A historical review of animal entrapment using adhesives

Abstract

Adhesives have performed a major role in the capture of animals by humans, in particular, the capture of wild birds and rodents, over thousands of years. The trapping of wild birds with birdlime was clearly an established practice in Ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt. Although prohibited in many countries, it is still practised today. Similar techniques have also been used to trap insects, rodents, and some surprisingly larger animals (including monkeys, tigers and bears). Although effective, the use of adhesives for trapping appears to be in decline. This is as a result of more attractive alternatives, changing lifestyles and, most importantly, in response to concerns about the ethics and humaneness of glue traps.