Latest News from BPCA

05 October 2016

BPCA on radio after fire service issues wasp nest warning

Fire services covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, issued a warning this week after a DIY treatment of a Wasps nest went horribly wrong.

The warning comes after photos emerged of a garage completely burnt to the ground after a member of the public tried to set fire to their wasp's nest in an attempt to rid themselves of infestation.Firefighters managed to control the blaze before the home attached to the garage was also significantly damaged. However, the owners are very lucky that the damage was contained to the garage.

Firefighters managed to control the blaze before the home attached to the garage was also significantly damaged. However, the owners are very lucky that the damage was contained to the garage.

The warning on the fire services website reads:

"Worried about a wasps' nest or other infestation in your home? Please don't try to tackle it with fire! Contact your local council for advice."

A professional pest controller should always tackle wasp nests.

In response to the warning, we were contacted by BBC's Three Counties Radio to talk more about the dangers of treating pest problems yourself, and the importance of hiring a professional.Speaking on the Radio, Membership Manager Kevin Higgins said,

Speaking on the Radio, Membership Manager Kevin Higgins said,

"Hire a professional who is trained, qualified and has experience in your particular pest problem."

"We benefit from a find a pest controller tool on our website where all people need to do is enter their postcode, and we can present you with a range of trained, qualified and experienced professionals who can meet your needs."

Kevin then went onto talk about some of the different wasp nests our membership had dealt with this year (reported through social media), including one in an old Austin Seven, one on the inside of another car's wheel arch and giant nest in Northampton which was estimated to be home to over 10,000 wasps.

You can listen to Kevin's interview on the Three Counties Radio with Roberto Perrone here (starting at 1:36:30).

Source: BPCA.org.uk

Highlights View all news

15 December 2025

Latest news

BPCA wrapped 2025: a message to members from Rosina Robson

In this video, Rosina Robson, Chief Executive of the British Pest Control Association, reflects on a year of momentum, challenge and progress for the Association.

Read more

31 October 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: Consumer vulnerability: recognising the signs, reducing the risks with Louise Baxter MBE

Louise Baxter MBE, Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team and Non-Executive Director at TrustMark, explores what consumer vulnerability really means in 2025 and how it affects the work you do every day.

Read more

30 October 2025

Latest news

BPCA launch new careers hub, video and Open Doors Charter

Rosina Robson shares how the Association’s new pestcareers.org.uk hub, recruitment film, Open Doors Charter and social media campaign are helping to attract a more diverse, skilled and inspired workforce into pest management.

Read more
Latest View all news

17 December 2025

Latest news

What the Employment Rights Act means for pest management companies

The Employment Rights Bill passed its final stages in the House of Lords on Monday, 15 December 2025. Here is what you need to know. 

Read more

17 December 2025

Latest news

2025 BPCA Member Award winners announced

The BPCA Member Award winners were announced at the festive special Digital Forum on 17 December 2025.

Read more

16 December 2025

Latest news

BPCA offices closed over Christmas and new year

British Pest Control Association offices will be closed for the holiday period and will reopen in the new year.

Read more