01 April 2021

Almost half of feral pigeons carry infectious disease, BPCA warns

PRESS RELEASE Up to 49 per cent of feral pigeons could carry an infectious disease that can be passed to humans, a trade body has warned. British Pest Control Association (BPCA), has issued an online guide to tackling proble.... More

31 March 2021

Postponement of approval expiry dates for renewals of 8 active substances

HSE has agreed a postponement of the approval expiry dates for eight active substances which were due to lapse within the next six months.  Under the GB Biocidal Products Regulation, where for reasons beyond the control of the applican.... More

01 March 2021

Brown marmorated stink bug spotted in UK for first time

This week the Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) has been officially reported as present and active in the UK, prompting calls for pest controllers to keep an eye out and report any sightings.  The bug is an insect .... More

03 February 2021

COVID-19: A great time to help Britain's bees

PRESS RELEASE BPCA member PGH Beegone says the UK's bee population has been given a fighting chance as a result of lockdowns and reduced travel this last year. Wildflowers on road verges have been left to grow and a reductio.... More

30 November 2020

BPCA calls for rodent control as part of Avian flu measures

PRESS RELEASE A national trade body is calling on poultry farmers and other bird keepers to step up rat and mouse management as part of measures to halt the spread of Avian flu. An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was decla.... More

26 November 2020

Survey shows dust formulations preferred by pest controllers

TECHNICAL | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 Tim Peeling, product manager at BPCA member Bayer, takes a look at the findings of their summer wasp study. The loss of actives and increased label restrictions continues to affect pest contr.... More

09 November 2020

BPCA warns of second spike in rodent activity

PRESS RELEASE Householders and businesses should be on the look-out for signs of an infestation as rats and mice head indoors for winter. British Pest Control Association (BPCA) warned people to remain vigilant as new Covid.... More

09 November 2020

Defra publishes 2021 general licences for wild bird control

Today (9 November 2020), Defra has published three new general licences for wild bird control which will come into effect in England on 1 January 2021. The licences published are: Conservation licence GL40 (currently GL34) Read &.... More

04 November 2020

Check for clusters of cockroaches as heating goes on this autumn

PRESS RELEASE Heating ducts and pipes can be prime spots for cockroaches as the heating goes on in the autumn, a national trade body has warned. British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has issued a guide with advice on preventing.... More

20 October 2020

Surprise resistance surveillance results prompt wake-up call

The spread of rats against which some rodenticides don't work has taken a "surprising and troubling" turn, according to Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use chairman Dr Alan Buckle. New 2019-2020 survey results show not.... More

14 October 2020

Pest Advice for controlling Cockroaches

Got some uninvited dinner guests? Is the back of your fridge home to a colony of creepy crawlies? If you find your building crawling with cockroaches, you’re in the right place. Discovering there are cockroaches in your home or busine.... More

07 October 2020

BPCA launches new digital event PestExtra as PestEx postponed until 2022

British Pest Control Association is launching a brand new digital event following the tough decision to postpone PestEx 2021.  Given the most recent government guidance surrounding events, BPCA has made the difficult but necessar.... More

30 September 2020

Take steps now to stop squirrels entering your home

SQUIRRELS on the hunt for food during the autumn months can become a ‘destructive’ pest if they get into homes and businesses. We're urging people to take preventative measures to stop squirrels getting into your roof.... More

10 September 2020

SURVEY: Help us change licences for gull control in 2021 and beyond

After a challenging year for gull control in England, BPCA is asking the pest management community to help us make the process for getting a licence better. BPCA has the opportunity to positively influence Natural England regarding wha.... More

28 August 2020

NEW customisable pest advice leaflets for members

A range of pest advice leaflets are now available for members to download, customise and print on the BPCA PrintShop (login required).  Our pest advice leaflets are a great tool for you to use when explaining the i.... More

06 August 2020

Rodenticide resistance survey appeal to farmers

Rats resistant to rodenticides are breeding in the UK and more information from farmers is needed to reduce their numbers. A new survey will compile data to establish the extent to which resistance is understood and what methods farmer.... More

04 August 2020

Caught out in the countryside: Practical rabbit management:

TECHNICAL | PPC100 August 2020 Following on from his popular outdoor demonstration at PPC Live 2020 in Harrogate, this is the first in a two-part series of articles from Dave Archer, rural pest management expert. In this article, Dave.... More

04 August 2020

Invasive pest fears for British Museum due to Covid-19 lockdown

Priceless exhibits risk being damaged by invasive insects, due to an absence of visitors during lockdown, the British Museum has warned. Experts at the museum have warned that the lack of tourists visiting the institution du.... More

24 July 2020

Free rodenticide resistance testing service resumes: Appeal to pest controllers for samples

Free DNA testing for rodenticide resistance in rats and mice has resumed with the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use. Chairman Dr Alan Buckle calls for tail samples of freshly killed rats and mice from pest controllers, farmers.... More

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