Mouse sticky traps, also known as glue boards, are flat pieces of cardboard or plastic coated with a strong, non-drying adhesive. These traps are widely used because they are simple to deploy and do not contain the chemical poisons found in traditional rodent baits. The primary concern for many users is whether the sticky substance itself poses a chemical threat to children or pets who might accidentally come into contact with it.
The Glue’s Composition and Toxicity
The adhesive used on mouse sticky traps is composed of non-toxic, inert substances, meaning they do not contain chemical rodenticides or pesticides. The glue is typically a formulation of polymers, such as polybutene or polyisobutylene, mixed with resins and mineral oils to achieve the necessary consistency. These components are used in products like cosmetics and chewing gum bases, and they are not classified as hazardous chemicals under normal use conditions.
The trap’s core function is physical restraint, not chemical poisoning. While the glue is not chemically poisonous, ingestion of a large quantity can still cause gastrointestinal upset or act as a physical obstruction in the digestive tract of a pet or child. Studies on the main polymer, polybutene, show low acute oral toxicity. Therefore, the danger is not from a toxic chemical reaction but from the physical properties of the sticky, non-digestible material.
Non-Poisonous Dangers to Pets and Children
The most significant risks associated with sticky traps are physical and biological. Pets can become entangled in the adhesive, leading to panic, injury, and restricted movement. A pet struggling to free itself may tear fur or skin, or in severe cases, the glue can restrict breathing if it covers the nose and mouth.
There is also a risk of secondary exposure to pathogens carried by the trapped rodent. A mouse caught on a glue board will often urinate and defecate due to stress, which can spread diseases like Hantavirus, Salmonella, or Leptospirosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against using glue traps because they increase the risk of human exposure if a pet or child touches the trap or ingests the trapped rodent.
Safe Removal and First Aid
Accidental contact with the adhesive requires immediate and gentle action. For removing the glue from skin, fur, or clothing, a common household oil is the most effective solvent. Vegetable oil, mineral oil, or smooth peanut butter can be applied directly to the affected area to break down the adhesive bond.
The oil should be worked gently into the glue until the sticky residue dissolves, allowing the trapped material to be slowly peeled away. If a pet or child is suspected of ingesting the glue, or if the adhesive is near sensitive areas like the eyes, medical or veterinary attention should be sought immediately. Cooking oil can also be used to free a live mouse caught on the trap, allowing for humane release or euthanasia.
Humane and Safer Alternatives
For long-term rodent control, non-adhesive methods offer a safer approach that eliminates the risks of entanglement and secondary disease exposure. The most effective long-term solution is exclusion, which involves sealing all potential entry points into the home, such as cracks in the foundation or gaps around utility lines. This prevents rodents from entering the structure.
Mechanical traps, such as traditional snap traps or electronic traps, provide a quick and non-toxic method of elimination. These devices are designed to kill the rodent instantly, which is considered more humane than the slow death by starvation or exhaustion associated with glue boards. Live-catch traps are another option, allowing the rodent to be captured unharmed and released outdoors.