PPC115 | Pests in politics

▶ Scotland’s Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill

An amendment in Stage 3 of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill has passed, leaving room for pest professionals to continue with glue traps in their crucial work across Scotland.  

This significant development, championed by Scottish ministers, ensures ongoing effectiveness of pest control measures while prioritising public health and safety. 

Scottish MPs can now regulate the responsible use of glue traps, ensuring they are used only to safeguard public health and as a last resort for professionals when other methods of rodent control are not feasible. 

▶ BPCA’s lobbying efforts

In response to concerns raised during the Bill process, Minister of Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie, emphasised the potential threat of increased rodenticide resistance in rodent populations.

Fairlie stated: “During the Bill process I have heard from the British Pest Control Association, which raised concerns that increased rodenticide resistance in rodent populations is a real possibility, which could lead in the future to a situation in which professional controllers have very limited options to deal with infestations in high-risk areas.” 

Furthermore, the Future of Pest Management Survey, conducted by the BPCA, was discussed in Stage 3. Rachael Hamilton highlighted the survey findings, stating: “In a recent survey conducted by BPCA, 65% of the 816 respondents stated that a ban on glue traps would impact their ability to control rodent infestations.

“Respondents reported that glue traps had the lowest rate of behavioural resistance, making them a more reliable option as a last resort.”

Rachael Hamilton discussed a Freedom of Information Request (FOI) requested by the BPCA in February. 

Hamilton stated: “The response to a FOI request showed that 200 glue traps have been used in the Scottish Parliament since the Bill was introduced last March, spanning two pest management treatments.  

“Without those treatments, Parliament buildings could have been closed due to infestations. We have very important matters to discuss in Parliament and it should be ensured that business can carry on.” 

This amendment signifies a balance that prioritises public health while addressing animal welfare concerns.

▶ BPCA responds

BPCA Chief Exec, Ian Andrew gave evidence to the committee, representing the pest management sector. 

He said: “We’ve been working hard to make sure politicians in Scotland are well briefed on the potential consequences an all-out ban on glue traps would have. We’re thrilled that the Minister has heard our concerns and tabled these amendments. It’s a great victory that a relatively small sector can influence politics to help protect public health.

 
“Thanks to all BPCA members who supported the campaign, and those in the sector that completed our Future of Pest Management survey. Without your support, we’d be looking at a complete ban.”

The next steps are for the Bill to receive royal assent and to develop a scheme to provide pest professionals access to glue traps in last resort circumstances.

Ian continued: “As always, the devil is in the detail – BPCA will now work hard to influence the scheme to make sure it’s workable for pest professionals. The scheme needs to ensure that approval to use glue traps must be either rapidly issued or applied for retroactively as by the nature of glue traps treatments, they’re an emergency tool.” 

▶ The next steps 

This successful lobbying effort demonstrates cooperation between industry stakeholders and policymakers, highlighting BPCA’s commitment to addressing the issues of rodent infestations with a focus on both animal welfare and public health. 

Amidst the ongoing legislative proceedings, pest controllers are at the forefront of a significant discussion that will influence the trajectory of rodent management in Scotland. BPCA will continue to campaign to protect glue traps for professional use as NatureScot develops a workable scheme. Similarly, we continue to provide support to Defra in creating a similar scheme in England.