A recent survey by BASF Pest Control Solutions has highlighted a sharp increase in rat and mice activity across UK farms, and livery yards and equine premises are feeling the impact. Warmer winters, rising rodent populations, and growing resistance to rodenticides are making infestations harder to control, raising concerns for animal welfare, feed safety, and yard infrastructure.
From 2026, new regulations on the use of rodenticides and other pest control products will come into force across the UK, affecting farms, livery yards, and other equine premises. These changes are designed to improve safety for non-target animals, humans, and the environment, but they also place new responsibilities on yard owners and managers. Users will need to ensure that rodenticides are applied correctly, with stricter rules around storage, dosing, and record-keeping. The regulations may also limit the types and concentrations of products available, meaning that integrated pest management strategies — combining trapping, proofing, and environmental management — will become increasingly important to maintain effective control. Awareness and compliance are key to avoiding legal issues while keeping horses and property safe.
Awareness of the 2026 regulatory changes – which required proof of training and certification in order to purchase and administer professional rodenticides – remains low, despite high levels of concern around compliance.
The Risks for Horses and Yards
Rodents pose serious risks on equine premises:
- Disease transmission: Rats and mice can carry bacteria and parasites that affect horse health.
- Feed contamination: Hay, grains, and supplements can be spoiled, creating both waste and health risks.
- Bedding and tack damage: Rodents chew on rugs, bridles, saddles, and bedding, causing costly damage and potential hazards.
Survey Highlights
The BASF survey shows:
- Almost all farms report rodent activity, with over 60% dealing with both rats and mice simultaneously.
- Mixed farms, combining arable and livestock, are most affected due to multiple habitats and food sources.
- More than half of respondents said rodent control has become harder over the past year.
- Resistance to rodenticides is rising, undermining confidence in chemical controls.
Integrated Pest Management is Key
While professional pest controllers are widely used, many yard and farm owners manage infestations themselves. This makes daily control, compliance, and monitoring essential. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach for equine premises includes:
- Keeping stables, feed rooms, and tack areas spotlessly clean.
- Storing feed and bedding securely in rodent-proof containers.
- Inspecting rugs, saddles, and equipment for signs of damage.
- Reducing hiding places around the yard, such as piles of debris or old bedding.
- Combining trapping, proofing, and targeted rodenticide use for effective control.
Protecting Horses and Yard Businesses
Rodents are more than a nuisance — they can directly affect the health and safety of horses and increase costs for yard owners through damaged feed, bedding, and tack. Maintaining good hygiene, proper storage, and robust monitoring is essential to safeguard both equine welfare and business operations.