Why Lethal Means Do Not Work


Besides being downright cruel, simply killing an animal will not stop your problem if you don't find out what caused it in the first place. So you got rid of the squirrel, raccoon, mouse or bird. That just opens the door for another animal to take its place. If your home was ideal enough for that initial critter, you can be pretty sure some opportunistic animal will move in once the first guy is gone.  Addressing the root cause of the issue, not just the unwelcome guest, is the most effective and the most humane method of wildlife control. 


 "-as an ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure-" - Benjamin Franklin.



Humane Wildlife Solutions LLC is a company you are able to hire, to assist you

with ALL of your wildlife concerns in the St. Louis and surrounding areas.


This means solving the issue with all participants safety and well being in mind.  The wildlife and the customer! 

In many situations, we are able to create a long-term, comprehensive solutions to solve your wildlife issue,

with out any direct contact of the wildlife involved.  Please keep this in mind.

We also offer free advice for the best solution if you are attempting to resolve your issue on your own. 



Even if killing the animal were a long-term solution, and even if you believe it is okay to kill a "pest" species,

think about what the various lethal means entail:




According to Missouri Department of Conservation Wildlife Code Guidlines

"The Wildlife Code of Missouri’s provisions protect all the state’s wildlife. However, the Code provides for the taking of wildlife during prescribed hunting and trapping seasons, and also when wildlife is causing damage to property [3 CSR 10-4.130 Owner May Protect Property; Public Safety]. Read the rule in the Wildlife Code of Missouri booklet, which is available wherever permits are sold and on the Missouri Secretary of State website listed under External Links below."


"If wildlife is damaging your property, you or your representative — such as a relative, friend, neighbor, or someone you hire — may shoot or trap most damage-causing wildlife out of season and without a permit to prevent further damage. Note: Wildlife you may not shoot or trap under this provision are migratory birds, white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, turkeys, black bears, mountain lions, and any endangered species. For conflicts with these species, contact your local county conservation agent or nearest Department office. Control action may be taken only on your property. Wildlife you take under this provision may not be used in any way, and you must report it to the Department within 24 hours, then dispose of it in accordance with Department instructions. Check with local city or county authorities regarding the use of traps and firearms in local jurisdictions."




Live capture: Sounds great, and many pest control companies now advertise they do just that. What they don't say is what happens to the animal once it is captured. The most common outcome is death by drowning.  What they also don't mention is that often traps are not regularly monitored, meaning the animal may be stuck without water or food for days. In the spring, babies may be stranded outside the trap while Mom is inside, meaning the babies starve.  Also, some animals do themselves considerable damage trying to escape while caged in these traps. 


Some may use relocation as an option.  This may seem a good idea, but studies have found up to 80% of the relocated wildlife does not survive due to many factors.  Also, this may create many other undesireable impacts on the surrounding environment and local native wildlife to that area.  See below for more information on relocation.


Squeeze traps, Spring traps:  The manufacturers of these devices offer a quick painless death for the animal entering the baited contraption.  There are many of these available and used in the wildlife control field.  Often, the promise they offer, is not as it seems.  Recently Humane Wildlife Solutions LLC heard a nightmare story from a home owner that hired a local company.  They promised a quick resolution of the situation without issues.  The home owner explained it very differently.  In fact, she said she would never use or recommend that service any longer.  The home owners were mortified by this experience, as we are sure the occupant of the trap felt much worse about the whole situation.  It did not "instantly kill" as it was intended.  We also have seen firsthand, wildlife other than the intended target being captured, maimed, and killed slowly in thse devices. (Birds in a mouse trap, cats or dogs in rat or raccoon traps, etc.)


Glue traps: Of all the "lethal" means of ridding your home of unwanted visitors, this is undoubtedly the worst. These outrageously sticky traps do nothing but capture the animal, forcing it to struggle futilly to escape. They dislocate limbs, rip off feet, and eventually suffocate or are crushed when you drop them into the trash. Whatever you choose to do, please do not purchase these devices.


Mole spring traps: Similar to traps mentioned above, people have convinced themselves these cleanly and neatly kill the animal outright. Instead, they often pin the animal down by its neck or by a limb. The end result is a slow death by suffocation or blood loss. 


Poison: Most poisons used for pests are blood thinners that cause the animal to bleed to death internally. That's quite a punishment for inadvertently setting up camp in your home. Additionally, do you really want to take a chance on a child or pet getting hold of the poison? Even if you are certain you have hidden the bait in an out of the way place, the target animals are not going to die at that spot. They will wander out where pets can find and eat them. Additionally, poisons eaten by mice, rats, or other 'pests' do not die with the creature that ate the poison. These poisons pass through the food chain and impact wildlife all along the way. Hawks, owls, foxes, raccoons and so many more animals higher on the food chain will be negatively impacted. Poisons that eventually kill outdoor bugs will also kill birds and amphibians ingesting those bugs.  Even at reduced or filtered amounts, POISON IS POISON.


Some "natural" insect killers: There are insecticides naturalists tout as safer that still leave a lot to be desired in the ethics department. Borax (boric acid) and diatomaceous earth are two examples. These are often mixed with sugar or some other edible substance to attract the insect to it. After ingestion, however, the sharp-edged crystal make-up of these powders gradually shreds the bug's insides. Not pleasant and most certainly not quick.


Instead of going for the ax, consider evacuation and deterrent, which is where we come in.

We provide long-term solutions without harming the animals.

Our company uses NO poisons, snaring devices, or relocation. 

How We Can Help 


In fact, as stated by Missouri Department of Conservation's Wildlife Control Guidelines:


"RELOCATION NOT RECOMMENDED. After you trap a damage-causing animal, you must dispose of it properly. Although relocation may seem like a good idea, we do not recommend it. Moving an animal can spread disease. Also, a strange animal coming into an established local population of the same species (a strange, disoriented squirrel coming into an established community of squirrels, for example) can upset the local group’s social order and possibly its health. Further, a relocated animal does not know where to find food or other resources and may likely starve to death. Finally, moving the animal might simply create a problem for someone else at the new location. You should also know that most federal, state, and local agencies prohibit the release of wildlife on lands they own or manage (including Department properties)."



We can help the animal move along to its next best choice, and allow it to LIVE elsewhere. The animal WILL move out if given the chance! We adhere to the approach of the Humane Society of the United States Wild Neighbors program for the most humane and effective methods addressing urban wildlife. Our procedures not only encourage the animal to move along from site, but also prevent it from returning.


Give us a call (314-567-2060) or send us an e-mail (humanewildlifesolutionsllc@gmail.com)

to discuss what we can do to help you effectively and humanely handle your wildlife issue.




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