SECTOR SURVEY

BPCA is asking pest professionals, manufacturers and suppliers to share their views on mole traps as the Government prepares to review their use in England.

Take the survey

Over Christmas, the Government published its Animal Welfare Strategy for England, which included a commitment to review mole traps due to concerns about their humaneness.

Mole legislation and Best Practice

Currently, mole traps sit outside the approval system that governs many other spring traps used in pest management.

Under The Small Ground Vermin Traps Order 1958, spring traps used for moles, along with break-back traps for mice and rats, do not need to be formally approved. That means they are not covered by the spring trap approval orders that apply to many other pest control devices.

Because of this regulatory gap, the design and manufacture of mole traps are largely unregulated.

BPCA is concerned that this has allowed poorly made or ineffective traps to reach the market, including products that may cause unnecessary suffering if used incorrectly or if they fail to operate as intended.

BPCA members are already expected to follow high professional standards when carrying out mole control. The BPCA Code of Best Practice for Moles requires pest professionals to use only “quality, proven mechanical devices” when trapping.

However, with the Government signalling a potential review, BPCA wants to ensure that the views and practical experience of professional users are heard.

The Association has launched a survey aimed at both users and suppliers of mole traps. The findings will help BPCA represent the sector’s interests and ensure any future changes are based on real-world pest management practice.

Rosina Robson, Chief Executive of BPCA, said:

Professional pest controllers are committed to carrying out their work to the highest standards of animal welfare and effectiveness. If government is reviewing mole traps, it’s vital that the people who actually use these tools every day are part of the conversation. We want to ensure that any future rules improve standards without accidentally removing effective tools that pest professionals rely on to manage damage safely and humanely.

Rosina Robson, BPCA Chief Executive

Get involved now

BPCA is encouraging anyone involved in the manufacture, supply or use of mole traps to take part.

The Association says the evidence gathered will help ensure that any future review improves standards, supports humane pest management and protects access to the tools needed to control mole damage.

Take the survey here:

Take the survey