The use of glueboards as a trap to catch rodents is to be banned from this month.
MAF Biosecurity says glueboards leave animals such as rats and mice alive on the traps for too long, causing prolonged distress and pain.
MAF says people who routinely use glueboards as part of their business need to find and develop more humane methods of trapping.
For commercial pest control operators, DoC and boat operators working near some pest-free islands, glueboards can remain in use until the end of 2014.
MAF says the use of glueboards for trapping insects remains legal.
