Pest control sector news and updates

Latest industry news for the UK pest management sector by British Pest Control Associaton (BPCA). Professional Pest Controller (PPC) online is packed with up-to-date business and legislation updates for pest management professionals, pest technicians and business owners. See the latest press releases from across the sector. Got a press release that should be here? Send it to us now!

Submit press release

  • 24 July 2020

    New website for International Conference on Urban Pests

    A new permanent website for the International Conference on Urban Pests (ICUP) has been unveiled and includes free access to all previous ICUP papers and posters. The new site has been unveiled by the Executive Committee of.... 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

  • 23 July 2020

    Level 2 Award in Pest Management returns to Yarnfield following Covid-19 lockdown

    The announcement in March that the country would lock down to slow the spread of Covid-19 meant that BPCA’s most popular residential training course was postponed until further notice. Following the lifting of these Covid-19.... More

  • 21 July 2020

    Pelsis announce launch of new rodent monitoring product

    BPCA member Pelsis have launched a new remote rodent monitoring system for pest control professionals.  The TrapMe remote rodent monitoring system combines a trap with built in remote monitoring functionality and, accor.... More

  • 15 July 2020

    VIDEO: Social media and blogging for pest management companies

    Learning how blogging and social media can allow you to promote your business, share news stories and engage with other pest controllers. In this video, Scott discusses how to create an integrated social media strategy and privacy laws that.... More

  • 08 July 2020

    Warning to pest controllers after van containing pesticides stolen

    Following the theft of highly toxic aluminium phosphide-based chemicals from a van in Manchester, BPCA urges technicians to be careful about leaving pesticides unattended in vehicles.  Police have launched a major investigat.... More

  • 06 July 2020

    Bubonic plague case confirmed in China

    A new case of Bubonic plague was confirmed in China this week (6 July 2020) and, given everything that's happening across the globe with Covid-19, people are understandably worried.  However, modern medicine is quite the marvel and it's im.... More

  • 06 July 2020

    PelGar's Church Farm operations to end

    BPCA member PelGar will cease all pest control training and R&D activity at Church Farm training center in November this year. PelGar has made the decision to move all R&D operations in-house and cease physical training c.... More

  • 01 July 2020

    UPDATED: BPCA annual general meeting goes virtual

    Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, BPCA had to cancel the 2020 annual general meeting (AGM) that had been scheduled for 2 April. After seeking legal advice, we can now confirm we’ll be holding an all-digital, online AGM where eligibl.... More

  • 01 July 2020

    Look forward to PestEx 2021 - registration now open

    After a challenging year for pest management, BPCA is pleased to announce registration for PestEx 2021 is now open. With the London ExCeL confirming that they intend to be running full scale within the next few months, we can say.... More

  • 30 June 2020

    Open letter to Natural England: Individual licences for gull control in England, this year and beyond

    Today, BPCA has written to Dave Slater, the Director for wildlife licensing at Natural England regarding the future of individual licences for gull control.  The letter expresses our disappointment at the current state of li.... More

  • 23 June 2020

    Industry body releases Covid-19 working at height guidance

    The Ladder Association has released new guidance on the importance of health and safety while using ladders during the pandemic. Working at height has always involved an element of risk, which is why it is so important that.... More

  • 22 June 2020

    Ramps UK urges halting of in-transit fumigation practices

    The Register of Accredited Metallic Phosphide Standards (Ramps) UK has issued a warning regarding in-transit fumigation, following talks with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).  Metallic phosphides are widely used as a biocid.... More

  • 17 June 2020

    University of Reading's Vertebrate Pests Unit to close due to Covid-19

    Rodenticide resistance testing is set to end at the University of Reading, as Covid-19 sees the institution make the tough financial decision to close its Vertebrate Pests Unit (VPU). The announcement also means that two research.... More

  • 15 June 2020

    PestWest release new smart flying insect control system

    PestWest has launched flyDetect®, a new remote monitoring pest management system for fly control, following a successful field test at a Sheffield hospital. Part of the Killgerm Group, PestWest specialises in flying insect co.... More

