New Rodenticide Rules for 2026: What Isle of Wight Farmers Must Know
From 1 January 2026, major changes to the purchase and use of professional rodenticides came into force across the UK. These rules, introduced by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU UK), affect every Isle of Wight farmer who buys or uses professional rodenticide rodent control products. With the Island’s unique mix of dairy, arable and mixed farms and its sensitive wildlife populations, understanding these changes is essential for staying compliant and protecting both livestock and the environment.
This article explains what’s changed, why it matters locally and how Wight Pest Control can support Island farms with rodent management and a full range of agricultural pest control services.
What Has Changed?
As of 2026, anyone purchasing professional‑use rodenticides must show CRRU‑approved certification at the point of sale.
This applies to:
- Farmers
- Gamekeepers
- Pest controllers
Red Tractor membership no longer counts as proof of competence, a major shift for many Island farms that previously relied on assurance scheme status. Certification must be recent, CRRU‑approved training must have been completed within the last 5 years.
If your certificate is older, you must either:
- Re‑train, or
- Join a CRRU‑approved CPD scheme to maintain compliance
Outdoor Use Restrictions Remain in Force
Since January 2025, second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), such as brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, and flocoumafen cannot be used in open fields or hedgerows unless directly connected to a building or structure. This rule continues unchanged into 2026.
Why These Changes Matter for the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight’s unique landscape, from dairy and arable farms to smallholdings and mixed enterprises, makes rodent control a constant challenge. But it’s also home to sensitive wildlife populations, including barn owls and red kites, which are particularly vulnerable to secondary poisoning. Studies show that up to 80% of UK barn owls carry rodenticide residues. The Island’s enclosed ecosystems mean misuse can have an even greater impact.
These new rules aim to:
- Protect Island wildlife
- Reduce contamination of the food chain
- Encourage integrated pest management (IPM)
- Ensure rodenticides remain available for those who genuinely need them
What Isle of Wight Farmers Need to Do Now
✔️Check your certification
If your CRRU training is older than 5 years, you’ll need to update it.
✔️ Plan ahead for rodent control
Suppliers will now refuse sales without valid proof of competence.
✔️ Review your current baiting practices
Ensure all outdoor baiting is compliant with the 2025 restrictions.
✔️ Consider professional support
With tighter rules and more scrutiny, many Island farmers are choosing to outsource rodent control to trained professionals.
How Wight Pest Control Supports Island Farmers
As a local, fully certified pest management provider, Wight Pest Control is ideally placed to help farmers navigate the new regulations while keeping rodent pressure under control. Here’s how we can support you:
- Fully Compliant Rodent Control Services
We operate under CRRU UK stewardship guidelines and maintain up‑to‑date certification and CPD membership — meaning you stay compliant without needing to purchase or store rodenticides yourself. - Farm‑Specific Rodent Management Plans
Every Isle of Wight farm is different.
We provide:
• Site surveys
• Risk assessments
• Permanent baiting strategies (where justified)
• Non‑toxic monitoring
• Proofing and environmental recommendations - Safe Use of SGARs Where Legally Permitted
Because we are certified professionals, we can deploy SGARs legally and safely. - Rapid Response for High‑Pressure Situations
Rodent populations can escalate quickly, especially around feed stores, poultry units, and grain barns.
We offer fast callouts across the Island to prevent damage and contamination.
A Local Partner You Can Trust
Wight Pest Control is an Island‑based, Island‑focused business, we work closely with businesses across the Isle of Wight to deliver safe, effective and fully compliant rodent control. As well as rodent control, we also conduct other services such as:
- Fly Control – Essential for livestock welfare and hygiene.
- Stored Product Insect Treatments – Protecting grain and feed from beetles and moths.
- Farm‑Wide Environmental Services – Proofing, hygiene improvements and integrated pest management planning.
With the 2026 rules now in force, there has never been a more important time to ensure your rodent management is legal, responsible, and professionally supported.
Contact Wight Pest Control
07488 985 976
01983 645 200
info@isleofwightpestcontrol.co.uk
We cover the whole of Isle of Wight
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NB Articles are written independently of the Wight Rural Hub