Why You Might Want To Reconsider Roach Glue Traps

Unsurprisingly, cockroaches are considered one of the most hated insects. This abhorrence has led pest control companies to come up with many different ways to get rid of unwanted roaches, including glue traps. Once a roach walks over one of these small boards, it's the last step they'll ever take. The sticky, clear, thick adhesive is so strong that it keeps the pest's feet anchored down. However, the strong adhesion means certain small critters can just as easily walk across the board and get stuck, so you might want to explore other options for your roach problem.

Glue traps can catch multiple roaches within one night, but you don't have much control of what else walks on the boards. Finding other bugs may not be that big of a deal, but what if you found a mammal or reptile? Some homeowners and business owners who have used glue traps have woken up to the unexpected surprise of seeing mice, snakes, and even birds stuck to the boards. After hours or even just minutes of struggling to get free, these animals can become severely harmed and later die from their injuries. The good news is, there are many roach control alternatives that are generally safe for other animals.

In many cases, what will harm a roach will harm other creatures, so it may be difficult to find a pesticide that's 100% safe for mammals, reptiles, and birds. The good news is, having a cat around can help rid your home of roaches, and are most effective for American cockroaches vs German cockroaches, since these are considered only "occasional invaders," per Solutions Pest & Lawn. Cats have instinctual predatory behavior and great night vision, so a big roach scurrying across your floor overnight will quickly become a target. Your cat could eat the entire roach or leave it belly-up for you to pick up in the morning. If you have German cockroaches in your home, however, you might have an infestation requiring other eradication measures. Even so, glue traps aren't your only option. 

Another safe alternative to roach glue traps is by simply curating a deep house cleaning checklist and blocking off access points. Roaches need the same things humans do: water, food, and shelter. This is why they're commonly found in bathtubs, sinks, and kitchens. If there's an infestation, leaving just a few morsels on the counter can draw a small army overnight. Thoroughly clean and disinfect your home regularly, declutter, don't leave food or dishes out overnight, and clean all the floor and counter crumbs before bedtime. This method may not completely eliminate your roach problem, but at least you won't have to worry about finding an innocent animal stuck to a glue trap. These accidental catches could lead to veterinary expenses if a pet is caught, or at the very least, guilt and unwanted memories, so skip the glue traps and opt for an animal-friendly alternative.