Glue traps, also known as a sticky board or glue board, are composed of a layer of cardboard, plastic, or wood that is coated with a non-drying adhesive, or a shallow tray of adhesive. When rodents or other pests come into contact with the adhesive, they become trapped and are generally unable to free themselves. Animal welfare organizations have raised concerns that trapped animals can experience prolonged distress, injury, dehydration, starvation, or suffocation.

 

Glue traps are most commonly used to control rodents, but they can also unintentionally capture other animals, including birds, snakes, squirrels, and domestic animals such as cats. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also cautioned against the use of glue traps due to potential health concerns associated with trapped animals urinating and defecating while confined.

 

Glue traps are primarily used by homeowners, produce processors, and pest management companies to control rodent populations. Glue traps are commonly used for rodents. While the larger glue traps designed to capture vertebrate animals such as rats tend to be the most problematic due to the increased likelihood of capturing larger animals or multiple animals, smaller glue traps designed to capture invertebrate animals such as ants, flies, insects, and cockroaches present similar dangers. These glue traps are smaller in size and typically contain some sort of cover, such as a tent on the top, to prevent other animals from being captured in the glue. Insects or other small animals caught in these traps also sustain injuries in an attempt to free themselves or eventually succumb to their injuries in a similar and inhumane fashion to the larger animals in glue traps. Therefore, all glue traps, regardless of their size or intended victim, pose animal welfare and health concerns. 

 

At the request of Mayor Jeremy Wolf, and recommended by the Environmenal Responsibility Subcommittee, staff is developing a proposed ordinance to prohibit the sale and use of glue traps within the City of Agoura Hills. The proposed ordinance is intended to address animal welfare concerns while encouraging the use of alternative pest-control methods.

Agoura Hills would join other California communities that have taken action to prohibit the sale and/or use of glue traps, including Culver City, Laguna Beach, Ojai, Ventura, and West Hollywood. Other jurisdictions, including Eugene, Oregon, Cartersville, Georgia, and Washington D. C. have also prohibited their use in certain settings. Additionally, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), more than 100 airports nationwide have also prohibited the use of glue traps. PETA also reports that major corporations such as Target, CVS, Rite-Aid, and Walgreens have stopped selling certain types of glue traps in their stores.

There are a number of alternative pest-control methods that can be used in place of glue traps. For rodents, alternatives may include snap traps, live-capture traps, and electric traps. Snap and electric traps are designed to provide a more immediate method of dispatch, while live-capture traps allow an animal to be removed from the area.

For insects and other small pests, alternatives may include enclosed traps, catch-and-release devices, and other targeted pest-control methods. Proper sanitation, sealing entry points, and removing food and water sources can also help reduce pest activity and may prevent the need for traps altogether.

If the ordinance is adopted, the City's Communications team will work with local businesses, pest-management professionals, and the community to provide information about the new requirements and available alternatives to glue traps.

Outreach efforts will include educational materials, social media, the City's website, and direct communication with businesses that may currently sell or use glue traps. The goal will be to provide clear information about the ordinance, explain the rationale behind the ban, and help residents and businesses transition to effective alternatives. In addition, it is worth noting that the proposed ordinance would not go into effect until December 1, 2026.

FISCAL IMPACT 

There is no fiscal impact to the City Council FY 2026-27 approved budget. 

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the City Council conduct a public hearing, waive full reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 26-489, prohibiting the use and sale of glue traps within the City of Agoura Hills.