I saw something unexpected in Lidl's middle aisle - and it made my blood boil
During my routine weekly shop last night, I was picking up the usual suspects - milk, bread, tea, fruit, veg, the lot. Any regular at Lidl knows that the store's appeal isn't limited to just groceries; a wander through the middle aisle can be quite the adventure with its array of budget-friendly homeware, gardening, fashion, and beauty finds.
Wheeling my trolley around, I leisurely perused the store's current selection. Among the items were inviting pyjamas, some attractive red and gold candles likely remnants from the festive season, and a plethora of other domestic goods and kitchen gadgets.
I eventually arrived at the pet section. On offer were items like a cat scratcher, disposable dog poo bags, or even snap mouse traps for those needing them.
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But these weren't your run-of-the-mill humane mouse traps; they were the traditional snap variety, complete with wooden base and metal bar. It warranted a second glance from me.
One might expect to find such items in a hardware store, but their presence in a leading British supermarket chain seemed out of place and left me feeling somewhat annoyed. I reached out to Lidl for a statement on this matter, reports the Mirror.
A spokesperson from Lidl responded saying: "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."
A spokesperson from the British Retail Consortium also weighed in, stating: "This not an area we comment on I'm afraid. Apologies."
Sure, the item was a bargain at just £1.99, as indicated by the 'Pet Accessories' sign above its shelf placement. For those seeking a swift and economical solution to household pest issues, this could seem like an obvious choice.
These devices are designed to work quickly, and for individuals who frequently deal with mice in their homes, they might be seen as an indispensable tool.
Nevertheless, personally, I would find it difficult to take the life of a living being in my own home in such a manner. I'd prefer to offer the creature a chance to survive first, employing a catch-and-release strategy similar to how one might deal with a spider using a glass and card.
I get that the 'instant kill' feature might be viewed as the most effective approach if you're determined to eliminate the pest. But for someone like me, it would be distressing, and I would consider it only as a last resort.
For those looking for kinder alternatives, there's no shortage of humane live traps available online. A simple Google search for 'humane live mouse traps' yields a variety of options that can be purchased affordably from Amazon, Toolstation, B&Q, and others.
Temu even offers humane traps for sale.
Customers seeking alternative mouse control methods will find a range of options at various retailers. Tescos website lists a two-pack of PestShield Metal Mouse Traps priced at £8.99.
Also, Sainsburys online selling point features an Advanced Mouse Trap for £4.50.
Bargain hunters can visit The Range, where a Wooden Mouse Trap is advertised at just 99p online, and BandQ's offering includes an eight-pack of similar Wooden Mouse Traps for £5.99. These products appear comparable to those recently spotted in Lidl.
Requests for comments were sent out to Tesco, Sainsburys, BandQ, and The Range; however, responses were not immediately forthcoming.
The presence of traditional snap traps online indicates availability for determined shoppers, but the discovery of such items amidst otherwise innocuous goods like toys and sleepwear during a routine visit to Lidl's middle aisle was unexpected.
When it comes to humane pest control, opinions vary, but the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare deems snap traps as one of the most compassionate choices. Their website states: "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 stated: "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.
According to a statement from PETA's website, "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."
The statement continues, "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."
Some essential notes on using live humane mouse traps include:
- It's important to frequently check traps to avoid issues such as dehydration or prolonged confinement and to place them in an area that isn't too cold.
- Ensure that when releasing the rodents, they're set free in suitable locations to prevent them from returning or struggling to adapt to entirely new surroundings.
The RSPCA has commented on the topic, "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."
PETA warned of the risks to rodents caught in small live-catch traps: "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."
PETA advises: "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.)"
PETA continued: "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."
If you want to avoid unwanted rodents in your home, Lodi UK suggests that blocking any holes is a good place to start - mice can squeeze through tiny gaps of 6mm. Other advice includes clearing away clutter, keeping food sealed and tidy, and even using peppermint or clove oil, which are known to repel the rodents.
If you think you have mice, look for small signs, and be thorough with your cleaning, as small crumbs can become easy food sources - and don't forget the garden, where tidy hedges and lawns can also prevent rodents from moving in.