Scottish Government have confirmed that rodent glue traps are to be banned commencing 1st July 2026, which is a ban on use, supply and possession.
What does this mean?
This means that from the 1 July 2026 it will be an offence to use a glue a trap for the purpose of taking or killing (which includes restraining) any animal, or setting a glue trap in a manner that it is likely to cause injury to any animal that comes into contact with it.
Is the ban just on use?
No, it will also be an offence for a person to supply or offer for supply a glue trap. Finally, it will be an offence for a person to possess a glue trap.
What are the penalties if this is not followed?
A person who commits any of these offences (or knowingly causes or permits another person to use, supply or offer to supply a glue trap) will be liable on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or to a fine not exceeding £40,000 (or both), or conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to a fine (or both).
Which legislation is behind the ban on rodent glue traps?
The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 21 March 2024, included banning the use, supply and possession of rodent glue traps: Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024
As a result of the restrictions in the Internal Market Act 2020, it had not been possible to commence the ban on sale of glue traps. However, the UK Government has now brought forward a Statutory Instrument to implement an exclusion from the Internal Market Act in relation to glue traps: The United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 (Exclusions from Market Access Principles: Glue Traps) Regulations 2026 was made on 29 January 2026 and came into force on 20 February 2026.
The Scottish Government is therefore taking steps by way of a Scottish Statutory Instrument to commence the glue trap provisions (ban on use, supply and possession) in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 on the 1 July 2026.
Does the ban on glue traps also cover insect monitors?
No, thankfully not. The offences do not apply to invertebrates.
What are the alternative control measures once rodent glue traps are banned in Scotland?
Contact your product suppler for technical advice from qualified and experienced technical support advisors.
