09 July 2020

BPCA helps put auditors straight on insecticide usage requirements for public health pest management

BPCA has had reports of auditors asking pest professionals for Pa1 Pa6 pesticide training certificates. The use of insecticides for public health pests does not require the user to have Pa1 Pa6 pesticide training and therefore a NRoSO.... More

26 June 2020

Identify the differences between wasps, hornets, bees and more

Not everything that buzzes is a pest! Everything that buzzes around your garden is potentially a pollinator. These fascinating insects are incredibly useful; not just in the garden, but also in agriculture, with many crops dependent on poll.... More

24 June 2020

New stored products insects and fly management courses added to BPCA online classroom

BPCA has announced two new taught online classroom courses. Led by industry experts, the new courses are delivered via live presentations over Zoom. Stored Product Insects (SPIs) in Food Environments and Flies and their control join t.... More

19 June 2020

VIDEO: Professional wasps and bees: biology, behaviour and control

In this video, Natalie discusses how understanding the biology and behaviours of wasps, hornets and bees can help to identify the most effective method of control This video is intended for those working in the pest management sector. .... More

19 June 2020

Six general licences re-issued by Defra for the control of wild birds

Defra has announced that six general licences for the control of wild birds will be reissued on a temporary basis ahead of new licences coming into force on 1 January 2021. The current licences GL26, GL28, GL31, GL34, G.... More

26 May 2020

Coronavirus and bed bugs: how hotels can protect guests after lockdown

New BPCA member Spotta says that the damage from Covid-19 to hotels may not be over once the Government greenlights a return to travel. Dormant bed bugs will live around a year without feeding, waiting for hotel guests to return..... More

20 May 2020

BPCA launches new online course for pest identification

BPCA is delivering more specialist pest control training via its new virtual classroom. Principles of Pest Identification will premiere live on the 18 June 2020 between 10am and 4pm. Principles of Pest Identification joins Unders.... More

15 May 2020

VIDEO: Ant control for pest professionals

In this video, Natalie discusses how to identify sources of ant infestations and methods of control available to pest technicians. This video is intended for those working in the pest management sector. Information correct at the time.... More

01 May 2020

Pest controller to feature in Top Trumps deck of UK essential workers

  A brand new edition of Top Trumps is honouring Covid 19 key workers. Pest controllers will feature alongside doctors, nurses, sea merchants, journalists and partners of key workers in the new deck.  One of the fo.... More

30 April 2020

Challenge or chore? An introduction to insect ID

Technical | PPC99 May 2020 In this article Clive Boase, Principal Consultant at The Pest Management Consultancy explains the importance of correct insect identification and how you can make a start on learning the basics.  .... More

30 April 2020

Floods! Work study and opportunities for pest professionals

Technical | PPC99 May 2020 Back in January and February much of the UK was underwater. Homes, businesses and public spaces were flooded, bringing with them a wave of pest-related issues. BPCA member, Killgerm, has produced a hand.... More

30 April 2020

Friendwatch: Water voles

Technical | PPC99 May 2020 The water vole population in the UK has fallen dramatically since the 1960s, from around eight million to the most recent estimate, from the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, of 875,000. .... More

28 April 2020

SURVEY: Bayer on wasp control

BPCA member Bayer are looking for pest management professionals to complete their survey on wasp control.  Wasp season is upon us, as the queens have begun 'waking' and seeking out spots to build their nests.  Soon, pes.... More

22 April 2020

Natural England: Update on individual licences for the control of gulls

Natural England has issued an update ahead of issuing individual bird control licences this month, with suggestions that the number of applications exceeds the level of lethal control allowed while still maintaining conservation of these sp.... More

15 April 2020

New cost-benefit analysis of postponing pest control services template available for BPCA members

BPCA has released a letter template for pest management companies to help explain the importance of continuing ongoing site protection during the Covid-19 pandemic. The letter includes the pros and cons of suspending proactive (routine) pes.... More

08 April 2020

BPCA gives Gove 141 reasons pest management needs to be considered essential during Covid-19

BPCA has replied to the Minister for the Cabinet Office Michael Gove's letter on pest management professionals being key workers. While the states pest management employees can continue to go to work, he did not agree to add pest.... More

