POLICY AND CAMPAIGNS 

BPCA has highlighted the importance of professional pest management to public health during a visit by Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson to member company CSS Pest Services. 

Catherine visited the Derby-based business on 20 August, meeting CSS Pest Services Managing Director Jason Cholerton and BPCA Chief Executive Rosina Robson. 

The visit gave BPCA an opportunity to discuss the role pest professionals play in protecting homes, businesses, hospitals and schools from the damage, distress and disease associated with pest infestations. 

Jason introduced CSS Pest Services, which employs around 20 people and continues to grow, and explained why pest professionals need access to an effective range of control tools. 

Housing and Awaab’s Law 

Housing was a significant part of the conversation, including the expansion of Awaab’s Law and the role professional pest management will play in helping social landlords deal with pest-related hazards. 

The group also discussed innovative approaches to pest management, including the use of detection dogs for bed bugs. 

Rosina Robson, BPCA Chief Executive, said: 

“We’re grateful for Catherine’s interest in our sector and the opportunity to show how professional pest management supports public health in communities like Derby. 

“There are some big policy decisions coming that will affect the tools available to pest professionals and the way infestations are managed in housing, so conversations like this with MPs are really valuable.” 

Protecting the professional toolkit 

BPCA raised concerns about the continued general sale of glue boards in England. While professional use is now subject to licensing, glue boards remain available for members of the public to purchase. 

The meeting also covered biocide regulation and the potential impact of a future UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary agreement. BPCA highlighted concerns about the cost and time involved in bringing new biocidal products to the UK market and the effect this can have on innovation. 

The discussion followed the publication of BPCA’s No Small Matter report, which estimated professional pest management contributes £1bn to the UK economy while preventing around £1.9bn in costs to households and businesses each year. 

Rosina added:  

“Our members attended an estimated 4.4 million client jobs in 2025. Pest management might not always be visible, but it is an essential part of keeping people, property and businesses safe.” 

BPCA will continue working with Catherine and other parliamentarians to raise issues affecting professional pest management and the communities our members protect. 

GET INVOLVED 

Interested in inviting your MP for a visit? We can support members in getting face time with their elected officials. 

Contact [email protected] today.  

Source: