The Cost of Glue Traps

Rodent control has been a large issue on Marco Island as there have been increasingly negative impacts on birds of prey. Additionally, iguana trapping has started to involve individuals using glue traps on seawalls, which causes suffering to anything caught and attracts unsuspected animals looking for food. A citizen found a burrowing owl stuck on a glue trap in a canal (drowned). This citizen noticed the band and reported it to us at owlwatchmarco@gmail.com. Banding owls provide us with much more information on their survival and movements. Sadly, along with that comes more direct knowledge on stories of each individual which can be devastating at times. This owl (B5) lost its mate mid-nesting season last year. She was found a couple of days later, barely able to move on the sidewalk by the starter burrow owner (suspected rat poisoning or car strike). She somehow survived rehab at the von Arx Hospital and her young all fledged successfully. This season she returned to her burrow to nest, and we were watching her on the game camera anticipating chicks soon. The news of her death was extremely devastating. PLEASE MARCO ISLAND stop using glue traps and rat poison. To start, look into prevention for any rat issues before immediately using bait which draws rats to your home. Look at how trash is contained, what type of vegetation you have and the proximity of it to your home, and if you have any structural damage that needs to be fixed. Seeing rats in Florida does not mean you have a problem. They are a food source to all birds of prey and mammals. Rat poison in a box does not keep any animals safe. The rats stumble around for hours to days depending on the type and become easy prey. Alternatives include deterrents such as detour gel, rat zappers contained, snap traps contained, and the future of rat fertility we are working on under Wisdom Good Works. NEVER use glue traps for any reason and report any pest control company or iguana trapper that is using them. 

The future of the burrowing owl population is greatly impacted by your decisions as they are facing a lot of threats in an increasingly urban area.