Updated October 2026.
Use sticky traps indoors for crawling insects and monitoring, place them where pets, children and wildlife can’t reach, fold them into a tunnel in open areas, and check them at least once a day. For rats, use a snap trap instead.
1. Use them for the right job
- Best for: cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, centipedes, crickets and ants, and monitoring where pests are active.
- Not for: rats, or outdoors where birds, bats or pets could get caught.
2. Place them carefully
- Indoors, in dry spots: under sinks, behind appliances, in cupboards, basements and storage rooms.
- Flat against walls and in corners, where insects travel.
- Fold the board into a tunnel anywhere a pet or child might touch it.
- Keep them off food-preparation surfaces.
3. Check them at least daily
Look at every trap at least once a day. Replace boards that are full or dusty, and note what you caught and where. The printed record grid on ZIVASKA boards makes that easy.
4. If the wrong animal gets caught
- Don’t pull the animal off the board. That can injure it.
- For a pet, call your veterinarian.
- For a bird, bat or other wildlife in BC, contact the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC or a local wildlife rehabilitation centre.
- Then move your traps to spots that animal can’t reach.
5. Dispose of used boards
Wear gloves, fold the board in half (glue inside), bag it and put it in the garbage.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I check sticky traps?
At least once a day. Replace boards when they are full or dusty.
Where should I not put sticky traps?
Outdoors, where pets or children can reach them, on food-preparation surfaces, and anywhere birds or bats could land.
What do I do if my pet gets stuck on a glue trap?
Don’t pull the pet off. Call your veterinarian for advice.
What do I do if a bird is caught on a glue trap?
Don’t pull it off. In BC, contact the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC or a local wildlife rehabilitation centre.
Should I use glue traps for rats?
No. Use a rat-sized snap trap. Glue boards are best for crawling insects and monitoring.
ZIVASKA is a Canadian, women-owned small business in Burnaby, BC. We sell traps only and do not offer pest-control services. Free shipping across Canada; pickup in Burnaby by appointment only.