02 December 2020

Rentokil acquires Ghanaian pest control company

BPCA member Rentokil Initial announced the acquisition of Samson Pest Control Limited as Rentokil Initial Ghana Limited, a new market entry for the company.  Samson Pest Control Limited was established 15 years ago by Julian.... More

01 December 2020

Farmers urged to protect straw stocks from rodents

PRESS RELEASE Rodents are out in force again this year and with nationwide straw shortages, farmers are being urged to protect already scarce straw stocks, so they last the winter. Ken Black, national account manager at Bayer, sa.... More

30 November 2020

Professional Pest Controller issue 101 (PPC101) out now

CONTENTS | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 Professional pest controller magazine issue 101 is out now and available to read online for free. The magazine can be read online or downloaded as a PDF   or you can join ou.... More

30 November 2020

Bayer appoints new sales manager to lead Digital Pest Management

PRESS RELEASE BPCA member Bayer ES has appointed a new sales manager, Gary Nicholas, to lead the commercialisation of its Digital Pest Management system.  Starting his career as a trainee technician for a pest cont.... More

30 November 2020

Post-crisis planning - President's viewpoint

VIEWPOINT | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 If you’ve ever been at the epicentre of a crisis, you’ll probably have observed how people react differently under pressure. Imagine a busy city centre where a child has fallen off thei.... 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

27 November 2020

Registrations opens for PestExtra: the pest management show

Registration open! Discover the latest pest control science, technology and innovation at the UK’s online trade show and conference for pest management. PestEx 2021 has moved to 2022. Instead of being upset about it, BPCA has decided.... More

27 November 2020

Practical rabbit management: part two

TECHNICAL | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 In his previous article in PPC100, Dave Archer looked at the history and legal aspects of rabbit management. In part two, he jumps straight into the practicalities of controlling rabbits. SPEED.... More

27 November 2020

The risk of zoonotic disease in pest control environments

TECHNICAL | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 Anyone who works around animals has an increased risk of picking up or passing on a nasty zoonotic disease. As pest professionals, it’s up to us to be able to protect ourselves, our clients and ou.... More

27 November 2020

Infection and immunity in wild rodents - the zoo of infections

TECHNICAL | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 Covid-19, Ebola and HIV originated in animals. The Covid-19 pandemic in particular has rightly refocused our attention to the infections of wild animals. Professor Mark Viney from the Department of.... More

27 November 2020

PESTWATCH: Bed bugs - fail to prepare, prepare to fail

TECHNICAL | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 In this PestWatch, BPCA Technical Manager Dee Ward-Thompson takes a look at why bed bugs are so difficult to control and what pest technicians can do to reduce the risk of failed treatments.  .... 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

26 November 2020

Ask the technical team December 2020

TECHNICAL | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 Proactive squirrel control, multiple rodenticide usage, test and trace and insect identification are all covered in this issue of Ask the BPCA technical team.   SPEED VIEW The.... More

26 November 2020

Tackling rodent resistance

TECHNICAL | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 Rodent pests resistant to commonly used anticoagulant rodenticides have been identified in areas of the UK and the increase in numbers of these so-called ‘super rats’ presents a challenge to.... More

26 November 2020

What to do if you don’t win a pest management tender

BUSINESS | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 Facing rejection can be tough, especially when you’ve put a lot of time and effort into bidding for a tender. Expert tender writer Robert Harris, of Harris Associates, provides tips on how to impro.... More

26 November 2020

Work Smarter with ServSuite (Sponsored)

ADVERT | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 ServSuite™ is an enterprise, cloud-based software solution especially designed and developed for the Pest Control Industry. Trusted by companies of all sizes across the world, we have been providing.... More

26 November 2020

How can pest management companies prepare as the end of the Brexit transition period looms?

BUSINESS | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 The UK has left the European Union, but much of what that means for pest control is not yet known. We currently sit in the transition period – where nothing feels different, but a deadline looms. M.... More

26 November 2020

INFOGRAPHIC: Covid-19 impact study: where are we now?

BUSINESS | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 April feels like a long time ago now and much has happened since BPCA first launched our impact survey. We repeated the study to see how the sector is coping six months on, and 708 people responded. .... More

26 November 2020

The power of print for pest management companies

BUSINESS | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 We asked Andrew Pearce, from our print partner Synergy, to assess how he thinks print can promote your pest control company. Whether you’re reading this article in its print or online fo.... More

26 November 2020

INFOGRAPHIC: BPCA Draft Strategy 2021-20XX

YOUR ASSOCIATION | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 Over the last few months the BPCA Executive Board, Staff team, Servicing Committee, M&D Committee and a focus group of members have been working together to draft a strategy for 2021 and beyo.... More

26 November 2020

Meet the member: It’s a dog’s life with Cape SPC

YOUR ASSOCIATION | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 CAPE SPC’s Luke Jones talks about going from life in the British Army to hitting the road with working dogs. I grew up with dogs all my life, but my journey into working with dog.... More

26 November 2020

Meet your new BPCA board members 2020

YOUR ASSOCIATION | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020 Earlier this year, at the 2020 annual general meeting, five new representatives were elected to the BPCA Executive Board. We spoke to them about their reasons for throwing their hats into the rin.... More

19 November 2020

BPCA launch new online accreditation: Certificated Advanced Technician (CAT) in Pest Management

BPCA is proud to launch a new accreditation for pest professionals who have passed their Level 2 Award and want to demonstrate their advanced industry experience.  The Certificated Advanced Technician (CAT) accreditation can be taken e.... More

19 November 2020

VIDEO: Cockroach control for pest professionals

In this video Natalie discusses the key points to consider when controlling cockroaches. This video is intended for those working in the pest management sector. Information correct at the time of filming. On BPCA Registered?.... More

