PPC119 | PESTS IN THE PRESS

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.

Rats and mice continued to dominate the pest-related headlines in the first part of 2025, with regular mentions through January and February and into March.

But it was moths and bin strikes that were ramping up the coverage as spring really got underway.

Press releases from BPCA featured in a wide range of digital and print news outlets, from the Kirkintilloch Herald north of Glasgow to thisiskent.co.uk in the South East.

The spread of coverage also ranged from smaller publications such as Barry District News in Wales to national platforms including The Sun, Yahoo! (UK), Daily Mail Online and Thisismoney.co.uk.

We talked about topics like the distress that can be caused by an infestation, the importance of choosing a BPCA member to deal with pest issues, raising awareness around the importance of professional pest control for properties with bats and reassuring residents that moth infestations might be distressing but are not dangerous.

Comment from BPCA was also featured in a range of press articles including coverage of bed bug infestations in Brighton, Glasgow and Whitehall, problems with neighbours feeding foxes and who to call for a rodent sighting.

BPCA was also featured as bin strikes ramped up in Birmingham in March, with comments sought by journalists from the BBC, CNN and Yahoo! (UK) as well as press releases targeted to city residents affected by the industrial action.

BPCA also worked with sector-specific titles to highlight the importance of professional pest management to decision-makers in the public and private sectors.

‘Housing, health and pests: infestations as indicators of systemic substandard living conditions’ by BPCA’s Policy and Campaigns Officer, Jordan McCay, appeared in Government Business magazine in January.

If you spot something in the press or have an idea for a press release, get in touch with the team by email: hello@bpca.org.uk

BPCA carry out public health campaign for Birmingham residents

BPCA has been highlighting the serious health risks associated with the bin strikes for people living in Birmingham.

Birmingham residents are facing an increased risk of pest infestations due to the amount of uncollected household waste that is mounting in the city.

As a major public health incident, BPCA felt it necessary to deploy a rapid response information campaign, so residents are aware of the risks and know where to look for help.

This campaign included:

• Billboard advertising
• News articles
• Media appearances
• Sponsored slots on local news sites
• Banner advertising on local news sites
• A YouTube video
• A dedicated web page with information and links to find a pest controller.

Scott Johnstone, BPCA Marketing Manager, commented: "A spike in pest activity is inevitable given the disruption to bin collections in Birmingham.

"As a sector, all we can do is offer reliable pest prevention advice and help direct people to trusted pest management companies.

"The last thing we want is for the people of Birmingham to miss or ignore signs of a pest infestation; education is critical in protecting public health right now."

Visit bpca.org.uk/binstrikes for more information.

Top 3 headlines

Emergency advice in wake of Birmingham bin strikes - Birmingham World (link)
Don’t suffer with pest distress - Cumbernauld News
Pick a professional for protection from pests - Country Smallholding

Total articles in 2024: 2,409

Total circulation in 2025: 50,979,768