Billions of rodents are killed annually in pest control operations using methods that cause significant suffering. Humane alternatives exist and are increasingly practical, making the welfare of pest animals a legitimate ethical consideration.
Pest rodents are sentient animals capable of suffering, and the methods most commonly used to control them cause substantial pain and distress. Glue traps in particular cause deaths lasting many hours and are considered among the most inhumane pest control methods in widespread use. Second-generation anticoagulants, besides causing slow rodent deaths, create secondary poisoning chains that harm wildlife welfare significantly. The welfare of pest animals is rarely considered in control decisions, but the availability of more humane alternatives means that suffering can be reduced substantially without sacrificing effectiveness.