PPC119 | TECHNICAL

In this issue of Ask the technical team, we talk wood pigeons, bee swarms, badgers and ticks.

SPEED VIEW:

• A holistic approach can help you obtain an individual licence for bird control
• Use your knowledge of bee swarms to impress potential customers
• Interference with badgers can come with hefty fines
• If you spend a lot of time outdoors, check for ticks.

My customer is experiencing problems with wood pigeons in a food factory, but they aren't on the general licence. What is the best approach?

Wood pigeons in a food factory environment is definitely a public health issue, but as they aren’t on the general licence, you’ll have to approach 
this holistically. 

Yes, you can apply for an individual licence, but before that you’ll have to show that you’ve carried out a comprehensive survey, and attempted non-lethal methods of control (where practicable). 

Depending on the site and whether or not it would be cost prohibitive, you could try scarers, lasers, even birds of prey. 

Take plenty of photo evidence, document everything you’ve done and all the decisions you’ve made. If you haven’t tried something, you’ll need to explain why.

Provide as much detail as possible, because the licensing body needs to be able to make an informed decision in approving your licence and want to see that you’ve attempted a comprehensive bird management strategy. 

I keep getting calls about swarms of ‘wasps’ and when I say it’s a bee swarm they don’t believe me. What do I say in that situation? 

This is a great example of being able to showcase your technical knowledge and customer service skills. Pest controllers are often the first call when the public spots a swarm.

Explain: Tell them wasps don’t swarm and explain that when honeybee colonies become too crowded, some of the bees start to look for somewhere else to live.
Reassure: Let them know that it’s temporary and that the bees will move on by themselves. 
Refer: Swarms happen like clockwork every year, so while you can pass on the details for BBKA, it is always a good idea to have your local swarm collector info readily available. Build those relationships with people local to you. 

Why bother with all of that? You’re showing off your expertise and approachability, so when the customer has a real pest issue, they’ll come straight back to the person who helped them before: you!

My customer has badgers on their property, and they are asking what I can do to make them leave.

We have some wonderful native wildlife in the UK, and for me, badgers top that category.

While they are not endangered, badgers and their setts (burrows) are protected by law in the UK under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.

It is illegal to intentionally or recklessly disturb, damage, or destroy a badger sett or to cause any harm to a badger.

Interference with a badger sett can come with large fines for the individual involved.

We would recommend that you contact a local Ecologist, who will be able to provide a survey and potential options for mitigation methods to ensure that badgers can remain protected whilst we are carrying out vital public health work. 

Visit the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management website, where you can find a list of ecologists near you. 

I live in a rural area and I’ve had a few calls from people asking how they can tell if a bite is from a tick and if it is serious.

We have 20 species of tick within the UK, with the most widespread and abundant species being the sheep/deer tick (Ixodes ricinus), which can be responsible for transmitting a variety of pathogens such as tick-borne encephalitis virus and louping ill virus.

It's important for people to regularly check themselves if working or hiking in environments where these pests are prevalent. 

Signs of having a tick bite can include a red lump with a red circle (like a bullseye), pink or red rash and a temperature of 38°C or above.

If they’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, headaches, joint pain, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes, then they should contact their local GP.

If you’re interested, you can contribute to the Animal Plant and Health Agency’s (APHA) Tick Surveillance Scheme here. 

Who you gonna call?

The members of our technical team are happy to come out to visit sites with BPCA members who are struggling with a tough infestation and need hands-on advice.

Get in touch! technical@bpca.org.uk