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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  • 07 May 2026

    Pest Minds launches new Charter to improve mental health support across pest management

    SECTOR INITIATIVES Pest Minds, the mental health Community Interest Company for the pest management sector, has launched a new Charter to help businesses take practical, meaningful steps to support mental health and wellbeing at work. .... More

  • 04 May 2026

    BPCA highlights importance of pest control following suspected cruise ship Hantavirus deaths

    PUBLIC HEALTH Following the sad news of three deaths due to Hantavirus on board a cruise ship, we've put together some information on the virus and how good pest management can help stop it spreading. Three people have died after.... More

  • 01 May 2026

    PelGar International confirms Asia Business Manager role

    PRESS RELEASE PelGar International has confirmed the appointment of Suprit Thakre as Asia Business Manager, taking responsibility for leading PelGar’s Asia division as a standalone regional operation. The role reflects the.... More

  • 28 April 2026

    Don't forget to check your state pension age

    RETIREMENT PLANNING Pest controllers who are nearing retirement are being reminded to check their state pension age, which is rising between 2026 and 2028.  Why it matters  The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67.... More

  • 28 April 2026

    BASF: why now is the time to support rural clients

    PRESS RELEASE New findings from a rural focused survey conducted by BASF highlight a clear opportunity for pest control professionals to strengthen their role within the rural sector. With rodent pressure increasing, resistance concern.... More

  • 28 April 2026

    APCA demands urgent action against mosquitoes on World Malaria Day

    PRESS RELEASE The African Pest Control Association (APCA) joins the global community in commemorating World Malaria Day 2026, under the theme: 'Accelerate the fight: invest, innovate, and implement to end malaria'. Malaria remains one.... More

  • 24 April 2026

    Philip Dalgliesh retires after over 50 years at Killgerm

    MEMBER NEWS Philip Dalgliesh has retired from Killgerm after more than 50 years with the business. Philip retires on 24 April 2026, marking the end of a long career with Killgerm, where he has been a central part of the company since b.... More

  • 24 April 2026

    Brian O'Donnell appointed Chair of BPCA Professional Standards Committee

    ASSOCIATION NEWS Brian O'Donnell of Graham Pest Control has been appointed Chair of BPCA’s Professional Standards Committee and has taken up a seat on the BPCA Executive Board. Brian takes over from Martin Rose-King, who pr.... More

  • 21 April 2026

    Killgerm launches free CRRU-UK CPD training videos

    MEMBER NEWS BPCA member company, Killgerm has launched a new set of free online training videos to help pest professionals complete their CRRU-UK-approved CPD points. The online course includes six presentations in total, with ne.... More

  • 08 April 2026

    VIDEO | Meet the Member: Matt O’Donnell from iX5 - from Environmental Health to pest control success

    CPD VIDEO There’s no single route into pest control, and Matt O’Donnell’s journey proves it. In this BPCA Meet the Member webinar, Matt shares how he moved f.... More

  • 07 April 2026

    Employment Rights Act changes now in force

    HR AND BUSINESS The Employment Rights Act 2025 is now live. From 6 April 2026, a number of changes affect how you manage your team. These cover family leave, sick pay, redundancy, and worker protections. You may need to update your con.... More

  • 07 April 2026

    PelGar International announces appointment of Andrej Branc as Head of Global Sales and Americas Business Manager

    MEMBER PRESS RELEASE BPCA member, PelGar International, is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrej Branc as the company’s new Head of Global Sales and Americas Business Manager, effective immediately. This appointment.... More

  • 31 March 2026

    Kristian meets Harrison: Taking the African Pest Control Association on a BPCA member assessment

    STAFF TEAM BLOG Kristian Nettleship, BPCA Membership Support Officer, talks about meeting Dike Harrison Ayomide (Harrison) at PestEx and taking him out on a member visit to show how UK pest management works in practice. I met Har.... More

  • 31 March 2026

    GUIDANCE: Bee disease awareness and biosecurity for pest professionals

    GUIDANCE Bee disease is one of those risks that can quietly sit in the background of a job until it suddenly becomes very real. For pest professionals involved in bee removals, understanding disease risk, spotting the signs and knowing what.... More

  • 30 March 2026

    MP visits Lancashire pest control firm to discuss public health and housing reforms

    PUBLIC AFFAIRS BPCA welcomed Maya Ellis MP to Lancashire last week, as part of a visit to LES Pest Management to explore the role of professional pest management in protecting public health. The visit brought together Maya Ellis, BPCA Chief.... More

  • 25 March 2026

    Natalie returns to BPCA in new role as Head of Membership and Technical

    STAFF TEAM Natalie Bungay is set to return to BPCA as our new Head of Membership and Technical, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a familiar face to many across the sector. A well-known figure in pest management and a.... More

