PEST ADVICE

BPCA members can now download a new client guidance template from the member library to help residents raise ongoing pest issues with their local councillor.

The template letter is designed for members to share with clients where an infestation may be linked to a neighbouring property, communal area, wider building issue, unmanaged land or another source outside the client’s direct control.

Natalie Bungay, BPCA Head of Membership, said:

“While a professional pest management company may be able to treat activity inside an individual home, some infestations cannot be fully resolved unless the source is investigated and addressed.

This can require cooperation from councils, landlords, managing agents, neighbouring properties or other responsible parties.

Natalie Bungay, BPCA Head of Membership

“The template helps residents explain the impact of the issue, set out what action they have already taken, and ask their councillor to raise the matter with the relevant council department, such as Environmental Health, Housing, Public Protection or the council’s pest control team”.

Christine Lawrence, BPCA Administrator, said:

“We answer hundreds of calls from members of the public, and many of those people feel like they’ve already exhausted every avenue available to them.

“This template gives residents a clear way to explain what’s happening, what they’ve already tried and why wider support may be needed. Hopefully it will help them get the right people involved and move things forward.

Christine Lawrence, BPCA Administrator

Natalie continued:

“Pest professionals often see situations where they can treat the activity in front of them, but the underlying source sits outside the customer’s control. That can be incredibly frustrating and distressing for residents.

“This template gives BPCA members something practical to hand to clients when wider cooperation is needed. It helps residents explain the problem clearly, provide evidence and ask the right people to look at the bigger picture.”

DOWNLOAD THE TOOL AND GUIDANCE

Members can download the template from the BPCA member library.

Download now (login required)

Note: this template is not legal advice. Councils have different services, powers and processes depending on where you live and the type of pest involved. The aim of this letter is to ask your councillor to help get the right people to look at the wider problem.