Hey everyone!
Last month, I discovered pantry beetles in my flour containers and panicked. A friend recommended glue traps, which worked instantly, within hours, dozens of beetles were stuck. But watching them struggle made me wonder: Is this really humane?
These traps don’t kill quickly, insects die slowly from dehydration/starvation over days. I’ve since learned that pantry beetles can’t transmit diseases, so maybe extreme measures aren’t justified. Has anyone compared glue traps to alternatives like pheromone traps or diatomaceous earth? I’m torn between effectiveness and ethics.
I stopped using glue traps after finding a trapped gecko once. Now I freeze infested flour for 72 hours to kill eggs naturally. It’s slower but guilt-free.
Bay leaves in containers > any trap! Beetles hate the scent. No death, just prevention.
Studies show insects don’t feel ‘pain’ like mammals, but stress responses exist. Glue traps = cruel by human standards, effective by pest control metrics. Your call.
@purrfect_home If they don’t feel pain, is ‘humane’ even relevant here?
@NightFlyer3 It’s about minimizing suffering regardless of consciousness level.
Used traps once, kids saw struggling bugs and cried. Switched to airtight containers + cinnamon sticks. Prevention > elimination!