SECTOR ANALYSIS
BPCA’s No Small Matter report has made a strong impression since its launch, helping to put the value of professional pest management in front of government, policymakers, allied organisations and the wider sector.
The independent report, commissioned by BPCA and produced by Pragmatix Advisory, sets out the economic and social value of pest management in the UK, including its role in protecting public health, supporting business continuity, maintaining housing standards and keeping essential services running.
The most important impact of No Small Matter is that it gives the sector an independent evidence base for future policy and public affairs work. At a time when the professional toolkit is under pressure, the report provides stronger data to explain the consequences of poor pest management, delayed intervention and unnecessary restrictions on trained professionals.
What the report found
The report shows that professional pest management is a small sector with a big impact.
It found that the sector contributes around £1bn a year in gross value added to the UK economy and helps households and businesses avoid a further £1.9bn in direct costs every year.
In 2025, pest professionals attended more than 4.4 million client jobs across homes, high streets, hospitals, schools, warehouses, farms and transport hubs in every region of the UK.
Support from Defra
Since launch, BPCA has received kind words of support from Defra, which said:
“The report has been gratefully received by all those concerned, and we collectively commend your efforts to raise public awareness about the value of the pest control sector and the contribution it makes to public health, business continuity and the wider economy.”
Reaching Parliament
All 650 MPs and several key Lords have now been sent a copy of the report, giving Parliament a clear evidence base on the value of professional pest management.
Several BPCA members have also written to their MPs using the BPCA-provided template, with at least one MP visit in the works as a direct result.
Backing from allied sectors
The report has also received comments in support from the Property Care Association and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, underscoring the importance of pest management across public health, housing, property protection, and environmental health.
That support matters because No Small Matter makes the case that pest management is not just a reactive service. It is part of the wider infrastructure that helps protect food safety, public health, housing standards, business resilience and community wellbeing.
Media and sector coverage
The report’s findings were picked up in several trade articles including? a major RHE Global feature by Will Hatchett, titled Rats, Mice and Mosquitoes: Radical rethink needed on pest control.
The article argued that effective pest control supports disease prevention, community well-being and business resilience, yet remains a low profile in the public health workforce. It also highlighted World Pest Day as an opportunity to cast a more sober, well-informed light on pest management and included comments from BPCA Technical and Compliance Manager Niall Gallagher.
Closer to home, No Small Matter appeared on the front page of Pest Magazine, helping to bring the report directly to the professional pest management sector.
International attention
The report has also gained attention beyond the UK. BPCA’s sister association, the National Pest Management Association in the USA, has recognised the work, and copies of the report have been requested from around the world.
A stronger evidence base for the sector
For BPCA, the most important impact of No Small Matter is that it gives the sector an independent evidence base for future policy and public affairs work.
At a time when the professional toolkit is under pressure, the report gives BPCA and its members stronger data to explain the consequences of poor pest management, delayed intervention and unnecessary restrictions on trained professionals.
Rosina Robson, BPCA Chief Executive, said:
“The response to No Small Matter shows exactly why this work matters. Professional pest management has been overlooked for too long, but when we put clear, independent evidence in front of decision-makers, people listen.
“This report gives BPCA, our members and the wider sector a stronger platform to talk about the work pest professionals do every day to protect public health, homes, businesses and the economy.
“Most importantly, it gives us a bedrock for future lobbying. Serious trade bodies need to lead with evidence, and No Small Matter will help us defend the professional toolkit, raise standards and make the case for our sector for years to come.”
BPCA will continue to use the report in its policy, public affairs and communications work, including in conversations with government, MPs, allied organisations and regulators.
BPCA members can help spread the word
You can download the No Small Matter one-page fact sheet to help explain your role to clients, partners and local decision-makers.
Download fact sheet
This report gives you independent evidence to support what you already know: pest management is essential, skilled work that protects health, homes, businesses and public services every day.
If you would like to request a full copy of the report, please contact policy@bpca.org.uk