06 April 2020

Pest professionals: continue to go to work if it's safe, says Gove to BPCA

Today (6 April 2020), the UK Government confirmed that pest management professionals can continue to go to work when it's safe to do so. BPCA wrote to Government ministers, asking for pest management professionals to be considered ess.... More

01 April 2020

13 resources for pest professionals during Covid-19 pandemic

BPCA has released 13 resources for operating essential services during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of these resources are free for everyone, while others are for BPCA members only. The resources available are: NEW Client information.... More

01 April 2020

Natural England: updates on licences for bird and stoat control

Natural England (NE) is continuing to receive large numbers of applications for individual licences for gulls and other bird species. On 30 January Natural England released details of changes to the individual licences for the control.... More

31 March 2020

BPCA adds toolbox talk resources for members

BPCA has added new CPD resources for member companies who want to deliver high-quality, in-house CPD for their employees.  The new section on the website currently includes: A blank toolbox talk template with guidance&n.... More

31 March 2020

Keeping pests at bay in Covid-19 pandemic

HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to be vigilant to pest infestation during the Covid-19 crisis. The move comes as some local authorities struggle to maintain refuse collection services. National trade body, the British Pest Control A.... More

27 March 2020

Scottish general licence changes coming

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has announced that the new general licence will, from 1 April, only cover two species – Canada Goose and feral pigeon. All wild birds, their eggs and nests are protected by law. General.... More

25 March 2020

Pelgar warns of increase in pests during lockdown

 Pest control is already on the front line of public health around the world; given the situation we now find ourselves in it could prove even more essential. Animals are always quick to adapt and, as a result, BPCA member P.... More

25 March 2020

Pest control critical to sustain public health during Covid-19 crisis

PRESS RELEASE 25 March 2020 The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is calling for urgent action to ensure pest control management can continue to be administered in the Covid-19 pandemic. According to BPCA, the activity remains a.... More

25 March 2020

BPCA key worker lobbying on BBC radio

BPCA got a big mention on BBC Radio yesterday, when hosts spoke to a caller about pest management during the Covid-19 lockdown.  The whole section is a phone-in segment and listeners are discussing whether pest control can c.... More

17 March 2020

Tetramethrin classification changes

Tetramethrin, the active ingredient in some insecticidal products, has been classified as a category 2 carcinogen. This will impact formulated products in which the level of tetramethrin is equal to or greater than 1%. Such produ.... More

13 March 2020

How to apply for gull licence as deadline approaches

BPCA is advising all members that they should apply for their individual licences for gull control in good time for breeding season. On 30 January Natural England released details of changes to the individual licences f.... More

12 March 2020

Pest photograph competition winner announced

BPCA were pleased to announce the winner of the #BestPestPic2020 competition at PPC Live in Harrogate this week. Mark Horrocks, a pest management technician from Gloucestershire, won the Association’s competition to find th.... More

06 March 2020

Rodenticide regime calls for no exceptions, bad apples or excuses

For the regime to be a success, "conscientious compliance" with stewardship principles by all rodenticide users is essential, according to Dr Alan Buckle, chairman of the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use, which co-ordinates the regime. .... More

05 March 2020

Scotland: three new general licences announced

Following a review of the general licensing system, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has released three new general licences for bird control, to come into force from 1 April 2020. What's changed?  From 1 April 2020 there ar.... More

04 March 2020

CRRU study appeals for tail tip samples

An appeal for pest control technicians, farmers and gamekeepers to collect tail samples from freshly killed rats and mice has been issued by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU). In the past two years, new hotspots of r.... More

03 March 2020

#BestPestPic2020 shortlist announced!

 The shortlist for the #BestPestPic2020 competition has been announced! There were an incredible amount of entries and our first set of judges found it so difficult to choose between them all.  As a result the shortlist.... More

28 February 2020

Storms will drive pests into homes says PelGar

BPCA member PelGar says that the back-to-back battering of the UK by storm fronts and widespread flooding is likely to drive pests into human areas. The storms will also have negative effects on other non-pest species of Bri.... More

26 February 2020

Spring Queening: On the trail of Asian hornets in Guernsey

Pest control | PPC98 March 2020 Elliott Rose-King, from BPCA Consultant Member Bounty Consultancy Services, talks to PPC about a recent fact-finding visit to The Agriculture, Countryside and Landscape Management Services (ACLMS) tea.... More

26 February 2020

PestWatch: What’s ticking off your dog?

