What glue is used for trapping rats and mice? - briefly
Rodent glue traps use a fast‑dry, synthetic polymer adhesive—often a resin‑based or polyisobutylene formulation—designed to immobilize rats and mice on contact. The glue maintains tackiness across temperature and humidity variations for reliable capture.
What glue is used for trapping rats and mice? - in detail
Adhesive traps for rodents rely on a fast‑acting, non‑drying glue that secures the animal upon contact. The most common formulation is a synthetic polymer resin, typically based on polybutene or a polyisobutylene matrix, mixed with a tackifier such as rosin or petroleum distillates. This blend creates a semi‑fluid surface that remains sticky for weeks, even under low humidity.
Key characteristics of the preferred glue include:
- High tack at low temperatures – remains effective from 0 °C to 30 °C.
- Resistance to moisture – does not liquefy or lose adhesion when exposed to urine or droppings.
- Non‑volatile – low evaporation rate prevents the surface from drying out.
- Low toxicity – formulated with food‑grade components to meet regulatory standards for indoor use.
Manufacturers often add a small amount of silicone oil to improve flexibility and reduce brittleness, allowing the glue to accommodate the weight of larger rats without cracking. Some products incorporate a bittering agent to discourage accidental contact by children or pets.
Application methods vary:
- Pre‑coated boards – commercially supplied strips or pads with uniform glue thickness, ready for placement in concealed areas.
- DIY coating – a thin layer of liquid polymer applied to cardboard or plastic trays using a brush; the coating cures for 10–15 minutes before use.
Effectiveness depends on proper placement near runways, feeding stations, or nesting sites. The adhesive must fully cover the surface where the rodent will step; partial coverage reduces capture rates. After capture, the board should be sealed in a disposable container and disposed of according to local pest‑control regulations.
Alternative adhesives, such as cyanoacrylate‑based glues, are unsuitable because they harden rapidly, creating a brittle surface that can break under the animal’s weight. Similarly, natural gums (e.g., latex) lose tack in humid environments and are not recommended for long‑term deployment.
In summary, the industry standard for rodent glue traps is a polybutene‑based synthetic resin with added tackifiers and silicone modifiers, applied as a uniform, moisture‑resistant layer on disposable boards. This composition delivers consistent stickiness, durability, and safety across typical indoor and semi‑outdoor conditions.