Feature articles

18 July 2024

Insurance warning to pest controllers as new law comes into force

PRESS RELEASE

Leading animal business insurance broker Cliverton is urging pest controllers to be aware of the insurance implications associated with the use of glue traps, ahead of new legislation coming into effect.

insurance hero

The Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022, which will be enforced from 31 July 2024, restricts the use of glue traps, also known as ‘glue boards’ or ‘sticky boards’.

These traps, consisting of a sheet coated with non-drying adhesive to trap rodents such as mice and rats, are widely considered inhumane.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) highlights that rodents caught in these traps often suffer severe injuries and can die slowly from various causes. Furthermore, improper use of glue traps can lead to the unintended capture of non-target species.

According to the law, pest professionals can only continue to use rodent glue boards under licence.

To obtain a licence, Defra (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) has outlined key principles which must be adhered to, including strict guidelines to ensure humane practices and to minimise the risk to non-target species.

“We advise pest controllers to review their insurance policies and ensure they are compliant with the new legislation,” said Lynne Fisher, Associate Director of Cliverton.

“Significant changes are coming into force, and we are here to help businesses navigate these adjustments to ensure they remain protected under the new legislative framework.”

For more information on licencing from Defra and Natural England, visit the government’s official glue trap licences page.

YOUR PRESS RELEASE HERE?

Share your industry news with the team, and we'll publish it here.

hello@bpca.org.uk

Source:

Highlights View all news

04 March 2026

Latest news

BPCA comment on Spring Statement 2026

The UK Government has delivered its 2026 Spring Statement, setting out updated economic forecasts but announcing no new tax or spending policies. Rosina Robson shares her takeaways from the Statement and analyses.

Read more

24 February 2026

Latest news

SURVEY: Home Office plans to change firearms licensing – tell us how it might impact you

While no new consultation has yet been launched, proposals to align shotgun licensing more closely with rifle controls could have serious implications for pest professionals who rely on shotguns for legitimate, professional use.

Read more

30 October 2025

Latest news

BPCA launch new careers hub, video and Open Doors Charter

Rosina Robson shares how the Association’s new pestcareers.org.uk hub, recruitment film, Open Doors Charter and social media campaign are helping to attract a more diverse, skilled and inspired workforce into pest management.

Read more
Latest View all news

11 March 2026

Latest news

Government confirms UK-EU alignment on biocides under new SPS agreement

The UK Government has confirmed that rules governing biocidal products will be aligned with European Union regulations as part of a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.

Read more

11 March 2026

Latest news

Which? Trusted Traders offer launches for BPCA members

BPCA members can take advantage of a new limited-time offer from Which? Trusted Traders aimed at helping pest management businesses stand out and win more work.

Read more

10 March 2026

Latest news

War in the Middle East pushes UK fuel prices higher

Oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel for the first time in years following conflict in the Middle East, pushing up petrol and diesel prices across the UK.

Read more