Pest control involves killing or removing large numbers of animals. Humane standards significantly affect welfare outcomes for affected animals.
Pest control welfare is frequently neglected because pest animals are considered undesirable. However, the moral obligation to minimise unnecessary suffering applies equally to pest species. Glue boards are particularly egregious welfare failures that cause prolonged suffering and are often used for convenience rather than necessity. Integrated pest management approaches that prevent infestations, use least-harmful methods first, and reserve lethal control for necessary cases represent the welfare-positive approach.