What Are Snap Traps And How They Work?
Usually spring-loaded traps that are capable to catch or many times kill the mice are familiar as Snap traps. They consist of a plastic or wooden base with a spring-loaded steel bar mounted on top. Whenever a mouse steps on the trigger, releasing the bar which swiftly snaps down on the mouse, instantly killing it by breaking its neck or back. Although there is no doubt that these traps are very effective in terms of killing or catching a rat, due to their deadly designs. But important point to consider here is; they are very controversial due to the potential sufferings of caught rats. More humane traps that catch mice alive are increasingly being used instead of traditional snap traps in many cases.
Snap Traps Are Inhumane In Nature?
There are some important factors, why Snap Traps are known as Inhumane Traps for rats. Below there are these factors, which make one trap an inhumane trap:
Instant Deaths Are Rare
While intended to cause instantaneous deaths, this ideal scenario rarely happens in reality. More often, mice are wounded, crushed, enduring minutes to hours of agony before finally succumbing to their injuries. Nervous system or organ damage from body strikes can prolong conscious suffering.
Trapped Mice Suffer from Stress
Simply being caught in a trap causes immense stress and anxiety for mice, even if death comes quickly. Being confined and restrained against their will in a restrictive space causes panic and distress. Their high heart rates and release of cortisol stress hormones are proof of their fearful state.
Bait Theft Causes Hunger
Mice are often cunning enough to steal bait from snap traps without triggering them. This leaves mice hungry and frustrated as they are deprived of needed food, forcing them to risk the trap repeatedly.
Injuries Lead to Slow Deaths
While kill times of just 1 to 3 minutes are touted, this is based on optimal neck strikes and force. Jaw or spine injuries can leave mice incapacitated but alive for extended periods before shock and blood loss finally take their toll.
Danger to Non-Target Species
Snap traps are indiscriminate killers. Any animal attracted to the bait could accidentally trigger and be killed by the traps. Endangered species have been found dead in traps meant for common mice and rats.
Effectiveness Of Snap Traps:
Specifically for Snap Traps, Effectiveness is a subjective matter to what you have in your mind. It depends whether you want to know about its effectiveness in killing mouse. Or you're confused that it could be effective in catching mouse or not.
Snap Traps are not effective if you want to catch the mouse alive and with humane way. If you care for the animals you won't be very happy using these traps. Because they're good in killing or torturing the trapped mouse.
But if you want to just get them out of your home, doesn't matter if they die or suffer from pain or hunger. You can use these sort of traps, Snap traps are very efficient in making them suffer. Below there are some points, that can help you to get more success while using Mouse Snap Traps:
- Trap Design - Look for sensitive pedals and smooth release mechanics. The bar should snap down forcefully and not allow escapes once triggered. Quality construction is key to get more destructive results.
- Number of Traps - Setting out traps in multiple locations increases success compared to using just one. Have at least 2-3 traps along known mouse activity routes.
Know more the factors that effect the effectiveness of a Snap Trap and if you want save the little animal from any type of sufferings, click to know more. And if you want to buy a Humane Trap for Rats/mice, which has over 75% success rate in ideal conditions. Click to get these anywhere in UK at your doorstep.