Rodent Control

Rodent control products tackle mice and rats indoors and out. The range includes snap traps, multi-catch and live capture traps, rodenticide baits, bait stations, electronic repellers, and proofing products such as anti-rodent cable lacquer and drain barrier valves.

Traps

• Snap traps: reusable wooden or plastic traps for mice or rats, some pre-baited.
• Live capture traps: catch mice unharmed for release. Check them at least once a day, and more often if you can.
• Multi-catch traps: hold several mice and suit areas with steady activity.

Place traps where you see droppings or gnaw marks, out of reach of children and pets.

Glue traps

No part of Great Britain lets a householder use a glue trap on rodents.

• England: setting a glue trap for rodents without a Natural England licence has been an offence since 31 July 2024. Licences only go to professional pest controllers, to protect public health or safety where there is no other satisfactory solution.
• Wales: using glue traps has been banned since 17 October 2023.
• Scotland: since 1 July 2026, using, supplying or possessing a glue trap for vertebrate animals has been an offence.

Rodenticides

Rodent baits are poisons, approved and controlled in Great Britain by HSE. Home-use products come in limited pack sizes, and the label may restrict where they can be used, for example only inside a bait box. Professional rodenticides are restricted to users who can show proof of competence, such as an approved certificate. Use tamper-resistant bait stations to keep bait away from children, pets and wildlife, and follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data.

Keeping them out

Block gaps around pipes and doors, and keep food and waste in sealed containers. Drain barrier valves stop rats entering through the drains.

For insects and other pests, see insect control and pest control.