I was out doing my regular weekly grocery shopping last night, picking up the basics like milk, bread, tea, fruits, and vegetables. Anyone who shops at Lidl knows that it’s not just about food; the middle aisle is like a delightful treasure hunt filled with affordable home goods, gardening supplies, and beauty products.
As I pushed my cart, I took my time exploring the various items available. I spotted some comfy pyjamas, candles and a wide range of household items and kitchen gadgets.
Eventually, I arrived at the pet section of the aisle. I had the option to grab a cat scratcher, some disposable waste bags, or even some snap mouse traps.
I noticed that instead of the usual live capture mouse traps I’m familiar with, there were the classic snap traps featuring a wooden base and metal prongs. I had to look twice at the shelf.
I would typically expect to find these in a hardware store, not really in a supermarket. It was quite frustrating. I decided to contact Lidl for a comment.
A spokesperson told me: “We’re pleased to offer our customers a large variety of products through our Middle of Lidl offering, available for a limited time. This particular product is commonly available year-round across many other UK retailers, including supermarkets.
“As highlighted by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, it is generally considered to be one of the most humane methods of rodent control.” I also contacted the British Retail Consortium. A spokesperson said: “This not an area we comment on I’m afraid. Apologies.”
The traps are affordable, priced at £1.99, as indicated by the ‘Pet Accessories’ sign above it on the shelf. And if you’re dealing with a rat or mice issue at home and need a quick and budget-friendly solution, this could be an obvious choice.
They work efficiently, and for those who frequently face mouse troubles, they might be a necessary tool. That said, I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable killing a living creature in my home like that. I prefer to give it a chance to survive by using a live capture and release method—similar to how you might catch a spider with a glass and a piece of card.
I get that the ‘instant kill’ option might seem like the most effective way to handle the situation if you’re determined to eliminate the animal. However, for someone like me, it would be distressing, as I view it as a last resort.
There are plenty of humane live traps available if you search online. A quick search for ‘humane live mouse traps’ will reveal a variety of affordable options on sites like Amazon, Toolstation, B&Q, and even Temu.
If you remove the term ‘humane’, you’ll find that several other retailers, including various UK supermarkets, offer similar springboard snap traps. For instance, Tesco has a pack of two PestShield Metal Mouse Traps available for £8.99 on its website.
Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s features an Advanced Mouse Trap priced at £4.50. The Range lists a Wooden Mouse Trap on its site for just 99p. Additionally, B&Q has an eight-pack of Wooden Mouse Traps for £5.99, which closely resemble those sold at Lidl. I’ve reached out to Tesco, Sainsbury’s, B&Q, and The Range for their input, but I haven’t received a response yet.
It appears that traditional snap traps are accessible if you look for them, particularly online. However, I was quite surprised to find the traps in the middle aisle of Lidl while I was just doing my regular grocery shopping, surrounded by vibrant toys and cosy pyjamas. I’d feel the same if other supermarkets had a middle aisle, like Lidl, and were flogging this item too.
Snap traps vs live capture traps:
Despite my own opinion, according to the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, these types of snap traps are regarded as one of the most humane options. A statement on its website reads: “The most humane approaches for rats and mice are snap traps (sometimes called break-back traps) and live capture in a humane trap followed by rapid humane killing of the animal.
“Some snap traps are much more efficient than others. Poor quality traps are much more likely to injure animals rather than killing them instantly.” Meanwhile, methods like glue boards, poisons and electrocution traps are inhumane and inflict suffering on animals.
For instance, animals caught in glue traps often suffer severe injuries as they struggle to escape. In their desperation, they may tear off their own skin and fur or even chew off their limbs. This frantic effort to break free can lead to horrific wounds, including broken bones.
A PETA spokesperson said: “Lethal methods never work to keep rodents away in the long run and will actually backfire. This is because when animals are killed or otherwise removed, the resultant spike in the food supply causes accelerated breeding among survivors and newcomers—and this means increased populations.”
For many, humane mouse traps – like this one from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) – are viewed as a superior option. Some would say this method is regarded as a more ethical way to manage pests, as it captures mice without causing any harm, enabling you to set them free alive.
A statement on PETA’s website reads: “Mice and rats are complex, unique beings with the capacity to experience a wide range of emotions. Highly intelligent, they’re natural students who excel at learning and understanding concepts. Mice and rats are fastidiously clean animals who groom themselves several times a day and are less likely than dogs or cats to transmit parasites and viruses.
“Much like humans, mice and rats are very social animals. They become attached to one another, love their families, and enjoy playing, wrestling, and sleeping curled up together. Mice and rats deserve our compassion and respect, so it’s essential that we use humane methods to solve perceived problems with them.”
Key points about live humane mouse traps:
- These traps are reusable and made to capture mice without harming them or causing much stress.
- After being caught, the mouse can be easily moved and released at a distance from your home.
- Unlike glue traps or poisons, humane traps focus on reducing the animal’s pain and suffering during the capture process.
It’s essential to remember that if you choose to use a humane mouse trap, you should check it regularly to prevent the mice from dehydration, being confined for too long and place it somewhere that isn’t too cold. When you do release them, make sure to choose appropriate locations; otherwise, they might come back or have a hard time surviving in somewhere completely new.
The RSPCA adds: “Once such animals are in a trap the person setting the trap would have responsibility for their welfare. The risk of a mouse dying in a trap intended to catch them alive may be reduced if the trap has a large holding compartment and the traps are inspected frequently.
“One example of the welfare issues resulting from the use of small sized live-catch traps would be when the breath of the rodent causes moisture condensation inside the trap. This wets the animal’s fur, making them very cold and leading to potential hypothermia.”
Further advice from PETA reads: “Captured mice and rats can be kept calm by placing a towel over the trap. Release them within 100 yards of where they were trapped. (Rodents can also be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian or at a local animal shelter.)
“Releasing a mouse or rat into a strange area will almost surely result in the animal’s death because relocated animals don’t know where to find adequate food, water, or shelter and often become weak and succumb to predation or foreign parasites or disease against which they lack natural immunity.”
Tips to rat and mice-proof your home:
It can be hard to spot signs of mice before an infestation really takes hold. Signs can include:
- Small, dark droppings that are around the size of grains of rice
- Chewed holes in bags and boxes – especially in food and pet food
- Greasy smear marks against walls, floors, and skirting boards
- Gnaw marks
- Nests filled with shredded paper or wood shavings – these are often found behind fridges, under cabinets, or in other dark, secluded places
- A strong smell of ammonia from the mice’s urine
According to pest control companyLodi UK, one way to prevent mice or rats is to block any possible entry points, as mice can fit through tiny holes—as small as 6mm. Also, store any food away in the fridge and cupboard, avoid leaving anything that’s not sealed out.
Keep your home as tidy and clean as possible. Leaving crumbs or dropped pet food could give the creatures easy food sources. Keeping hedges and lawn manicured can stop rats and mice from hiding in them. Essential oils like peppermint and clove can deter them.