Glueboards in Australia – what can I do?
A glueboard is defined as “a flat board coated with a non-drying adhesive”. Glueboards are marketed around the world for the control of rodents (rats & mice) and insects (flies and cockroaches).
In Australia glueboards for the capture of flying or crawling insects are still widely available across the nation. However, the story is very different for vertebrates (rodents).
Legal Issues around our country
The legality and restrictions on glueboards for rodent control vary very significantly by state and territory. According to the RSPCA glueboards “pose significant welfare risks. A mammal’s feet are generally stuck first, but as escape attempts are made other parts of the body also become stuck causing severe pain, fear, stress and anxiety which can be prolonged”.
The regulatory status by state or territory is as follows:
- ACT: Glueboards are listed as “Prohibited Traps”.
- NSW: Use of glueboards for animals is prohibited (although sale is not, and all glueboards must have a cover so that no animal can come in contact with the glue). Enforcement is by RSPCA.
- VIC: Sale and use of glueboards for animals is prohibited. Insect traps that cannot trap vertebrates are allowed under strict conditions.
- TAS: Glueboards are prohibited for the general public under the Animal Welfare Act 1993. However, licensed commercial pest control operators can apply for a specific exemption from the Minister to use them for rodent control, provided they follow strict guidelines.
- SA: No current restrictions
- QLD: Glueboards are not explicitly banned in Queensland, but their use is subject to animal cruelty laws. The Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 states that any control method must cause “as little pain as is reasonable”.
- WA: No current restrictions
- NT: There are no specific regulations prohibiting their sale or use.
In Summary: If you are considering using adhesive traps for rodent control:
- Check your local legislation.
- If in a banned jurisdiction – do NOT purchase or use glueboards for rodent control.
- If allowed (Qld, SA, WA, NT, TAS under exemption) – use only as a last resort when more humane methods are not practical. Ensure placement avoids non-target animals. Use professional products inside locked stations where required. Regularly check traps (daily or as per relevant code). Document locations on site maps.
N.B. Information is current at the time of writing and can change with legislation at any time
