Page 28 2026 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2026 • Check traps frequently to avoid stress or dehydration • Wear gloves to reduce scent and protect yourself • Release rodents 1–2 miles away in a wooded or natural area • These traps are designed to capture without injury and are considered the core of humane rodent control Natural repellents • Can be more expensive • Could be harder to find • May take some additional research to find fully natural ingredients Other less humane methods • Using snap or electronic traps could be used as an alternative to poison. This method is not fully humane but is considered less harmful than toxins and may be used when safety or health risks escalate. Getting rid of pests in a humane manner has other benefits as well. Humane pest control prioritizes non-lethal, environmentally friendly methods to manage pests while minimizing harm to animals, humans, and ecosystems. • Core Techniques: Humane pest control relies on exclusion (sealing entry points), habitat modification (removing attractants), live traps (catch-and-release), and natural repellents that can prevent and control infestations without lethal chemicals. • Environmental & Cost Benefits: By reducing toxic pesticide use, humane methods protect local ecosystems and wildlife while potentially lowering long-term costs through preventionfocused strategies and by reducing the need for repeated treatments • Business Differentiation: If you are a business owner, adopting humane pest control methods can enhance your reputation among environmentally-conscious customers, building loyalty and setting your business apart in a competitive market. • Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Successful humane pest control combines multiple strategies—sanitation, monitoring, exclusion, and natural deterrents—to maintain pest-free environments through ongoing prevention rather than reactive treatments. When to call in the professionals Professionals are trained in using humane methods while prioritizing exclusion, safe relocation, and minimal stress for the animal. The most humane strategy is always the one that prevents rodents from entering in the first place. Live traps and natural deterrents work best when combined with sealing entry points and removing attractants. If you’re dealing with a larger infestation, a wildlife friendly professional can help implement these methods safely. Don’t fret……whether Illinois is home, or another state or country, there will always be some kind of critter wanting to invade your living space. There is no way around it. However, how well the general maintenance is performed and maintained on the homestead
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