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This is the old Defra Website - our current information is at www.defra.gov.uk
That site may temporarily link to older information here that remains relevant - see "About our website"

Wildlife

Wildlife management

• Policy
• Badgers
• Bats
• Non-native species
• Other species
• Pest control
• Plants
• Reptiles
• Weeds
• Wild birds

ARCHIVE: Legal pest control

Some mammals and birds cause persistant problems and need to be controlled legally, as part of countryside management. The majority of traps set in the countryside are legal, selective and safe.

Responsibility for dealing with problems caused by wild animals in the UK normally rests with the occupier of the land concerned. Defra does not provide a 'pest' control service. This is a matter for individuals, private pest control companies or local authorities to address within the constraints of the law.

• General licences

• Approved spring traps

• The use of snares

• Defra's position on Rodenator (PDF)

• Campaign against accidental or illegal poisoning

Page last modified: 17 September 2010
Page published: 23 October 2008

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