  • 11 June 2020

    HSE warning over KN95 face masks

    Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning about the inadequate levels of protection provided by a substantial number of face masks, claiming to be of KN95 standards. According to HSE these masks, sometimes referred t.... More

  • 11 June 2020

    CHSA warns of shortage of cleaning, hygiene and PPE supply

    The Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) has warned Covid-19 will have a further impact on the cleaning, hygiene and PPE supply chain. In an bulletin dated 10 June 2020, CHSA said: “Supply-side shortages i.... More

  • 06 June 2020

    VIDEO: Proud to protect - World Pest Day 2020

    BPCA has released a video in celebration of World Pest Day 2020. The short video entitled “Proud to protect” features several BPCA members and people from the BPCA Staff team speaking about what they do to help protect public he.... More

  • 05 June 2020

    Rodenticide resistance testing halted by lab closure

    Testing for rodenticide resistance in rats and mice has been suspended due to coronavirus-related closure of the laboratory where DNA analysis was being done. Funded by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use, this annual surveil.... More

  • 05 June 2020

    Global Pest Management Coalition celebrates World Pest Day 2020

    To celebrate World Pest Day 2020, the Global Pest Management Coalition has put together a video with associations from around the world, speaking to the value of the pest management industry as an essential service, protecting public health.... More

  • 03 June 2020

    Becoming pest ready: guidance for businesses reopening after Covid-19 lockdown

    As businesses prepare to reopen following lockdown, BPCA has produced a guidance document to help them determine whether they are pest-free, compliant and ready to serve the public.   One of the biggest threats that many clo.... More

  • 03 June 2020

    New themed digital networking events for BPCA member employees

    BPCA is running hour-long virtual networking events for BPCA members who want to connect with each other on subjects that matter to them. Member Huddle will be a hosted meeting on Zoom facilitated by a member of the BPCA Staff team. Hu.... More

  • 01 June 2020

    Changes at CEPA detailed in 2019 annual report

    The CEPA 2019 Annual Report has been published, providing an overview of CEPA's progress last year. In a busy year for the organisation, CEPA has released its Memorandum of Understanding and changed from being a confederation to an ass.... More

  • 27 May 2020

    New behavioural resistance CPD assignment for pest professionals

    BPCA has issued a new downloadable assignment on behavioural resistance, to help pest professionals keep up with their continuing professional development (CPD). The CPD assignments are designed for those working in pest control.... 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

    Remote point of sale audits boost rodenticide review readiness

    Audits to drive out illegal supply of rodenticides taking place remotely amid Covid-19, ahead of an imminent review by HSE of the UK's rodenticide stewardship regime, which may determine future availability of toxic rodent control products. .... More

  • 19 May 2020

    Ficam W: sell-out deadline for pest control product approaching

    BPCA member Bayer is reminding pest professionals that the sell-out date and use-up period for insecticide Ficam W is approaching.   Back in December, Bayer announced that Ficam W is to be removed from the market, following a vote.... More

  • 18 May 2020

    Becoming Covid-19 secure: guidance for pest management companies

    In light of recent government announcements regarding the reopening of many businesses and an easing of lockdown restrictions, BPCA has put together some guidance for pest management companies. Using the government.... More

  • 15 May 2020

    Tools for the Covid-19 secure pest management company

    BPCA has teamed up with print provider Stirland Paterson, to give our members access to Covid-19 health and safety back-to-work signage. The signage includes social distancing graphics, hygiene advice, and rules for keeping staff.... More

  • 06 May 2020

    Health and safety: returning to work after lockdown

    The government may announce an end to some of the lockdown restrictions this Sunday (10 May 2020). This will mean some businesses which had closed could be encouraged to reopen. It's good to be prepared, so BPCA technical and compliance officer.... More

  • 05 May 2020

    Natural England begins issuing individual licence decisions

    Natural England has now started contacting pest professionals in relation to applications for individual bird control licences. An update issued recently by the public body suggested that the number of applications received.... More