  • 25 March 2026

    A busy year – reflections from our Chief Executive

    CEO VIEWPOINT Rosina Robson, Chief Executive of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), reflects on her first year leading the organisation, from attending PPC Live incognito to overseeing a successful PestEx and strengthening BPCA&rsq.... More

  • 24 March 2026

    Levelled-up PestEx hosts thousands in London

    EVENTS PestEx played host to around 2,100 people and over 1,600 visitors between 18 and 19 March, for the UK’s biggest pest control event in the calendar year. Held at London’s Excel Centre, the event brought together.... More

  • 24 March 2026

    BPCA seeks industry views as government plans review of mole traps

    SECTOR SURVEY BPCA is asking pest professionals, manufacturers and suppliers to share their views on mole traps as the Government prepares to review their use in England. Take the survey Over Christmas, the Government publi.... More

  • 24 March 2026

    Free CRRU-UK-approved CPD now available through BPCA online learning

    CPD BPCA members can now complete their CRRU-UK-approved CPD for 2027 through a series of free online modules, available via their MyBPCA area. The three modules, based on the latest CRRU-UK resources released in February 2026, a.... More

  • 23 March 2026

    BPCA responds to bread recall over possible rodent contamination

    PESTAWARE Experts at British Pest Control Association (BPCA) have warned rodent infestations can pose a significant public health risk in the wake of a ‘do not eat’ alert from the Food Standards Agency. The FSA issued.... More

  • 11 March 2026

    Government confirms UK-EU alignment on biocides under new SPS agreement

    CHEMICAL REGULATION The UK Government has confirmed that rules governing biocidal products will be aligned with European Union regulations as part of a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. Announced on Monday, the agreement ai.... More

  • 09 March 2026

    Professional Pest Controller issue 122 (PPC122) out now

    PPC122 is out now! It’s packed with practical insight, including features on humane dispatch, gull control and a back-to-basics look at air rifle fundamentals for pest professionals. We’ve also got expert opinion.... More

  • 09 March 2026

    PPC122: Pests in the press

    PPC122 | PRESS BPCA’s winter media coverage focused on rats and mice, with national and regional press features, while trade articles and upcoming PestEx promotion continue raising awareness across sectors. As is typical for the.... More

  • 09 March 2026

    PPC122: Pests in politics

    PPC122 | POLITICS Our lobbying and public affairs work currently focuses on three key aims: protecting the toolkit, implementing Awaab’s Law and innovation in chemical regulation.  In this issue of Pests in Politics, Rosina.... More

  • 09 March 2026

    Ask the technical team: March 2026

    PPC122 | ASK THE TECHNICAL TEAM In this issue of Ask the technical team, we talk about fox control, flea issues, bird netting tendering, and search engine optimisation. What can I do for fox control if we’re no longer allowed to us.... More

  • 09 March 2026

    Back-to-basics: Air rifles for pest professionals

    PPC122 | TECHNICAL In rural and agricultural societies, firearms have long been essential tools for protecting crops and livestock from damage caused by various animals, including rodents, birds, and in some places around the world, even la.... More

  • 09 March 2026

    OPINION: Shotgun licensing changes not evidence-led

    PPC122 | OPINION Bill Harriman of BASC argues proposed changes to align shotgun licensing with other firearms would create unnecessary bureaucracy, restrict lawful use and significantly reduce shotgun ownership. In 2023, the Cons.... More

  • 09 March 2026

    OPINION: Talking humane dispatch

    PPC122 | OPINION For anyone new to pest management or considering a career in the industry, the idea of humanely dispatching an animal can feel daunting. It’s a topic that’s rarely discussed openly, yet it’s an important p.... More

  • 05 March 2026

    BPCA submits response to EU biocides review

    CHEMICAL REGULATION BPCA has submitted a response to the European Commission’s consultation on the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) Refit, setting out what needs to change to keep public health pest control effective, affordable.... More

  • 05 March 2026

    The 2026 gull control playbook

    PPC122 | TECHNICAL Niall Gallagher, Technical Manager at BPCA, shares practical insight on one of the most challenging bird species facing pest professionals today. Niall explores gull identification, licensing, behaviour and the pract.... More

  • 05 March 2026

    Jumping onboard with Dale Seaman

    PPC122 | MEET THE TECHNICIAN Dale Seaman, Pest Control Technician at Bounty Pest Control, completed the onboarding scheme and his Level 2 Certificate in record time. He spoke to PPC magazine about how he found the industry and how the.... More

  • 05 March 2026

    OPINION: Diversity in pest control

    PPC122 | OPINION Julia Pittman, Chair of BPCA's EDI Committee, gives her view on why diversity isn't just a tickbox exercise - it's good for business. In discussions about diversity, we often focus on gender, race, age, or disabi.... More

