GUIDANCE

Scotland’s ban on glue traps will come into force on 1 July 2026. From this date, it will be an offence to use, supply or possess a glue trap. It will also be an offence to allow someone to use or supply a glue trap.

Introduced in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, falling foul of the ban could result in imprisonment of up to five years and/or a fine of £40,000.

What exactly is being banned?

The ban applies to any glue trap that is either specifically designed or capable of catching an animal, excluding invertebrates.

That means any traps marked or sold as intended for rodents are banned.

By extension, rodent traps which have been rebranded as insect traps are also banned.

The ban also applies to homemade traps.

What are the offences?

Using a glue trap

From 1 July, you will not be able to set a glue trap to catch any animal, excluding insects.

You will also not be able to lay down a glue trap in such a way that an animal, excluding insects, could potentially injure themselves on it.

It will also be an offence to knowingly cause or permit another person to use a glue trap.

From now until 1 July, you must continue to follow the Code of Best Practice for the Humane Use of Glue Boards.

Supplying a glue trap

From 1 July, you cannot sell, exchange, gift or otherwise make a glue trap available to anyone. It is also illegal to make an offer to supply a glue trap.

It will also be an offence to knowingly cause or permit another person to supply, or offer to supply, a glue trap.

Possessing a glue trap

From 1 July, you cannot have a glue trap in your possession.

Is there any way I can use glue traps in Scotland legally?

No. After 1 July, there is no way you can use, supply or possess a banned glue trap in Scotland.

What if my manager is forcing me to commit an offence?

It is not the intention of the law to criminalise technicians in such situations.

If a manager, or anyone else more senior in your workplace, compels you to use, supply or possess a glue trap, such as in your van, you should be able to claim a “reasonable excuse”. This means that the offence would not apply.

However, ultimately the decision on whether conduct constitutes a “reasonable excuse” will be for the police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to determine.

If you feel safe to do so, report these events in writing to a different manager, or to your manager’s manager.

You can also report these events to Police Scotland.

I have glue traps in my stores. What should I do with them?

You must dispose of any traps in your possession in Scotland before 1 July. We recommend that, ahead of 1 July, you thoroughly check your stores, vans and any other locations where you may have equipment.

If, after 1 July, you discover glue traps in your stores that you had previously forgotten about, you should immediately dispose of them safely.

Is there a specific way I have to destroy or dispose of glue traps?

You should dispose of any glue traps in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

If there are no instructions, or the trap has already been removed from the packaging:

1. Fold it closed – fold the glue trap in half so the sticky sides meet and no adhesive is exposed.
2. Bag it – place the folded trap into a sealed plastic bag.
3. Dispose – place the sealed bag into your regular waste.

I have laid glue traps down at a client’s property

Ahead of 1 July, you should locate and remove all glue traps from the client’s property.

This effort should be aided by location plans and other treatment records mandated by the Code of Best Practice for the Humane Use of Glue Boards.

Once removed, you should ensure that they are disposed of before 1 July.

You will be unable to lay down or possess any glue traps as of 1 July.

I have entered a client’s property and found a glue trap. How should I respond?

From 1 July, it will be an offence for you to “allow” another person to use glue traps, which means that you must respond appropriately in these situations.

Before 1 July

In the run-up to the ban coming into effect, if you find a glue trap, ensure that your client is aware of the upcoming ban. Advise them to remove and dispose of any glue boards in their possession ahead of 1 July.

Make sure to include this advice in your treatment report.

From 1 July

If you find a glue trap, ensure that your client is aware of the ban. Advise them to immediately remove and dispose of any glue boards in their possession.

Make sure to include this advice in your treatment reports. What you write here may serve as crucial evidence that you have acted professionally and within the law.

You do not need to report your client to the police immediately. However, if, after several visits, you find that your client is refusing to act, you should consider contacting Police Scotland.

What if I’m unsure that the trap I’ve found is banned?

It is always best to err on the side of caution for both you and your client.

If they originally acquired the traps to deal with rodents, treat them as a banned trap.

If the trap is labelled as an insect trap, or completely unlabelled, but you are unsure if it is strong enough to catch a rodent, treat it as a banned trap.

If you find an insect or unlabelled trap actively being used with the intention of catching insects, but you have reason to suspect an animal other than an insect could be injured on it, advise the client to remove the trap immediately.

Remember, it is an offence to use a glue trap in a way that could cause injury to an animal other than an invertebrate.

Technical support available

Unsure about this guidance or have another question regarding glue traps? BPCA members have access to technical pest management support. Contact technical@bpca.org.uk.