Purchasing and use of rodenticides in the UK are strictly regulated. This is to protect the health of humans, pets and wildlife. The Health and Safety Executive, as well as the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide use (CRRUUK) oversees this.

Key Legal Restrictions

Since 1 Jan 2026, it is law for anyone purchasing or using professional strength rodent poisons to have certification. This includes farmers, pest controllers and commercial users. They must show a proof of CRRUK training as part of an approved CPD scheme. Farm assurance schemes are no longer adequate.

The law on rodent poisons is that it is illegal to use Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides in certain situations. This has been since Since 1 January 2025 it. These often abbreviated to SGARs and include brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, and flocoumafen. The use is not allowed in open outdoor locations. This is unless these are connected directly to a building or permanent structure. Use in hedges and fields is not allowed to prevent poisoning of birds of prey and other wildlife.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 it is an offense to cause avoidable suffering to any animal. As a result, poisoning of non-target animals from improper or negligent use of bait can result in prosecution due to the law on rodent poisons.

Commercial users and employers must follow the COSHH Regulations 2002, as as well as as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This means that poisons must be stored securely in locked containers. Proper risk assessments must also be carried out to reduce the chance of harm and accidental poisoning. Users who are not professional must strictly follow the instructions provided with the product.

Rules for Homeowners vs. Pest Controllers

There are different laws on rodent poisons in the UK depending on whether you are a homeowner or professional pest controller. Homeowners and members of the public are only allowed to buy amateur grade products in small premeasured quantities. These are often packs under 300 g or pasta based baits.

These contain far lower concentrations of active ingredients than professional baits. This is often at a level of 0.0025% or less. No license is required to buy DIY rodent poison from supermarkets or hardware stores. However, it is important by law to follow the instructions carefully. Premises and homeowners cannot use strong second-generation poisons in open spaces or fields. They must be inside bait stations which are tamper resistant. They must also be placed indoors or immediately around building perimeters.

Laws On Rodenticide Use For Professional Pest Controllers

Professional pest controllers must hold a CRRU approved qualification to prove their competence. This needs to be updated every five years. Otherwise they need to be part of a CPD scheme to buy professional grade rodenticides. Through Continued Professional Development, pest controllers can prove their competence.

Pest controllers have access to commercial grade concentrations of rodent poison. These are typically 0.005%, as well as bulk quantities. They must follow the strict CRRU code of best practice. This involves following an environmental risk assessment before performing any treatments. Even professionals are not allowed to use the second generation anticoagulants in open areas or hedgerows. They must find and safely dispose of dead rodents to prevent wildlife eating these and being poisoned.