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

15 November 2023

Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use seeks new chairperson

STEWARDSHIP A new chairperson is being recruited by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) to take up the role early next year on retirement of Dr Alan Buckle, chairman since CRRU’s inception in 2004. CRRU&rsqu.... More

14 November 2023

Sri Lankan-based Exterminators recognised at Entrepreneur Awards

PRESS RELEASE BPCA Observer member Exterminators PLC and its founder and managing director, Marlon Ferreira, have been recognised for their outstanding entrepreneurship at the Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Held on 7 Novem.... More

14 November 2023

Change of direction for Barrettine Environmental Health

PRESS RELEASE The Barrettine Group, a UK-based manufacturer with a strong history in the environmental health sector, is embarking on a slight change of direction. The company will now focus on manufacturing and supply, offering.... More

09 November 2023

New flying insect monitoring system launched by Pelsis

PRESS RELEASE Global pest control manufacturer and distributor Pelsis Group has launched an intelligent monitoring system to help manage the public health risks associated with flying insects. Initially available with the Cobra L.... More

02 November 2023

BASF on reducing the risk of anticoagulant poisoning to non-target species 

PRESS RELEASE Here, Laurence Barnard, Country Business Manager, Professional  and Specialty Solutions for BASF Pest Control discusses the importance of reducing the risk to non-target species, and shares some top tips to encourage resp.... More

25 October 2023

Flock Off bird control innovations to feature at PestEx 2024

PRESS RELEASE Conventional bird control methods, while effective to some extent, have often fallen short in providing long-term and comprehensive solutions, say US-based business Flock Off.  But the Flock Off system harnesses the.... More

24 October 2023

Lottery boost to the grey squirrel fertility control programme

CONSERVATION The UK Squirrel Accord (UKSA) is excited to announce the Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN) is including an important trial in their exciting new project backed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. UKSA will work with.... More

24 October 2023

PestFix bring IK sprayers to the pest management industry

PRESS RELEASE  PestFix are launching the addition of the IK Sprayers brand to their range, with the intention of offering solutions that provide high quality without the accompanying price tag.  This international brand.... More

24 October 2023

Top honour for pest control insurer Cliverton

PRESS RELEASE Norfolk-based specialist insurance cover provider, Cliverton, has been named Schemes Broker of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony. The company, which has a client base of pest controllers, animal-related trad.... More

24 October 2023

APHA appeals to pest controllers for fox research support

RESEARCH Researchers at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are looking to increase their network of UK pest controllers who carry out fox control in urban areas.  Dr Alex Kent is leading the National Reference Laborat.... More

24 October 2023

BPCA Rules amended by Executive Board

GOVERNANCE  The BPCA Executive Board has signed off some small amendments to the BPCA Rules, which are now available in the Member Library (login required). The changes in the Rules are designed to clarify BPCA’s existing po.... More

24 October 2023

Aloha! from PestWorld in Hawaii 

PRESS RELEASE The global professional pest management industry gathered at the Hawaiian Convention Centre, in the fabulous location of Honolulu, for PestWorld 2023.  Running for four days from 17-20 October, PestWorld is org.... More

23 October 2023

Storm Babet floods will flush out rats, says BPCA

PESTAWARE A national trade body is urging householders to take steps to prevent rats seeking refuge in their homes from the recent flooding. Areas across the UK have been hit by localised flooding, some very severe in parts, foll.... More

22 October 2023

VIDEO: Health and safety for small pest control businesses

CPD VIDEO In this video, Natalie Bungay explains health and safety law, best practice and what small pest control businesses need to know.  If you have under 5 employees and are wondering what health and safety measures you need t.... More

21 October 2023

VIDEO: Digital Forum 20 | Tracking, trending and treatment for SPIs

CPD VIDEO In this video, Avril Turner from Killgerm explains what stored product insects are, how pest controllers can track them and how to treat them.  This video is taken from BPCA's Digital Forum 20. The British Pest Cont.... More

21 October 2023

VIDEO: Digital Forum 20 sponsored slot | Early bed bug detection

CPD VIDEO In this video, Richard Faulkner from envu talks about the lifecycle of a bed bug, rapid detection, and the future of bed bug control.  This video is taken from BPCA's Digital Forum 20. The British Pest Control Assoc.... More

21 October 2023

VIDEO: Digital Forum 20 | Improve your cashflow and reduce your risk in five simple steps

CPD VIDEO In this video, Hazel Napier from BEB Consultancy teaches pest management business owners how to navigate the tricky waters of invoicing issues and late payment chasing. She also gives an overview of how to manage terms and co.... More

21 October 2023

VIDEO: Digital Forum 20 | Don't be outfoxed

CPD VIDEO In this video, John Stewart from Pelsis talks about fox control, their behaviours, signs of a fox issue and why we control them.  This video is taken from BPCA's Digital Forum 20. The British Pest Control Associatio.... More

20 October 2023

BPCA partners with Logistics UK to offer new member benefits

MEMBER BENEFITS The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has become an affiliate member of Logistics UK to unlock new vehicle-based member benefits for all member companies. These include: Access to online vehicle complia.... More