Law by nation → Use of glue traps
A glue trap is a board coated in adhesive, used mainly against rodents. The four nations differ on whether use is an offence and on whether a licence is available.
Last reviewed 22 August 2026. It depends which nation you are in — all four are below.
This is a description of the law, not legal advice. Every row links to the primary source and carries the date it was last checked. Check the source before relying on it — general licences are reissued each January and commencement dates move.
It is an offence to set a glue trap in England for the purpose of catching a rodent. Professional pest controllers may hold a licence issued by Natural England under the Glue Traps (Licensing) Regulations 2024. Commenced by SI 2024/686.
legislation.gov.uk · checked 22 August 2026
Section 46 amended the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to prohibit setting in position or using a glue trap in Wales to kill or take any vertebrate other than a human. The section contains no licensing exception.
legislation.gov.uk · checked 22 August 2026
Using, supplying and possessing a glue trap are each offences. Section 5 allows Scottish Ministers to make regulations authorising use, supply or possession for the protection of public health where no other method of rodent control is practicable. Commenced by SSI 2026/127.
legislation.gov.uk · checked 22 August 2026
No Northern Ireland legislation prohibiting glue traps has been identified. The Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 creates offences in England. The Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 applies to any animal caught.
legislation.gov.uk · checked 22 August 2026
See this practice in the comparison grid, or compare all practices across the four nations.