PPC111 | Meet the member

In PPC111 we caught up with West Sussex-based Technical and Operations Director Charles Murahwa, to talk about his background and the challenges of running Intercleanse Pest Control.

PPC| First off, the easy stuff: how did you get into pest management?

CM| I originally studied a science degree at the University of Zimbabwe, and worked as a research officer for Biomedical Research Training Institute in Zimbabwe, specialising in malaria entomology.

I understandably developed an interest in public health and went on to study for my master’s Degree (MSc) in Tropical Entomology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Parasitology and Entomology.

When I moved to the UK in 2000, pest control seemed like the natural sector for me. I worked as a technician covering south London and Surrey for six months, doing all the exams and getting qualified. I was promoted to field biologist, carrying out inspections in London and the southern counties.

In 2007, Chris Paul (Sales Director) and I started Intercleanse Pest Control Ltd, as working Directors of the business.

PPC| What made you start your own company? 

CM| After working in the industry a while, I felt undervalued and felt I could offer more. I had been in pest control for seven years, and I wanted to be rewarded and recognised in the industry. Equally, I have always wanted to offer the best pay and conditions for technicians that choose to work with me. I want them to enjoy work, be rewarded and be appreciated for the work they do.  

I also felt we could be better in the industry in terms of giving the technicians enough time to resolve issues and provide the best quality, not quantity of jobs. 

These were the main motivators for starting my own business. 

PPC| What are some of the things you found tough when first running Intercleanse?

CM| Going from having a science background to running a business. As a biologist I understood the science but had no knowledge or experience on running a business. Over the years I have developed my business knowledge, through experience and mentoring from other business colleagues. Getting a grip of the figures and the sales side of pest management was definitely the hardest part.

One of the other biggest challenges initially was bidding for profitable contracts and growing the business. Quality always wins, so we have always found customers by referrals or people we have worked with. 

But with contract work I was conscious of making sure the value allows us to pay and reward our staff well, grow the business and innovate.

Cost-cutting measures have become an issue with austerity and cuts on budgets. Small independent producers are selling to bigger companies and seeking national contracts with the larger companies who cover multiple sites. BPCA Contract Sharing Network has allowed us to overcome this and offer services in other geographical areas like Scotland and the north.

PPC| What would you say is the most rewarding thing about working in pest control? 

CM| Everyone says this, but it’s because it’s true: no two days are the same in the pest management industry. I enjoy the winning feeling you get when you resolve an ongoing pest issue. I enjoy working with different types of businesses; the sheer variety of businesses I work with is crazy. I could be working with a blue chip company’s production facility or a start-up high street café. 

It’s also really rewarding to work with businesses that you’ve seen grow over the years, from small two-man bands to being an employer with a sizeable workforce. I like to understand processes of each business and the risk mitigation that follows to reduce the risk of pest activity.

And I love identifying the cause of the pest problem. Getting to that root cause of the issue and resolving it is such a rewarding feeling. I remember having a customer who was importing high volumes of an ingredient from the continent and had ongoing rodent problems and product damage. 

The issue was identified whenever a new shipment arrived. We were requested to do a supplier audit and inspect a site in the Netherlands to identify causes, with a detailed report for the UK client. After working with their supplier in the Netherlands to resolve the issue, the client asked for an annual inspection over there.

PPC| What is the most challenging thing about pest management, particularly in London? 

CM| It’s always difficult working with sites who feel that if they have an issue, changing the pest control provider will resolve it, rather than implementing recommendations on fixing the cause or changing behaviour/culture on-site. External influences beyond your control are frustrating, particularly in densely populated areas in London where neighbouring properties can be an issue.

On a personal note, the challenge of ensuring that pest management becomes an important and valued trade. It’s disheartening to be looked down on as just the ‘rat catcher’ and I want people to realise that we’re an important service. That should be reflected in how we’re paid, rewarded and valued in society.

PPC| Why do you think it’s so important for pest management to be recognised as a valuable service? 

CM| It’s an underestimated public health service – simply put, we keep people safe. We work with food manufacturers and other food businesses to ensure food safety and hygiene. We work with hospitals, schools, and care homes. We work with architects and builders to ensure buildings are built with pest prevention in mind. 

We have clear goals and responsibilities.

PPC| Do you have any advice for people like you thinking about a job in pest management?

CM| Pest management is not just a job but a career with clear progression and development and I’ve enjoyed all 23 years of my career in the UK industry.

I’d say to always remember that pest management is about building relationships based on mutual respect within the industry and from clients. That’s the best way to help tackle pest problems. You can protect public health and change perceptions of this professional and important service. You can do that by taking pride in providing the best advice and making sure you do what you say you are going to do.

Good pest management is about ensuring good communication with the clients and making them aware that pest management is a vital cog for their business. They’ll then place value in what is recommended and trust the advice offered.

I’d like to share a final tribute to my fellow director and business partner for the past 16 years, Christopher Paul, for sharing the same vision and setting our goals. And to all our colleagues, past and present, who have helped us develop and grow over the years. We are also indebted to our loyal customers who have believed in us and worked with us over the years.

Appear in PPC?

Over the years we’ve spoken to dozens of BPCA members, all with their own stories about how they joined the industry and the journey they’ve been on. These are some of our favourite articles to write and share with you. Why don’t you join the club and tell your tale? Get in touch with our marketing team to arrange an interview.

marketing@bpca.org.uk