© Frank H. Jump
It has been a really bad year for mice. Well, good for them but bad for us up in the Poconos. We bought the “humane” traps but since we aren’t there as often as we would like, those traps seem worse since they are trapped in a plastic box without water for days on end until they die of starvation. We found one victim and I was so upset I tried to nurse it back to health but to no avail.
© Frank H. Jump
The snap traps seem more humane since they usually die quickly. Can’t help feeling guilty about killing them. I justify it by their destruction of our food stores and the disease risk they pose since my immune system doesn’t need any further challenges. Don’t mind our bats since they eat mosquitos, but my matzo ball soup mix is verboten Mickey! Heard it was your birthday on November 18. Don’t be mad at me! And don’t tell Topo Gigio either.
Unfortunately a necessary conversation to have with oneself. I don’t mind them outside in the garden. Inside is another matter. My cat is useless, so I must take matters into my own hands.
I use glue traps. I put them in the freezer to kill them. I don’t know if that’s more or less cruel, but it’s quicker death than dehydration.
Quickest is putting them in a paper bag and slamming them against a hard surface. I don’t usually have the heart for that.
Xris- I wasn’t able to post a comment on your last blog posting but it was a beautiful posting. Did you write Kevin Walsh? He would love it too. Gorgeous and very informative. When is the next 2030 meeting?
As for the mices… thanks for the tips and support. Found an interesting website on a search for “wildlife removal” in Pennsylvania.
http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/Professional-Trapper/city/PA-Scranton.htm
We have lots of critters up there. Mostly turkeys and deer with an occasional bear or raccoon. Don’t think I’ll need their services. It made me laugh.