Upcoming Rodenticide Restrictions and What They Mean for Your Site

1. Restrictions on Common Rodenticide Actives (2025)

• From January 2025, restrictions have applied to two commonly used anticoagulant rodenticide actives: Difenacoum and Bromadiolone. This aligns them to existing restrictions on the more potent single feed rodenticides that have been in place for a number of years.
• These substances will be limited to use in and around buildings only.
• Whilst the term “buildings” is clearly defined "in and around" is more loosely defined, creating ambiguity in how far from the building rodenticides can be used.
• Businesses carrying out rodent control using these products must carefully document the justification for external baiting and ensure it aligns with CRRU (Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use) guidelines.

2. Certification Requirements (2026)

• From January 2026, professional rodenticide use will require proof of approved CRRU training certification and a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• While this is not a significant issue for large-scale food facilities relying on contracted pest management, any in-house pest management activities that involve the use of rodenticides must meet these requirements.
  
  

Why Are These Changes Being Made?

The aim of these regulations is to minimise environmental impact, specifically the unintended harm to non-target species. Poor use  and overreliance on rodenticides have prompted tighter control measures to promote responsible and targeted use.

1. Risk of Non-Compliance: Failure to meet the new standards could result in regulatory penalties or damage to business reputation.
2. Revised Pest Control Strategies: Sites must re-evaluate their current pest management plans to ensure they are fully compliant. This might require implementing alternative methods not involving the use of toxicants, use of products with a lower environmental risk, and more focus on managing the environment to reduce vulnerability to rodent activity. In reality it will likely involve aspects of all three.
3. Training and Certification Needs: For businesses managing pest management in-house, ensuring that staff hold the necessary CRRU approved training certifications and CPD records is crucial.
4. Contractor Verification: Even when outsourcing your pest management requirements, it’s crucial to verify that contractors meet the updated certification requirements and adhere to best practices. Increasingly this will involve a collaborative approach between you and your contractor.

• Conduct a Compliance Audit: Review your current rodenticide use practices to identify any areas needing adjustment.
• Engage Certified Pest Control Providers : Ensure that contractors are fully qualified and certified under the new CRRU standards.
• Implement Alternative Control Measures: Where appropriate increase use of mechanical traps and environmental management practices to reduce reliance on rodenticides.
• Enhance Documentation and Reporting: Keep thorough records to demonstrate compliance and risk assessment when using rodenticides externally.
• Train Your Team: Make sure that all personnel involved in pest management or the management of contractors are up to date with these restrictions and the training and certification requirements.

While these restrictions may seem challenging, proactive preparation will ensure that your site remains compliant while maintaining effective rodent control. By reassessing pest management practices, ensuring contractor compliance, and investing in staff training, your business can adapt smoothly to these regulatory changes and continue to protect both public health and the environment.