Understanding new rules for professional use rodenticides
As part of the government’s Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) programme, there are new rules affecting purchasers and users of professional rodenticides coming into force in 2026.
Pest control professionals alongside other users need to be aware of these changes as they will directly impact the ability to purchase and use rodenticides to manage infestations.
What are the changes and what is the five year certification rule?
Aimed at raising standards and driving more responsible rodenticide stewardship, the updated requirements apply to all those who purchase and use professional rodenticides.
Whether it is farmers, gamekeepers or professional pest controllers, all users need to undertake the necessary steps to ensure compliance.
From January 1 2026, users and purchasers need to have the qualification RSPH Level 2 Safe Use of Rodenticides (or equivalent). This ensures rodenticides are used correctly and in a safe manner.
This means that anyone buying and using professional rodenticides must:
- Demonstrate to sellers proof of certification within the past five years from a CRRU UK approved training course. A list of these can be found on the Think Wildlife website.
Or:
- For certifications more than five years old, users must be registered to one of three CRRU-recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) schemes – Basis Prompt, BPCA Registered or British Pest Register. Collecting 20 points for the whole year with three points specifically related to CRRU training or awareness from these schemes is sufficient to continue using professional rodenticides under the new rules.
If neither can be demonstrated then the purchaser must obtain valid recertification, with time running out to secure certification ahead of the change on January 1, 2026.
Our recommendation is to become part of a CPD scheme as it helps pest controllers stay on top of the key legislative changes shaping the industry. But there are still lots of training options available with the Safe Use of Rodenticides course available in person or online, please check the training website for dates.
Why are they important?
You may have seen the headlines of giant rats and rodent infestations are sweeping the UK, compounded by years of local authority budget cuts which only add to the scale of the rodent challenge. This all highlights that need for rodent control remains strong, yet this must be balanced with responsible practices.
One of the most acute areas in rodenticides is concerns around the wider environmental impact of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) on non-pest species.
The monitoring as part of the CRRU programme has detected anticoagulant residues in 80 per cent of Barn Owls. Monitoring has also identified SGAR residues in fish and fox livers, highlighting the importance environmental risk mitigation and responsible rodenticide stewardship.
The updated CRRU requirements aren’t the only key legislative update impacting the rodent control toolkit which has come into force recently.
For example, SGARs cannot be used in ‘open areas’ such as parks and gardens and allotments alongside ‘waste dump’ settings, impacting products which contain bromadiolone and difenacoum. There is also a voluntary movement instigated by the CRRU to reduce SGAR residues.
Outside of rodenticides, the Glue Traps (offences) Act 2022 which came into force last year stimulates more responsible practices. It is an offence in England to use glue traps or glue boards for rodent control unless done under a licence and only under certain conditions, to help encourage a proactive, integrated approach to rodent management.
Together, these stringent requirements represent a positive step forward for the pest control industry and ensures that infestations can be tackled in an effective, yet responsible way.
It also emphasises the need for pest controllers to stay informed, maintain up-to-date certification and ensure compliance.
What action should you take?
If you purchase rodenticides for professional use, such as these from Pelsis, you will need to check if any action is taken.
- If you were certified to a CRRU-approved training course within the last five years, no further action is necessary as you are already compliant.
- If your certification was obtained more than five years ago, make sure you’re registered to a CRRU-recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme. If you’re joining for the first time you will need to join in 2025 and complete membership to be ready for 1st January 2026.
For pest control partners for other professionals users of rodenticide who are impacted by the changes, it is important to advise how they can avoid falling into non-compliance traps.
For example, with farmers, being a member of the Farm Assurance Schemes is not a valid proof of competence to purchase and use professional rodenticide. Farmers, and related professionals such as gamekeepers, will need to have the CRRU approved training certification within the last 5 years so do reach out about obtaining this certification to providers of the training.
If you’re unsure of your next steps, simply speak to our experts. We can offer guidance on the validity of your certification.
Work with the experts
Don’t be left counting the cost of outdated certification. Speak to our experts to understand how you can be compliant with professional rodenticide use through the Pelsis academy. Our instructor-led courses can be found here.
To hear more about changing rodenticide rules, watch our webinar from Pelsis technical training manager, John Stewart.