Pest controller con

[Tigerzmum]

I currently have a very perplexing situation.
We found we had one or two glitz-glitz (doormice), initially I had a humane trap and released them into the fields at the back until I learnt they were to be release by licensed pest controls; however the pest controller has been coming in each week at £40 a visit laying deadly traps with bait, this appears to entice more of them which are killed by the traps and remain in the attic dead for a week! He says that it is not a good idea to seal up the holes as the doormice in the roof should be killed before the roof is sealed up. The situation is getting worse, the mice seem to be coming in attracted by the bait!

Is he correct or just using this as a money spinner? This weekend there has been a terrible smell with flies. I'm so distraught.

Google dormice. There are legal protections.

Edible dormice are an invasive species not native to uk. I believe it is illegal to release them into the wild. I would speak to another pest control company because I think you are right. Surely it's better to seel the gaps and holes and them remove the ones inside.

I am guessing you are in the Chilterns as this is the stronghold for Edible Dormice (Glis glis)? It is unlawful for anyone to trap or kill them unless licenced to do so by Natural England as, despite being an invasive non native species, they are in the anomalous position of being protected by the 1981 Wildlife & Countryside Act. It is also unlawfull to trap them humanely and then release them.

I am slightly dubious about your pest controller's assertion that they need to be eradicated before sealing up any access holes into your dwelling - this is like an animal version of a perpetual motion machine, allowing reinfestation on a constant basis and giving him a never ending source of work (and your hard earned cash!). If you are in the Chilterns area there are a good many pest controllers in the region experienced at dealing with Glis. I no longer live in the area, but certainly have first hand experience of how destructive and unwelcome they can be.