First and foremost, there are a number of reasons why we shouldn’t capture feral rats or mice and release them in the woods or otherwise. These reasons stem from the social, unethical and environmental impact caused as a result of doing so. Continue reading as we explore the effects of capturing and releasing these creatures, and also discover advice on the correct measures to take if wild rats or mice are discovered in your property.
Environmental Impact of Releasing Rats or Mice
If humans capture rats or mice within their property and release them into the woods, they may be introducing non-native species into the ecosystem, which can have a negative impact on the environment. The introduction of non-native species can upset the balance of the ecosystem, leading to changes in the food chain and the displacement of native species.
When rats or mice are introduced into a new area, they can outcompete native species for food and resources, leading to the decline of the native population. They can also introduce new diseases and parasites into the ecosystem, which can be spread to other wildlife and cause harm.
Social & Health Impact of Releasing Rats or Mice
Additionally, releasing rats or mice into the woods can also be dangerous to humans. These animals can carry a variety of diseases. When they are released into a new area, they can spread these diseases to other wildlife and potentially to humans as well.
Releasing rats or mice into the woods also creates a population that is difficult to control. These animals can reproduce quickly, leading to a rapid increase in their numbers and an inability to effectively manage their populations. This can result in the further spread of disease, damage to property and crops, and harm to native wildlife.
Ethical Impact of Releasing Rats or Mice
If you do decide to trap rats or mice, it is important to handle the animals carefully to minimise stress and potential injury. You should also avoid releasing them into areas where they may come into contact with humans or native wildlife.
Live cages or box traps are pain-free (and are preferable to poisons and lethal traps that can be hazardous to pets and people alike) so long as they are checked hourly. Mice and rats can die from stress-induced disorders, coldness or dehydration in just over a couple of hours. Traps should be cleaned with a mild bleach solution (to eliminate food smells), disabled, and securely stored when not in use.
It’s important to note that PETA also provided a statement on why releasing rats or mice into the wild is counterintuitive from a humane perspective:
“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.”
The Option to Choose Instead of Releasing
In order to prevent the negative impacts associated with releasing rats or mice into the woods, it is important to properly handle and dispose of these animals. If you suspect that you have a rat or mouse infestation in your home or business, it is best to contact a professional pest control service to handle the situation.
Professional pest control services can provide effective and humane solutions to remove the animals from your home or business. They can also provide information and advice on how to prevent future infestations, including recommendations for proper food storage, waste disposal, and exclusion measures.
Summary
Not only is capturing rats or mice and releasing them into the woods not ethical, it can also have negative impacts on the environment and potentially harmful consequences for humans and wildlife. If you have a rat or mouse problem, it is best to contact a professional pest control service for effective and humane solutions.
If you have any questions, get in touch with our friendly team for expert rat and mice removal advice today.
