08 February 2024

BASF returns to PestEx with space invaders and a CPD portal sneak peek

PRESS RELEASE BPCA member BASF is set to return to PestEx this March with the promise of arcade fun, prizes up for grabs, and a first look at its new CPD training portal.  The pest control solutions manufacturer, exhibiting.... More

01 February 2024

Cleankill strikes Gold again to start the year off on a high

PRESS RELEASE Surrey-based BPCA member Cleankill Pest Control has started 2024 with celebrations after being awarded the Gold Investors in People accreditation for the third time. Investors in People is an organisation that asses.... More

31 January 2024

Glue Traps (Offences) Act will likely take effect in July 2024, says Defra

LEGISLATION Defra has confirmed that Natural England has been appointed as the regulator for glue trap licensing in England. The appointment was made by Minister Rebecca Pow, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Depa.... More

24 January 2024

Beaver Pest Control unleashes team thrills for target achievement

PRESS RELEASE BPCA member Beaver Pest Control treated its team to some unforgettable outings in 2023 as a reward for hard work and business success. Following what Beaver describe as "remarkable" 2022-23 Business Growth Indicator.... More

24 January 2024

Veritas Pest Consultancy releases insect ID cards

PRESS RELEASE BPCA member Veritas Pest Consultancy has created identification flashcards to help people improve their insect ID skills and prepare for exams. These cards provide an easy to understand approach to learning insect i.... More

24 January 2024

Pre-register for PestEx for a chance to win a Meta Quest 3

EVENTS Anyone who pre-registers to attend PestEx in March will be entered into a prize draw to win a BRAND NEW Meta Quest 3 VR headset. What: PestEx 2024 When: 13-14 March 2024 Where: ExCeL, London REGISTER Each year BPCA o.... More

23 January 2024

Anglian Pest Control win regional business award

PRESS RELEASE BPCA member Anglian Pest Control was named Trade Small Business of the Year at The Peterborough Small Business Awards. The Peterborough Small Business Awards were held on Saturday 7 October, in Thorpe Wood, Peterbor.... More

23 January 2024

NEW Trainee pest technician job template available

LIBRARY BPCA has created a brand new job template for member companies to use when hiring trainee pest controllers.  Recruitment is a hot topic in the industry right now, and many BPCA member companies have suggested they're.... More

23 January 2024

Scotland spring trap changes come into force for 2024

LEGISLATION The Spring Traps Approval (Scotland) Amendment Order 2023 came into effect on 1 January 2024, with changes to the categories of trap which are approved for use, and to the target species of certain traps approved for use. .... More

22 January 2024

PestFix warns of disruption to pest control supplies

PRESS RELEASE PestFix warns customers to plan their pest proofing jobs early due to global supply disruptions from the Red Sea Crisis.  80% of container fleets have been sent on longer journeys than normal. The risk of attac.... More

20 January 2024

NEW PestAware presentation template for BPCA members

LIBRARY BPCA has designed a slide deck for member companies to use, to help educate the general public about the vital role that all pest professionals play in protecting public health.  Members told BPCA that they'd like to.... More

19 January 2024

Twelve years of monitoring barn owl breeding by CRRU UK

PRESS RELEASE Writers: Dr Alan Buckle, Dr Colin Prescott, Colin Shawyer. References can be found at the end of the article. The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) UK has monitored barn owl breeding in collaboration with th.... More

18 January 2024

LNPS helps out hospice in Essex and families in East Greenwich

PRESS RELEASE BPCA member company London Network for Pest Solutions finished off 2023 with a flurry of charitable giving. Firstly, LNPS answered a cry for help from a local community group that runs a Saturday club for children a.... More

18 January 2024

UPDATE: 33-year-old woman charged with manslaughter over aluminium phosphide death

SECTOR NEWS UPDATE (19 Jan 2024): At an Old Bailey hearing on 12 January, Jesmin Akter entered a 'not guilty' plea to charges of manslaughter and importing a regulated substance. It is alleged Akter used an imported substance to contro.... More

18 January 2024

Pest-related diseases report sparks call for collaboration between pest management and public health

RESEARCH The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is calling for closer links between pest professionals and public health bodies off the back of the UK Health Security Agency’s report on animal-associated infections (England) (Dec.... More

18 January 2024

VIDEO: Mouse control basics and challenges

CPD VIDEO Many challenges can come along with controlling mice, in certain environments, especially if there are and behavioural or genetic resistances.  The surrounding conditions can also provide challenges in gaining effective.... More

