATIVES TO GLUE TRAPS
Bakker suggests looking for longer-term solutions when dealing with a rodent or pest problem.
“Look at your house and find the areas where these animals come into your house and block those off,” she said. “There are other traps available, but also you could contact a pest control company and then preferably one that’s AnimalKind certified. The BC SPCA has a certification for pest control companies to make sure animal welfare and wildlife welfare is guaranteed.”
Bakker said the fall usually sees an increase in these types of cases, as rodents are looking to move inside to get warm, or to find food.
“Even if you get mice in your trap that it was intended for, the mouse is still alive and on the trap, so then you have to deal with it, and it’s not very humane. The animal is suffering, basically,” she said. “I would like to see these traps removed from the stores.”
Anyone who does find wildlife stuck on a glue trap can also try to use paper towel to cover any remaining exposed areas of the trap, so the creature cannot become even more stuck. The Wildlife Rescue association recommends putting the animal or bird in a covered box or container, and keeping them in a quiet place until they can be brought in for medical help.
The association’s help line can be reached at 604-526-7275.
The Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. is issuing a warning that the use of glue traps is dangerous for birds and bats.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
3 law officers serving warrant are killed, 5 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say
Three officers on a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded in a shootout Monday at a North Carolina home, police said.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Health authority confirms cockroaches at B.C. hospital, insists they 'do not bite'
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is downplaying what staff describe as a cockroach infestation in a medical unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears will avoid what could have been a long, ugly and revealing trial with a settlement of the lingering issues in the court conservatorship that controlled her life and financial decisions for nearly 14 years.
WATCH 'Double whammy': What happens if you don't file your taxes by the deadline
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.