LEGISLATION
BPCA has stepped up its campaign to fix the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 after new undercover footage showed retailers still selling and advising on the illegal use of glue traps.
On 3 August 2025, Humane World for Animals UK’s investigation found that 42% of independent DIY and hardware stores visited were selling glue traps to the public.
None of those retailers warned that using glue traps without a licence is illegal. Some even advised customers to drown live animals or throw them away alive in bins - both criminal offences under the Animal Welfare Act.
The investigation also highlighted continued risks to non-target species, with pets, hedgehogs and wild birds among those being caught.
BPCA supported the investigation and was named-checked in the report, which rightfully stated, “the legal loophole made a mockery of the licensing scheme for professional pest controllers”.
Communications with Defra
Back in June, BPCA wrote to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, calling for:
- A ban on the sale of glue traps to the public
- An immediate public awareness campaign
- Stronger enforcement against illegal use
- Improvements to the professional licensing scheme
- A reduction in costs and barriers for legitimate pest control work.
BPCA received a reply from Baroness Hayman, the Defra Minister responsible for biosecurity and animal welfare, and we’ve had further communications with her following the Humane World for Animals UK campaign.
Next steps
The department said it may review the scheme if presented with evidence of serious public health impacts or rejected applications in genuine high-risk cases.
We stressed that evidence of failure is already clear. We have offered to arrange a roundtable with government officials and BPCA members working in schools, hospitals and food factories to show the real-world consequences of the current approach.
We will continue to push for a total ban on glue trap sales, affordable and practical licensing for trained professionals, and more vigorous enforcement to protect public health and animal welfare.
Members encountering illegal sales or use of glue traps are urged to report it to their local authority and share details with BPCA at policy@bpca.org.uk
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