18 November 2020

Killgerm sponsored PhD research looking for applicants

A fantastic opportunity to apply for a fully funded University of Reading PhD research project on rodents, pathogens and antimicrobial resistance is now available. The research, sponsored by BPCA member Killgerm, will look at the.... More

17 November 2020

Guest blog: Contego mental health champion appointed

In this guest blog, Laura Galloway, from BPCA member company Contego, talks about how the negative impacts of Covid-19 restrictions inspired the business to appoint a mental health champion for employees.  2020 has been a difficu.... More

16 November 2020

Pelsis announces launch of Envirostop non-target species barrier

PRESS RELEASE BPCA Manufacturer and Distributor member Pelsis have launched a non-target species barrier for their Neo® rodent station, to be sold through the groups Edialux Professional brand. Envirostop® non-target spec.... More

10 November 2020

Cholecalciferol rodenticides covered by stewardship regime

Rodenticides based on cholecalciferol are subject to conditions of the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime, operated by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use UK. This confirmation is prompted by new products coming to the UK market. .... 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

05 November 2020

Kevin Higgins leaves BPCA as Membership Manager

We’re sad to report Kevin Higgins has said his farewells to the Association. Kevin has been an avid supporter of BPCA for many years, as a member, a Committee Member, an Executive Board member, the President, a consultant, the M.... 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

04 November 2020

BASF introduces new Cholecalciferol-based rodenticide bait in Europe

BPCA member BASF has officially launched Selontra, a new rodenticide bait for use by pest professionals. The product contains the active substance cholecalciferol which has a different mode of action to the predominantly used anticoag.... More

04 November 2020

Rentokil launches Flexi Armour Dock pest proofing product

BPCA member Rentokil Pest Control has launched Flexi Armour Dock, an advanced pest proofing product which can be installed to dock levellers in the loading bays of supermarkets, factories and distribution centres. Analysis of Ren.... More

03 November 2020

Opportunity to support Church Farm pest control training centre

Steve Havers, Church Farm's owner, is looking for a new tenant at the famous pest management training and product testing facility. In 2015, PelGar leased the site for a 5-year period and established a new suite of insectaries, test r.... More

03 November 2020

Scoring a century - BPCA Registered technician aims for 100 CPD points

Each year, as part of the BPCA membership criteria, we require member company employees to gain 20 CPD points to ensure continued competence as a pest technician. It’s nice to keep the old noggin ticking over. Not content with a mere 20.... More

03 November 2020

BPCA member Spotta puts bed bugs to the test with smart pest monitoring

In its first year of operation, Spotta’s Bed Pods have reduced the amount of bed bug incidents discovered by hotel guests from 50% to just 3.3% in its customers’ properties. The ‘always-on’ monitoring service u.... More

02 November 2020

Covid-19 second wave and what pest companies need to know

Covid-19 cases are spiking across the UK, with the country now seeing around 20,000 cases a day and roughly 46,000 deaths linked to the disease. England recorded Europe’s highest excess death levels duri.... More

02 November 2020

England to enter second lockdown - what does that mean for pest professionals?

On Sunday 1 November it was announced that England will go into a second "circuit breaker" style lockdown from 00:01 GMT on Thursday 5 November, which is intended to last until Wednesday 2 December.  Pubs, restaura.... More

22 October 2020

Know your zoonosis – CRRU on rodent to human disease transfer

Phil Christopher, CRRU, reminds professionals to take the opportunity to explain why we control rats, by looking at the zoonotic diseases rodents carry. "Whenever possible, take the opportunity to explain why we control rats.... More

22 October 2020

VIDEO: Squirrel control for pest professionals

In this video Natalie discusses the key points to consider when controlling squirrels. This video is intended for those working in the pest management sector. Information correct at the time of filming. On BPCA Registered? Ma.... More

22 October 2020

OPINION: When will professional users of rodenticides wake up to the potential consequences of their actions?

Opinion| Rodenticide Resistance Dr John Simmons, Acheta Consulting, writes about the consequences of not taking rodenticide resistance seriously following a CRRU statement about new survey results.  As part of our site inspectio.... More

21 October 2020

Scottish petition to ban glue boards closed 

At a Scottish Parliament petitions committee meeting on 17 September, the committee agreed that the petition to ban glue boards in Scotland is to be closed. The petitions committee recommended that restrictions on glue boards be looke.... More

20 October 2020

Going, Glowing, Gone – Syngenta release new Talon Glow

BPCA Manufacturing and Distributor member Syngenta has released a new addition to the Talon rodenticide range. Talon® Glow has an integrated UV tracer that reveals when target pests have been successfully treated.  .... 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

19 October 2020

Wales goes into lockdown - what does that mean for pest professionals?

Today it was announced that Wales will go into a "short, sharp" national lockdown from Friday 23 October, with people told to stay home once more.  Pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops will shut, and gathering.... More

16 October 2020

Pelsis announce launch of new electrostatic ULV fogger in fight against Covid-19 

BPCA member and global manufacturer of hygiene and pest control products Pelsis Group have launched a new product to help stop the spread of Covid-19. With regional lockdowns set to continue and strict cleaning routines enforced, busi.... More

14 October 2020

New aluminium phosphide toolbox talk released for BPCA members

A new aluminium phosphide toolbox talk template, for BPCA members and their employees to use, has been uploaded to the Member Documents Area (login required). Aluminium Phosphide, if not used correctly, is extremely dan.... 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

13 October 2020

BPCA Registered: New Master Technician category available

Pest technicians on the BPCA Registered CPD scheme can now apply for our highest category level: Master Technician. BPCA Registered is the Association's individual recognition and CPD scheme. The scheme recognises and record.... More