Unfortunately, shooting the trapped rat would destroy the trap, and I really don't see them enough to get a shot off. I also live in a residential area, so gunshots would not be welcomed. As far as squeamish, I will admit to being a bit uncomfortable to have to kill an animal that is just doing what it does for no other reason than it being an irritant. I am actually more uncomfortable that the animal didn't expire quickly and that I must resort to additional means to dispatch. I don't imagine a hunter who is pleased to chase an animal they shot to find it still alive and have to shoot it again. As far as a pink gun, I prefer walnut stocks.



I have considered the health inspector route, but that seems a bit too tattle tale-y.

I have considered poison, but it is a little to indiscriminate for my liking. I don't mind the squirrels and I wouldn't mind the rats if they stayed outside, and poison wouldn't differentiate between them. I am also worried a poisoned rat may wind up being eaten by a bird or fox or raccoon and wind up also poisoned.

At this point, I am satisfied with trapping them and if I have to dispatch them because the trap did not finish them off, ya do what ya have to do. I have also used glue traps in the past but those things are just horrid.