2024 saw two significant changes to the regulations regarding the use of Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARS), one being already in force since the 4th of July, and the other coming into effect on the 1st of January 2026.
Firstly, legal authorization for the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARS) in open areas (away from buildings) and at waste dumps has been withdrawn from the 4th of July 2024. This has been instigated by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) UK, supported by the Health & Safety Executive. This restriction was designed to strengthen rodenticide stewardship and lead to reducing SGAR contamination in barns owls, the sentinel species for non-target wildlife. This change in use is now reflected on all SGAR rodenticide labels, i.e. rodenticides containing either of the 5 active ingredients bromadiolone, difenacoum, brodifacoum, difethialone and flocoumafen
Until recently, rodenticides containing bromadiolone and difenacoum could be used away from building (in open areas) – this has now changed as it is illegal to use any of the 5 SGAR products (purchased after the 4th July – hence with the new label) to treat a rodent infestation not associated with a building. This change may significantly impact the rats and mice infestation levels in farm buildings, including sites housing livestock or poultry, stored produce/crops and where food hygiene and security are vital. Where SGAR bait needs to be used externally, they can now be placed around buildings ONLY. Any SGAR product purchased on or prior to 4th July 2024, hence carrying the old label, will be authorized for use as per their label instructions till the end of the year 2024.
Secondly, the 3 user groups of SGAR products – professional pest controllers, gamekeepers and farmers - covered by the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime, have till 2026 to obtain the right qualification to continue buying and using these products. From January 2026 onwards, all buyers and users of professional SGAR products will need to hold either a stewardship-specific training certificate less than five years old, or an older one with proof of membership of a stewardship-specific Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme. As the 5 years validity period of the certificate approaches, holders must either repeat the training and requalify, or join a CPD scheme.
It is important to emphasize that above changes affect all professional pest controllers as well as certified users under the various CRRU approved farm assurance schemes. Please see the list of CRRU approved Farm Assurance Schemes HERE
As well as providing professional pest control services, Fenfarm Pest Control is also a distributor of rodenticides, as well as other pest control products, for Professional and Certified Users ONLY. The range of rodenticides we provide can only be purchased by parties working in the professional pest management, farming and gamekeeping sectors, that have achieved training and certification approved by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU).
In order to purchase rodenticide products, you must provide us with a copy of your Professional rodenticide course certificate (See the list of CRRU approved certification) or confirmation of your membership of a CRRU aligned Farm Assurance Scheme by emailing us on office@fenfarmpestcontrol.co.uk.
Fenfarm Pest Control is a member the Campaign For Responsible Rodenticide Use, and we responsibly sell rodenticides ONLY to trained professionals.