Welfare Science

Welfare Positive Pest Control Advanced

Welfare-positive approaches to pest control prioritise prevention, exclusion, and humane methods over lethal control, minimising suffering across pest species.

Key Facts

Pest control involves vertebrates including rats, mice, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and various birds
Traditional snap traps, glue boards, and poisons cause significant suffering
Welfare-positive alternatives include exclusion, repellents, fertility control, and live trapping
Glue traps are banned or restricted in many jurisdictions due to welfare concerns
Integrated pest management reduces reliance on lethal control through habitat and food management

Welfare Considerations

Pest species are sentient animals capable of suffering; welfare-positive pest management is both ethically preferable and increasingly practically effective.

What You Can Do

Use exclusion and proofing as first-line pest management
Avoid glue traps and favour welfare-assessed snap or live traps where lethal control is needed
Support local authorities and businesses in transitioning to integrated pest management