The use of certain pest control products, including rodenticides and glue traps, carries a considerable risk of harming non-target animals.
The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) (appointed by the Health & Safety Executive) launched the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime in 2015 to combat these risks through increased guidance and controls, such as those in the Best Practice and Guidance for Rodent Control and the Safe Use of Rodenticides.
The UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime:
- encompasses all rodenticide products sold to, and used by professionals when applied outside buildings;
- excludes rodenticides restricted to use indoors; and
- excludes fumigant gases.
What has changed?
Since 1st January 2026, proof of competence as specified by the CCRU is required for the purchase and subsequent use of professional use rodenticides anywhere in the UK.
Any individual or organisation wishing to purchase and use rodenticides must:
- Provide proof of training on a CRRU UK approved course, that must have been completed in the past 5 years.
OR
- Be part of a CRRU UK recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme.
Additionally, from 1st July 2026, the use and supply of rodent glue traps will be completely banned in Scotland.
- This ban applies to any glue trap that is either specifically designed or capable of catching an animal, excluding invertebrates.
- Glue traps can still be used in England, though only as a last resort and under licence.
- The use of glue traps has been completely banned in Wales since October 2023.
- There are currently no restrictions on the purchase and use of glue traps in Northern Ireland.
Why?
These changes are aimed at increasing measures to protect non-target animals due to the indiscriminate nature of these pest control methods.
The CCRU approved courses and CPD schemes require pest controllers to evidence that they are competent and actively engaging in professional development in line with the principles of integrated pest management.
Pest controllers are required to prioritise preventative and non-chemical means of control, like the use of monitoring techniques, sealing physical access points, and habitat management. The use of rodenticides should be a last resort only.