Frequently asked questions

Glue traps are usually strips of plastic or cardboard with one side coated in a strong glue. Some are activated by peeling off the backing paper to expose the glue. The sticky board is then left in places used by rodents and when an animal crosses the board it becomes stuck by its feet and fur.

The RSPCA is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of any trap that causes suffering. We are concerned about the use of glue traps (glue boards) against rodents because of the suffering they cause. There is currently no specific legislation governing the sale or use of these items, although there are aspects of existing wildlife legislation that can be relevant. The pest control industry has attempted self-regulation in the form of a code of practice.

The use of glue traps seems to have originated in some catering and food processing establishments. Such premises have a legal duty to prevent contamination of their products, so they have to prevent and/or control rodent infestations. They may be reluctant to use products such as rodenticide, due to fear of food contamination by the chemical or by the poisoned rodent. Rodent control in such situations causes a dilemma to which, unfortunately, there is no effective and humane solution. This position is made more difficult by the problem of resistance to various rodenticides, which is occurring in a number of areas.

The Society is concerned that these glue traps are becoming more widely available to the public and we have brought this to the attention of the government. We have made representations to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who are considering changes to the law to make it an offence to use any baited board, bird-lime or substance of similar nature to kill or take any wild animal.