Technical feature | PPC98 March 2020 Dee Ward-Thompson investigates a type of tick you might not have come across yet but is slowly becoming more prevalent in the UK. At the end of last year, I went along to the Leve.... More

13 February 2020

GENERAL LICENCES: six licences reissued for control of wild birds

Defra has announced that six general licences for the control of wild birds in England will be reissued on a temporary basis ahead of new licences coming into force on 1 August 2020. Following a legal challenge by Wild Justi.... More

06 February 2020

BIG BIRD WRAP-UP: General and individual licences for bird control in the UK

Since April 2019, we’ve had many updates on general licences for bird control in the UK. This quick view page will give you all the headline information and latest updates on general and individual licences in England, Northern Ireland, S.... More

30 January 2020

FAQ: Lesser black-backed and herring gull licensing

An FAQ regarding the Lesser Black-Backed Gull and Herring Gull bird control licensing changes. Why are there changes to the number of gulls that can be controlled? Herring gull and lesser black-backed gull have been excluded from the.... More

30 January 2020

Natural England releases details of new bird control licensing arrangements for herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls

Natural England has today [Thursday 30 January] set out changes to licences for the lethal control of herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls in England. Owing to their poor conservation status, herring gulls and lesser black.... More

29 January 2020

New licences for Lesser black-backed and Herring gull released tomorrow – England

Natural England (NE) has confirmed that new bird licences for the control of the Lesser black-backed gull and Herring gulls will be released tomorrow (30 January 2020). This is a breaking story, and BPCA will publish more details as they co.... More

28 January 2020

PestAware: Tips for attracting red squirrels

Red squirrels are native to the UK but, sadly, their numbers have been in decline since the early 20th century. Here, Millbry Hill's Kathryn Eccles gives her top tips for encouraging more red squirrels into your garden. It'.... More

08 January 2020

Are we going to lose more insecticides in 2020?

With several prominent changes to insecticides in 2019, BPCA's been asked what the future of insecticides will look like. While nothing is certain, we've tried to clarify what's going on. As with rodenticides, all insecticides ar.... More

07 January 2020

Pest advice for controlling Mice

Can you hear the pitter-patter of tiny footsteps behind the skirting? Does Tom keep bringing Jerry in from the garden? Mice are a part of British wildlife - but when they take up residence with you, they can be a cause for concern. Act.... More

07 January 2020

Human hair behind pigeon deformity

Pigeons with missing toes is a fairly common phenomenon in European cities like Paris and London. But what's the cause?  A team of scientists from France’s National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) and the Univers.... More

11 December 2019

Ficam W to be withdrawn from the market

BPCA member Bayer has announced that Ficam W is to be removed from the market, following a vote from the EU Biocide commission. Alan Morris, Bayer head of environmental science, explains that the industry can expec.... More

03 December 2019

VIDEO: Bed bug control for pest professionals

Watch back our webinar on professional bed bug control. In this first of a 2-part series, Natalie talks biology, lifecycles, public health and prevention. The one hour video covers five main topics: Bed bug identification Bed bug biol.... More

09 October 2019

Rat lungworm’s sluggish journey to Europe

Scientists are looking into the spread of rat lungworm to several popular European holiday destinations. First noted in China in the 1930s, rat lungworm is widespread in Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. However, in the last.... More

13 September 2019

CONSULTATION: Wild birds general licence survey launched by Defra

Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers has launched a public survey as part of a planned review of general licences to manage wild birds in England. Defra is leading this review in close partnership with Natural England. Take the.... More

23 August 2019

Flying insects in hospitals carry 'superbug' germs

Health and safety | PPC96 August 2019 More than 50% of bacteria recovered from flying insects in a group of English hospitals were resistant to one or more antibiotics, posing a potential infection risk to patients, according to a.... More

23 August 2019

Ask the technical team August 2019

Technical | PPC96 August 2019 Our technical team tackle bee nests, reporting and delusional parasitosis in this issue. When you’re a BPCA member you can get technical support whenever you need it via our experienced tec.... More