16 January 2024

Which? Trusted Traders new year discounts for BPCA members

Which? Trusted Traders, the go-to place for consumers looking for reliable services, are offering discounts on fees. BPCA teamed up with Which? to provide members with a BPCA membership benefit; a fantastic opportunity to get your bus.... More

15 January 2024

Barrettine hit the ground running with new product launches for 2024

PRESS RELEASE As we start the new year, BPCA member Barrettine are giving pest controllers a look at some new, innovative products in the market. Barrettine’s new MoBe Ant and Roach insecticide gel baits are available now.... More

09 January 2024

PestFix helps cancer charity campaign reach its target

CHARITY PestFix's own Strategic Business Executive, Anna Mollins, has been working tirelessly since February 2023 to raise money for her best friend's little boy, who was diagnosed with an aggressive childhood cancer. Terry Burro.... More

02 January 2024

Professional rodenticide users have two years to prepare for changes

PRESS RELEASE All three user groups of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) covered by the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime – pest controllers, gamekeepers and farmers – have two years to prepare for a significa.... More

22 December 2023

VIDEO: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) for pest control

CPD VIDEO The COSHH regulations cover all types of chemical use in the UK, including pesticide use. Pest professionals, be it managers, owners or technicians, need to be aware of what the COSHH regulations require. During this web.... More

18 December 2023

Pest experts offer advice in wake of bed bug scam arrests

PESTAWARE British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is encouraging householders to consult a pest professional if they are worried about a possible infestation. The advice from experts at the national trade body follows arrests in.... More

17 December 2023

BPCA offices closed over Christmas and new year

OFFICE CLOSURE BPCA's office will be closed for the holiday period and the Staff team will be unavailable from 1pm on 22 December 2023 - 8.30am 2 January 2024.  If you need a pest controller during this time, please use bpca.org.u.... More

12 December 2023

BPCA shortlisted for 2024 Trade Association awards 

YOUR ASSOCIATION The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has been shortlisted for three 2024 Trade Association Awards.  BPCA is up for the following:  Skills Development Award  Membership Engagement Award.... More

11 December 2023

Wade Legacy Programme continues for 2024

MEMBER NEWS BPCA member company Wade Environmental will once again sponsor a son or daughter in a family-based team through their RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management. This will be the third year of the programme being in effect. .... More

11 December 2023

The pest that could point to problems with damp

PESTAWARE A harmless pest could indicate damp problems in the home that may need attention, according to pest experts at a national trade body. British Pest Control Association (BPCA) says Silverfish don’t bite or spread di.... More

07 December 2023

VIDEO: Non-pest mammals: voles, badgers and bats

CPD VIDEO There may be times when pest professionals come across species of protected mammals. It is important to understand their legal protection status in the UK and how to mitigate any risks of accidental harm/disturbance. Dur.... More

05 December 2023

Pesticide mix that caused death of holidaymakers not legal in UK

PESTAWARE The practice of mixing pesticides – which resulted in the death of a Burnley couple who were on holiday in Egypt – is not legal in the UK, says British Pest Control Association (BPCA).  John and Susan C.... More

05 December 2023

New data suggests that 74% of rats and mice sampled were resistant to anticoagulant rodenticides

RESEARCH New data released by The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) UK shows that 73.7% of the Norway rats they sampled were anticoagulant rodenticide resistant. You can read the full paper here. 122 rodent tis.... More

30 November 2023

CEPA welcomes draft committee decision on AVK rodenticides in Europe

PRODUCTS Confederation of European pest management associations (CEPA), has welcomed the European Commission's draft decision not to impose a ban on the use of anti-vitamin K (AVK) rodenticides for indoor control of mice.  I.... More

30 November 2023

Syngenta launch SecureChoice remote monitoring

PRESS RELEASE Syngenta introduces SecureChoice™ remote detection system, for smart rodent monitoring in the UK. Remote digital monitoring systems allow pest control businesses to monitor multiple customers and sites from an.... More

30 November 2023

Defra preparing new bird licences for 2024

The Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) are renewing the general licences for bird control in England, with no changes expected yet.  The new bird control general licences (known as GL40-42) will come into force.... More

29 November 2023

Check loft for pests when you’re getting the decs

PESTAWARE Experts at a national trade body are urging householders to check attics for signs of pests when getting decorations down ready for Christmas. British Pest Control Association (BPCA) says old nests, droppings and gnaw m.... More

27 November 2023

Professional Pest Controller issue 113 (PPC113) out now

PPC113 kicks off with a look at overwintering animals, pest and non-pest alike, plus one of our rare FriendWatch articles, this time on friendly neighbourhood hedgehogs! Alex Wade, Managing Director of Wade Environmental, poses a thought-pr.... More

