The City Council voted in favor of introducing an ordinance prohibiting the sale and use of glue traps citywide.
A glue trap, also known as a glue board or sticky board, is a pest control measure comprised of a layer of cardboard, plastic, or wood, that is coated with a non-drying adhesive or shallow tray of adhesive. The animal becomes trapped in the glue and eventually perishes. Glue traps are considered cruel because they cause prolonged suffering to animals.
When an animal gets stuck, it faces a slow death due to dehydration, starvation, or exposure, as the glue is non-lethal and does not kill instantly. The Centers for Disease Control warns that glue traps should not be used, as animals stuck in glue continue to produce urine and feces through which pathogens such as hantavirus can be spread to humans. Other non-pest creatures, including lizards, birds, and small non-invasive animals, may get caught in the traps, and suffer the same fate.
Finally, glue traps are ineffective in managing rodent populations as they do not address the underlying issues causing infestation or reasons why pests are present.
The ordinance will return to City Council for consideration of adoption at its October 27th meeting and, if adopted, will go into effect 30 days later.
City of Culver City
Photo – glue trap with animal hair
