South Essex Wildlife Hospital has issued an urgent alert to anyone who has robins in their garden, warning that glue traps can be fatal to the birds. The hospital shared a distressing image of a robin trapped in a glue trap, pleading with the public to stop using these devices, especially after they were banned in Scotland.
Glue Traps: A Deadly Threat to Garden Birds
Glue traps are flat or enclosed trays coated with a strong, non-drying adhesive designed to catch pests like mice, rats, and insects. They are cheap and widely available, but highly controversial due to the severe suffering they cause to animals. Despite a ban on their public use in England several years ago, these traps remain easily purchasable online.
According to South Essex Wildlife Hospital, they continue to see birds, reptiles, and even foxes stuck to these contraptions. The robin they rescued had tried so hard to escape that several of its feathers were torn free, and it was so weak on arrival that staff were unsure if it would survive the removal process.
Rescue and Recovery
Fortunately, the hospital used Eaze Off spray, donated by Millpledge Veterinary, to quickly remove the robin from the trap. The bird is now making great progress. Millpledge Veterinary expressed gratitude to the hospital team, stating, "We're proud that Eaze-Off could play a small part in helping this robin on the road to recovery. Here's hoping for a full recovery and a future free from these indiscriminate traps."
Public Outrage and Calls for a Nationwide Ban
The post sparked outrage among animal lovers. One commenter said, "Banned in Scotland, ban them everywhere." Another noted, "They're supposed to be banned here in England too, but they're easily purchased online." Others pointed out that sticky fly papers in stables also pose a danger to swallows.
The hospital emphasized, "Somehow, these traps are still available for public purchase, but PLEASE never use them. Nothing deserves to get trapped like this."
Alternative Pest Control Methods
One animal lover suggested a humane solution: "The best solution for rats/mice is to block every single possible entry point. Not with overpriced metal sponges, etc., but proper seals. Cement filler, aluminium plates, etc. If they can't get in, they are of zero harm. Keep waste controlled properly (bins closed, no loose bags, etc)."
The hospital's warning serves as a reminder that even seemingly harmless garden products can have devastating consequences for wildlife.