  • 05 May 2020

    Why wasps sting

    There's not a lot of love for wasps out there and it's not hard to see why. Their erratic behaviour and threatening presence can ruin many a beer garden or picnic.  But wasps are not just an annoyance - they're a public health pest. .... More

  • 04 May 2020

    GET INVOLVED: Proud to protect video for World Pest Day - win pest control goodies

    For World Pest Day this year (6 June), BPCA want to produce a video about the brilliant work members do to protect public health and safety. And we need members help!  We’d like you to record a 20-second video of yours.... More

  • 30 April 2020

    PPC99 out now

    Professional pest controller magazine issue 99 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 our Affiliate Scheme and request a hard c.... More

  • 30 April 2020

    INFOGRAPHIC: Covid-19 impact survey results

    Health, safety and business| PPC99 May 2020 BPCA surveyed pest professionals on the impact Covid-19 is having on the sector. Over 900 people answered the survey. Here are the initial findings. . More

  • 30 April 2020

    Keep rats out of the attic: mental health resilience for pest pros

    Health | PPC99 May 2020 We all know that we have to look after our physical health when we’re working, but how often do we stop and think about our mental wellbeing? BPCA Marketing and Communications Officer, Kat Shaw.... More

  • 30 April 2020

    Meet the members: Rising to the challenge

    Membership| PPC99 May 2020 PPC talked to the membership at large, about the proactive steps taken to meet the Covid-19 crisis head-on. Your responses are still coming in, but here are a just a few collated at the time of publicati.... 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

    I wish I could fly! Pest control surveys with drones

    Business feature | PPC99 May 2020 We asked PPC Live speaker, and drone pilot, Clark Smith-Stanley from Profile Drone Services to give us an insight into what it is to fly drones for commercial survey work.  Drones.... More

  • 30 April 2020

    Sharps! Needlestick injury awareness for pest professionals

    Health and Safety | PPC99 May 2020 Katie Martinelli from High Speed Training talks us through mitigating the risks of needle stick injuries when carrying out pest management work. Around 100,000 needlestick injuries are.... 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

  • 30 April 2020

    Member benefit in focus: Find a pest controller

    Membership | PPC99 May 2020 Rated as the second-best member benefit, beaten only by the BPCA logo and the doors it opens, our Find a pest controller tool is trusted across the country. The tool has changed a lot over the.... More

  • 30 April 2020

    Dear CPD Diary

    Training | PPC99 May 2020 In this article, we asked our BPCA Registered team to provide some continuing professional development inspiration for pest professionals. BPCA Registered has been up and running for.... More

  • 30 April 2020

    Learn to fight pests in cyber space

    Training | PPC99 May 2020 BPCA is no stranger to digital pest management training. With award-winning eLearning, free online webinars and now digital pest forums, we asked BPCA Training Manager, Karen Dawes, what’s next.... More

  • 30 April 2020

    Free overdue invoice reminder support for businesses

    Debt recovery specialists Direct Route are offering an invoice reminder service for the price of a £1 donation to the NHS, to help pest management companies keep cash flow steady during the pandemic.  These are difficult ti.... More

  • 29 April 2020

    New legal helpline and video calls for BPCA members

    BPCA has teamed up with top law firm Shakespeare Martineau to offer a free legal helpline and video chats for members who are concerned about the impact of Covid-19 on their business. Shakespeare Martineau, said: “Coro.... 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

  • 24 April 2020

    Covid-19 testing for key workers

    On 23 April the UK government announced that key workers who are showing symptoms of Covid-19 will be eligible to apply for a test. The test will enable essential workers to find out whether they have the virus, meaning.... More

  • 23 April 2020

    BPCA releases CPD assignments for pest professionals

    To give pest professionals a new way to keep up with their continuing professional development (CPD), BPCA is now issuing downloadable CPD assignments. Karen Dawes, BPCA Training manager, said: “Conducting research and comp.... More

  • 22 April 2020

    HSE issues workplace social distancing warning

    The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned employers it will hand out enforcement notices to those who do not comply with the two-metre social distancing rule in workplaces that remain open during the coronavirus outbreak. .... More