Rodent Pressure Rising on UK Farms: Resistance and Regulation Changes Top Farmer Concerns

As the 2026 rodenticide changes to purchasing and use come into effect, a survey by BASF - the leading pest control solutions manufacturer behind popular rodenticides like Selontra^® and Neosorexa Plus^® - of UK farmers highlights the growing challenge posed by rodent activity and rising concerns over resistance. The findings show that protecting farms is becoming increasingly complex, requiring careful planning and flexible control strategies across all types of operations.

Rodents are a universal challenge
Almost all farmers surveyed report problems with rats and mice, with more than 60% facing infestations of both species simultaneously. Mixed farms combining arable and livestock appear particularly affected, reflecting the diverse habitats and food sources rodents exploit on multi-enterprise operations. These results underline the need for continuous, integrated pest management rather than short-term, reactive measures.
Laurence Barnard, P&SS Country Business Manager at BASF Pest Control Solutions, said:
"These figures show just how widespread rodent activity is across all types of farms, from arable to mixed livestock operations. Rodents are highly adaptable, and many farms are dealing with both rats and mice at the same time. That means control can’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. Farmers need strategies that are continuous and integrated - combining monitoring, proofing, trapping, and careful rodenticide use where necessary. It’s about protecting livestock, feed, and buildings, while keeping day-to-day farming operations running smoothly. With growing rodenticide resistance and the recent CRRU changes, taking a proactive, planned approach has never been more important."

Control is becoming harder
More than half of farmers report that rodent control has become harder over the past year, driven by a combination of practical, environmental, and regulatory pressures. 

Key contributing factors include:

• Suspected anticoagulant resistance, which is reducing confidence in previously reliable products and making effective control harder to achieve
• Rising rodent populations, increasing the time and effort needed to bring infestations under control
• Fewer product options, creating uncertainty around how to manage infestations safely and effectively
• Wetter and milder weather, supporting higher rodent survival and pushing activity closer to farm buildings and sheltered areas
• Changes to rodenticide use and purchase rules, adding complexity to in-house control and placing greater emphasis on training and compliance.

Although many farmers seek professional support for their rodent control, there are still many farmers that manage their rodent infestations themselves. This means that day-to-day responsibility for control sits with many farmers, underlining the importance of education and raising awareness of best practice among those still carrying out in-house rodent control.

Integrated management practices
Rodenticides remain an essential tool for most farmers, but trapping, proofing, and environmental management are widely used alongside these chemical controls. While these integrated measures help reduce reliance on poisons, the survey highlighted that awareness of the 2026 changes was low. 

Resistance concerns are growing
More than 60% of respondents express concern about rodenticide resistance, with around 40% reporting suspected resistance on their farms. Resistance to anticoagulants can result in slower or incomplete control, increasing both costs and workload while making infestations harder to manage. Using the wrong bait in areas where resistance is already present can worsen the problem, allowing resistant rodents to survive and breed, further strengthening resistant populations. Careful selection of rodenticides is therefore essential to achieving effective control and slowing the spread of resistance.

BASF’s Selontra^®, which contains the active ingredient cholecalciferol, offers a proven solution with no known resistance. Unlike traditional anticoagulant rodenticides, Selontra^® works through a different mode of action, causing a natural build-up of calcium in rodents. This enables effective control even in populations where anticoagulant resistance has been identified. Its rapid knockdown effect, often within 24 hours, allows complete control to be achieved in as little as seven days, making it a reliable addition to a farm’s integrated pest management (IPM) programme. Suitable for use across a wide range of farm settings, Selontra^® can be integrated alongside trapping, proofing, and environmental management measures. As of January 2026, proof of CRRU-approved certification obtained within the last five years is required to purchase Selontra^® or any other professional use rodenticide, ensuring it is used safely, responsibly, and in line with best practice.
To further this, farmers continue to cite effectiveness and speed of control as their top priorities, with regulatory compliance and environmental impact a secondary but important consideration, making products like Selontra^® a valuable tool in maintaining both control and compliance under evolving regulations.

Regulatory changes create uncertainty
Nearly 70% of farmers are concerned or uncertain about meeting the 2026 rule changes. Their main worries include reduced access to effective products, more complex paperwork, and the ability to maintain control over infestations. Despite these concerns, almost half of farmers have yet to adjust their rodent management strategies, taking a “wait-and-see” approach. This could increase the risk of growing rodent populations or non-compliant pest control practices.

Laurence Barnard concludes: "The survey makes it clear that farmers are looking for guidance on maintaining effective rodent control under the recent changes, whether through increased monitoring, improved proofing, or professional advice. It highlights the need for practical, results-focused strategies that combine effective control with regulatory compliance, helping farmers protect livestock, crops, and farm infrastructure without disruption. 

“For those struggling to comply with the changes, my advice is to undertake a training course like the ones stated on CRRU’s Think Wildlife page, or work with a professional pest controller to implement a thorough integrated pest management approach. This not only ensures compliance and best practice but also eases the pressure on farmers, allowing them to focus on their core work rather than dealing with rodents and the problems they cause."

Survey respondents also highlighted a clear need for greater guidance and support around best practice in pest control. BASF provides practical information and advice online to help farmers navigate effective rodent management, this can be found here. Farmers holding the appropriate certification can purchase Selontra^® through their local agricultural merchant or by speaking with their local representative.

Information: Use biocide products carefully. Always read the label and product information before use.