Pest control and the law

General information. This page explains the law in plain English. It isn't legal advice. If you're unsure about a specific situation, contact the relevant nature agency or a qualified professional before acting.

Animals you must not disturb

Several animals that turn up in and around homes are protected. With these, the usual pest control approach is off the table, and the right first step is advice.

Glue traps

Glue traps catch an animal on a sticky board and are widely seen as inhumane. The rules now differ across the UK.

We never recommend glue traps for rodents anywhere. Snap traps are more humane and, set properly, more effective.

Rodent poisons

Rodenticides sold to the public are lower strength and come in smaller pack sizes. Professional-strength products are restricted to trained, certified users. Poisons can also harm pets, children and wildlife such as owls and kestrels that eat poisoned rodents.

• Only buy rodenticides labelled for amateur use from UK sellers.
• Always use them inside tamper-resistant bait stations.
• Never put poison in lofts, under floors or in wall voids indoors.
• Collect and dispose of dead rodents and leftover bait as the label says.

Invasive species

Grey squirrels are an invasive non-native species. If one is caught alive, it is illegal to release it, which is why live-trapping isn't a DIY option. The Asian hornet is also invasive and should be reported, not tackled yourself. See grey squirrels and hornets.

Foxes and moles

Foxes and moles aren't protected species, but animal welfare law applies to any you catch, and the permitted methods are limited. In England, poisoning and gassing foxes is illegal, occupied fox earths mustn't be blocked, and urban foxes shouldn't be released in the countryside. No repellents are approved for moles, and any mole caught alive must be killed humanely rather than released. See foxes and moles.

Pigeons and gulls

Feral pigeons and some gull species can only be controlled under general licences with specific conditions, and those licences differ between nations and change over time. For homeowners, proofing (spikes, netting, mesh) is usually the answer, and anything more is best left to a professional who holds the right licence.

Councils, landlords and tenants

Under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949, local councils have a duty to keep their area free of rats and mice as far as practicable, and powers to require owners or occupiers to deal with infestations. That doesn't mean they'll treat your home: many councils now charge for pest control or don't offer it at all.

If you rent, who pays depends on what caused the problem and what your tenancy says. Pests that come from disrepair, such as gaps in the structure or damaged drains, are usually the landlord's responsibility, as are problems in shared areas of a building. Tell your landlord or letting agent in writing as soon as you notice a problem.

Pesticide safety

Only use products approved for amateur use in the UK, and follow the label exactly. Professional products bought online from overseas sellers have caused serious harm in UK homes. Our safe DIY guide covers the essentials.

Questions people ask