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!

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  • 18 January 2021

    Bayer tackles mental health with charity collaboration

    PRESS RELEASE BPCA member Bayer has teamed up with suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) to help support the industry, following our recent survey where 44% of pest controllers felt that Covid-19.... More

  • 13 January 2021

    Brexit: Post-transition readiness for businesses

    Following the end of the Brexit transition period, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has released advice for businesses on the new rules.  BPCA recommends every pest management company uses the Brexi.... More

  • 12 January 2021

    Fly control essential for food businesses, says Rentokil

    BPCA member company Rentokil has highlighted the dangers of fly infestations in food environments, and the harm this can cause to businesses. The company said that flies are one of the most likely insects to cause damage and disruptio.... More

  • 12 January 2021

    CIEH appoints new chief executive

    The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has confirmed that Dr Phil James will join this month as its new chief executive. Dr James was most recently the chief executive of the Institute of Leadership & Manageme.... More

  • 12 January 2021

    BPCA asks health secretary for pest professionals to get Covid-19 vaccine

    BPCA has written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to ask that pest professionals and other key workers are prioritised appropriately for the Covid-19 vaccine. Ian Andrew, Chief Exec of BPCA, said: "Pest profes.... More

  • 12 January 2021

    When will pest professionals get vaccinated against Covid-19?

    With phase one of the UK's largest inoculation programme in progress, we've been asked by many people when key workers, like pest controllers, will get access to the Covid-19 vaccines. It's likely that you already know someone who has.... More

  • 12 January 2021

    First ever ICUP webinar to be held in March

    The International Conference on Urban Pests (ICUP) is to hold its first free-of-charge on-line webinar on 9 March 2021. Until 2020, the ICUP events consisted of a conventional conference, held every three years. However, with the.... More

  • 06 January 2021

    New bee removal and pest control franchise launched in the UK

    PRESS RELEASE PGH Beegone Limited is a brand new franchise from the owners of BPCA member company PGH Pest Control & Prevention. The PGH Beegone Limited franchise comprises of two well-established brands – PGH Pest.... More

  • 05 January 2021

    2021 Covid-19 lockdowns: what do pest professionals need to know?

    With England and Scotland announcing national lockdowns, Wales in tier 4 restrictions and Northern Ireland tightening measures – we take a moment to highlight some of BPCA’s Covid-19 guidance for the sector and answer your top questi.... More

  • 17 December 2020

    Defra releases final 2021 General Licences for bird control

    Defra has published its final versions of the new General Licences for the lethal control of wild birds, which will take effect on 1 January 2021. Last month Defra shared the new general licences to give pest professionals as much tim.... More

  • 17 December 2020

    VIDEO: Controlling flies around food

    In this video Natalie discusses the key points to consider when controlling flies around food. This presentation covers: Fly biology and behaviours Identification of breeding sites, food sources etc Control or Monitoring Risk A.... More

  • 16 December 2020

    2021 National Pest Awards are open for entries

    Pest magazine has relaunched a sector-wide pest control awards night, replacing the British Pest Management Awards (BPMAs).   The National Pest Awards are now open for entries and is calling out for nominations from tho.... More

  • 15 December 2020

    Sri Lankan-based Exterminators celebrate 22 years in pest control

    PRESS RELEASE BPCA Observer member The Exterminators are celebrating 22 years in business and 7 years providing 'carbon neutral' services.  The Exterminators began as a sole trader in 1998 and has&nb.... More

  • 14 December 2020

    Licences for bird control - where are we now?

    Since April 2019 there has been widespread change across the UK nations regarding the licensing arrangements for bird control. There have been court papers filed, surveys taken, consultations, new application processes and an incredibl.... More

  • 11 December 2020

    VIDEO: Digital Forum 6 - Pest quiz

    In this video, Alex Wade from Wade Environmental hosts a special Christmas pest quiz. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) hosts these free events so everyone interested in pest management can learn, share and connect. This.... More

  • 11 December 2020

    VIDEO: Digital Forum 6 - CRRU update

    In this video, CRRU's Dr Alan Buckle gives a presentation on the rodenticide stewardship scheme and what lies ahead. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) hosts these free events so everyone interested in pest management can.... More

  • 11 December 2020

    VIDEO: Digital Forum 6 - Future of Insecticide

    In this video, Jim Kirk from Deadline Products gives a presentation on the changing face of insecticide products.  The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) hosts these free events so everyone interested in pest management.... More

  • 11 December 2020

    VIDEO: Digital Forum 6 - Natural England update

    In this video, Natural England's David Brown gives a Digital Forum 6 pest management presentation on the future of bird licensing in the UK.  The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) hosts these free events so everyone interest.... More

  • 10 December 2020

    PestWest wins Best New Product Award for flyDetect®

    PRESS RELEASE flyDetect® from PestWest was announced as joint winner of the Best New Product Award at The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology Virtual Awards Ceremony this month. The SOFHT Awards recognises a.... More

  • 09 December 2020

    New barn owl study finds improved breeding performance, says CRRU

    Barn owl breeding success last year (2019) was four percent higher, at 2.66 fledglings per nest, than the preceding four-year average, according to a new report from the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use. On the same basis, a 17.... More

  • 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

    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

  • 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

    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

    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

  • 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

    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

    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