A Lidl shopper was surprised and upset after spotting an unexpected item for sale in the middle aisle of her local store: £1.99 mouse traps. She felt these traps, commonly associated with hardware stores, were out of place in a supermarket.
During her usual weekly shop, she noticed the middle aisle stocked with a mix of items like pyjamas, candles, and gadgets. But it was the traditional snap traps, made of wood and metal, that caught her attention and left her uneasy.
When asked about the product, Lidl responded: “Our Middle of Lidl offerings provide a wide range of products, including items commonly found in other UK retailers.” They also noted that these traps are considered one of the more humane methods for rodent control by organizations like the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare.
While the traps may appeal to those seeking a quick solution for pests, the shopper expressed discomfort with the idea of killing mice at home. She shared a personal story of using humane traps at her mother’s house to catch and release a mouse without harm. She encouraged others to explore humane options, which are widely available online.
Animal welfare groups, including PETA, also advocate for humane methods to manage rodents, emphasizing their intelligence and social nature. They warn that lethal traps often cause suffering and can lead to larger pest populations over time as surviving rodents breed.
For those dealing with rodent issues, experts recommend preventive measures like sealing entry points, storing food securely, and using natural repellents like peppermint oil. If humane traps are used, they advise regularly checking them and releasing captured animals nearby to ensure their survival.
Although Lidl’s mouse traps are affordable and effective for some, the shopper’s experience highlights a debate about the ethics of pest control and the role of supermarkets in selling such items.