  • 05 March 2026

    Branding tips to boost your business

    PPC122 | BUSINESS Whether you’re a sole trader or have a larger business, branding is important for creating an identity for your business and building relationships with customers. Having a brand that appeals to your target market an.... More

  • 05 March 2026

    Avoiding illicit Advion pitfalls

    PRESS RELEASE Pest controllers are being warned to be careful to only source their Advion Cockroach and Advion Ant gel products from the authorised distribution network, or potentially fall foul of counterfeit product that could adversely a.... More

  • 05 March 2026

    Annual Report: 2025

    PPC122 | ANNUAL REPORT Our annual report is published in PPC magazine - making it accessible to thousands of pest professionals and the entire sector. Contents 2025 milestones President's Report Treasurer's Report C.... More

  • 05 March 2026

    2025 Annual report: President's report

    PPC122 | ANNUAL REPORT Guided by purpose and looking ahead to 2030 It gives me great pleasure, as President, to reflect on the past year for BPCA. It has been a year with a huge amount to celebrate, driven by the shared commitment of our m.... More

  • 05 March 2026

    Annual Report 2025: Treasurer's Report

    PPC122 | Annual Report 2025 Mike Ayers, BPCA's Treasurer, gives his report on the Association's finances in 2025. Financial performance, resilience and investment for the future I’m pleased to present my first Treasurer&rs.... More

  • 05 March 2026

    2025 Annual report: They work for you

    PPC122 | ANNUAL REPORT The Executive Board is the governing body of the Association, and Board Members, as Directors, have a duty of care to both BPCA Members and the BPCA Staff team. The Board’s emphasis is on strategy, performance.... More

  • 05 March 2026

    Annual report: 2025 in numbers

    PPC122 | ANNUAL REPORT . More

  • 04 March 2026

    VIDEO: Cracking cockroach control – species, habits and treatment success

    CPD VIDEO Cockroach infestations are being reported more frequently across a range of environments, from domestic kitchens and care homes to food production sites and high-rise flats. Understanding how cockroaches live, feed and spread is k.... More

  • 03 March 2026

    Scotland confirms glue trap ban from July 2026

    LEGISLATION The Scottish Government has confirmed that provisions banning the use, supply and possession of rodent glue traps will come into force on 1 July 2026 under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024. The.... More

  • 03 March 2026

    Is your UV LED lamp proven to perform? Why evidence matters in pest control

    SPONSORED BLOG Insect light traps play a critical role in professional pest control, particularly in supporting effective fly monitoring in food production environments. They support monitoring, guide trend analysis, and provide reassurance.... More

  • 27 February 2026

    BPCA wins Magazine of the Year award at TAF 2026

    AWARDS BPCA picked up two accolades in London last night at the 2026 Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards. The team bagged top prize for Magazine of the Year, and received a highly commended certificate in the Diversity and Inclusion c.... More

  • 26 February 2026

    First to be awarded Deer Management Certificate Level 3

    PRESS RELEASE Karolien Van der Vorm has become the first person in the UK to be awarded the Deer Management Certificate Level 3 (DMC3). Karolien is Founder and Owner of 360 Wildlife Control Ltd and on the BPCA WildWise group memb.... More

  • 25 February 2026

    BASF product pre-launch unveils innovative fly control solution

    PRODUCTS Pest control manufacturer and BPCA member BASF held a packed product pre-launch event last week, to showcase its latest innovation in fly management.  Seclira® Fly Bait is a ready-to-use pressurised fly bait designed.... More

  • 25 February 2026

    BPCA exhibiting at SOFHT Innovation Day 2026

    EVENTS BPCA will be exhibiting at the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology Innovation Day on Thursday 12 March 2026 at York Biotech Campus Centre. The event brings together food manufacturers, retailers and service providers to.... More

  • 25 February 2026

    Exterminators PLC launches AI-powered ‘Report Factory’

    PRESS RELEASE BPCA Observer member, Exterminators PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier pest management and environmental enhancement technology company, is proud to announce the launch of its state-of-the-art AI-powered Report Factory. .... More

  • 25 February 2026

    Second career, zero regrets: why I chose pest control at 40

    GUEST BLOG In this guest blog, Mark Pitt, PGM & Son Pest Control, explains how he went from construction to pest control in his 40s.  I didn’t expect to start a completely new career in my 40s - but pest control tu.... More

  • 25 February 2026

    Free HR and employment law webinars for BPCA members

    MEMBER BENEFITS BPCA members can now access a new programme of expert-led HR and employment law webinars at no extra cost, thanks to the BPCA Quest membership benefit. The upcoming sessions cover some big-ticket topics that matte.... More