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

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

17 October 2023

UPDATED: Glue board ban in Wales receives Royal Assent 

LEGISLATION AND GLUE BOARDS UPDATE: Glue board ban in Wales starts today (17 Oct 2023).  The ban on glue boards takes effect in Wales from today, meaning it is now a criminal offence for anyone to use one.  If you carry.... More

13 October 2023

Envu introduces TruDetx – first rapid test for bed bugs

PRESS RELEASE TruDetx Bed Bug Rapid Test is a new detection device from Envu that allows pest control professionals to identify even low-level infestations with over 90%* accuracy, delivering results on-site within five minutes. .... More

13 October 2023

BPCA mourns the passing of former president Phil Halpin 

 IN MEMORIAM  BPCA is saddened to report that our former president, Phil Halpin, has passed away after a prolonged illness. Longtime member and BPCA volunteer, Phil was the chair of the servicing committee from 2015 to.... More

09 October 2023

Lodi UK host second successful Adventure Networking event

On 28 September Lodi UK took to the trees of Cannock Chase for the second instalment of Adventure Networking. An adrenaline fuelled morning of GoApe took place, with attendees navigating 1500 metres of mid-air crossings, challenging t.... More

05 October 2023

WIN: Take part in the Future of pest management survey 2023

RESEARCH BPCA is seeking pest professionals and business owners in the UK to feed into our 'Future of pest management' research project.  The information you provide will be used to help protect your toolkit, set our directi.... More

04 October 2023

BPCA urges vigilance on bed bugs, following France fears

PESTAWARE Vigilance is key in tackling internationally-spreading bed bug infestations, says British Pest Control Association (BPCA). Regular checks at home can help identify early signs of an infestation, while visual checks when.... More

03 October 2023

New polling shows public support for public health investment in UK

PRESS RELEASE A new survey for the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), the oldest public health agency in the world, has found that the majority of the public (85%) said there must be sufficient funding for public health workers, so the.... More

01 October 2023

Father-daughter duo complete charity trek for Alzheimers Society

CHARITY Former health and safety manager, Iain Whatley and his daughter, Susan Doughty, completed the Alzheimer's Society Trek 26 in memory of family lost to various forms of dementia.  The trek took place in Brixham in Devo.... More

01 October 2023

Product withdrawal: BASF announces phaseout of insecticide products

PRESS RELEASE Pest control solutions manufacturer, BASF, has announced that its popular insecticide products, Goliath® Gel and Formidor®, will be withdrawn, with the last sales in March 2024 and last use on 24 September 20.... More

28 September 2023

BPCA pens open letter to Minister for Rural Affairs ahead of imminent Welsh glue board ban on 17 October

POLITICS The Agriculture (Wales) Bill received Royal Assent with the sealing ceremony taking place on 17 August 2023.  It introduced a ban on the use of glue traps which will come in to force on 17 October 2023.  The Agr.... More

27 September 2023

Business administrations up 22% in 2023

BUSINESS Research from law firm Shakespeare Martineau shows a 22% increase in UK businesses falling into administration compared to last year. According to the research, a total of 759 UK businesses filed for administration in th.... More

21 September 2023

Guest blog: Asian hornet guidance for UK pest controllers

GUEST BLOG Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) are a hot topic right now. Sightings in the UK have increased dramatically recently and you may have seen them in the news or on social media.   Elliott Rose-King is from BPCA Consultant m.... More

20 September 2023

Cycling for Mind: Pelsis group employee takes on 4,500 mile challenge

CHARITY An employee of BPCA member Pelsis Group is cycling 4,500 miles around the UK mainland coastline to raise money for mental health charity, Mind. Pelsis Group finance team member, Adam Sims is taking on the challenge follow.... More

15 September 2023

Red Squirrel Awareness Week events

EVENTS UK Squirrel Accord (UKSA), a UK-wide partnership of 45 leading conservation and forestry organisations, Government agencies and companies, are marking Red Squirrel Awareness Week with free webinars.  Taking place from.... More

12 September 2023

September may see spike in spiders, says BPCA

PESTAWARE Experts at British Pest Control Association (BPCA) say spiders are more likely to be seen indoors in September as they seek out dry places to breed. Mating season for spiders begins in early autumn and lasts for less th.... More

11 September 2023

Pests in the press: July to September 2023

PESTS IN THE PRESS | PPC112 September 2023 With sightings of Asian hornets in early spring, followed by a media spotlight on ‘Dracula’ horseflies and the launch of Direct Line’s ‘rat map’, it’s been a bum.... More

11 September 2023

CRRU UK: Ending SGAR use ‘away from buildings'

TECHNICAL | PPC112 September 2023 PRESS RELEASE A press release was posted by the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime (CRRU) on Monday, 12 June 2023. ENDING USE OF SECOND-GENERATION ANTICOAGULANT RODENTICIDES BROMADIOLONE.... More