27 November 2023

Pests in the press: July to September 2023

PESTS IN THE PRESS | PPC113 November 2023 Our regular PPC magazine feature, taking a look at public relations and how BPCA works with the press to educate the public about pest awareness. While the coverage figures reflect a stro.... More

27 November 2023

Pests in politics: November 2023

PESTS IN POLITICS | PPC113 November 2023 BPCA’s lobbying work continues. Stay up-to-date with all things pest in the UK parliament and devolved administrations. PPC helps keep you firmly in the loop. Welsh glue board open let.... More

27 November 2023

Ask the technical team November 2023

TECHNICAL | PPC113 November 2023 The technical are back and this time we're talking about glue boards, bed bugs from France and much more! SPEED VIEW It's not illegal to have possession of glue boards in Wales, just setting.... More

27 November 2023

Opinion: Game on! Throwing down the resistance gauntlet

TECHNICAL | PPC113 November 2023 Is resistance our biggest challenge in 2024?  Alex Wade, from Wade Environmental, asks, “what’s stopping us?” As 2023 seems to evaporate into a cloud, my mind turns to next.... More

27 November 2023

Don't open that trap door! Pests and non-pest species that could be lurking in your loft this winter

TECHNICAL | PPC113 November 2023 In this seasonal special, Paul Westgate, from Veritas Pest Consultancy, takes a look at what or who could be lurking in our lofts during the winter.  To humans, the loft is just a storage place.... More

27 November 2023

FriendWatch: Hedgehogs

FRIENDWATCH | PPC113 November 2023 Contrary to popular belief, pest controllers love British wildlife. Julia Pittman, from Beaver Pest Control, is a particular fan of hedgehogs. She explains how perilous the current situation is in Britain.... More

27 November 2023

Grey's anatomy: The modern grey squirrel dilemma

TECHNICAL | PPC113 November 2023 Grey squirrels went from an imported ornament for stately homes to an invasive species that threatens our own ecosystem. Dave Archer talks about the problem with grey squirrels, modern attitudes to invasive sp.... More

27 November 2023

Opinion: No more glue boards in Wales

OPINION | PPC113 November 2023 Martin Harvey, Managing Director of Harvey Environmental Services, tells PPC why he thinks the glue board ban in Wales shows a lack of respect for the professional pest control industry.  The ban.... More

27 November 2023

Optimise your pest control website for Google

BUSINESS | PPC113 November 2023 Ben Sisson, Managing Director of Targeted SEO, gives PPC113 the lowdown on getting pest control websites seen by as many people as possible. If you’re serious about increasing enquiries fo.... More

27 November 2023

Social notions: tips for using social media for your pest control business

BUSINESS | PPC113 November 2023 BPCA’s Marketing and Communications Officer, Kat Shaw, gives PPC readers a run down of her top tips for social media use in your business. It’s 2023 and as a very online society, we&.... More

27 November 2023

Tired of the rat race: Selling your pest control company

BUSINESS | PPC113 November 2023 Henry Mott is a seasoned veteran in the pest management industry. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has held many senior positions in national companies, as well as owning and managing his private busi.... More

27 November 2023

Meet the member: Ian Adamson, Precision Consulting

MEET THE TECHNICIAN | PPC113 November 2023 Ian Adamson is General Manager at Precision Consulting, based in Yorkshire. He spoke to PPC about his love of science, career pathways for young and mature people, and how he hopes to shine a spotl.... More

27 November 2023

Meet the member: 3Way Pest Control

MEET THE MEMBER | PPC113 November 2023 PPC spoke to Helen Dockrill and Albie Tyler from Essex-based 3Way Pest Control, about the company’s charitable ethos and the way they support Mind, the mental health charity. PPC First.... More

27 November 2023

The children are our future: making the pest control industry appealing to young people

OPINION | PPC113 November 2023 A main aim of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee is to address the issue of recruitment in the pest control industry. Julia Pittman, Beaver Pest Control, is the Chair of the EDI Committ.... More

27 November 2023

Reflective learning: harvesting CPD points on the go!

TRAINING | PPC113 November 2023 BPCA’s Head of Technical and PPC Editor, Dee Ward-Thompson caught up with Training and Professional Development Manager Karen Dawes, to talk about reflective learning, unstructured CPD and how you might b.... More

21 November 2023

Scottish glue board ban "needs more information" before going ahead, says Committee

LEGISLATION AND LOBBYING BPCA has successfully lobbied for further scrutiny of the proposed glue board ban in Scotland.  The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill, first published in April 2023, includes legislati.... More