Key facts
- Scotland's ban on glue traps takes full effect on July 1, 2026.
- The ban covers use, supply, and possession of glue traps.
- The legislation is part of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.
- Penalties for breaches include fines up to £40,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment.
- The ban aims to improve animal welfare by removing inhumane pest control methods.
Scotland is set to fully implement a ban on the use, supply, and possession of rodent glue traps starting July 1, 2026. This measure, enacted under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, aims to enhance animal welfare by prohibiting what is described as an indiscriminate and inhumane method of pest control.
The ban was delayed due to restrictions imposed by the UK Internal Market Act 2020, which generally permits products legally sold in one part of the UK to be sold elsewhere. Scottish Ministers successfully requested an exemption from the UK Government, allowing for the full enforcement of the prohibition.
Violators of the new legislation face significant penalties, including fines of up to £40,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months. The legislation specifically exempts invertebrates from the ban.
While the general public will no longer have access to glue traps, the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is in discussions with the Scottish Government to define circumstances under which professional pest controllers might retain access. These exceptions would be for tightly controlled, critical situations related to immediate public health or safety risks, such as in high-risk food production areas or healthcare settings where other methods are unsuitable or too slow.
Agriculture and Connectivity Minister Jim Fairlie stated that glue traps have no place in Scotland, emphasizing the country's commitment to wildlife and animal welfare. The ban is part of broader efforts to strengthen wildlife management and animal welfare legislation in Scotland.