Technical | PPC96 August 2019
Our technical team tackle bee nests, reporting and delusional parasitosis in this issue.
When you’re a BPCA member you can get technical support whenever you need it via our experienced technical team. Here are just a few of the latest questions posed...
SPEED VIEW
- Leave bee nests undisturbed unless absolutely necessary
- Live capture traps have to be used where non-target species are present
- Visit reporting is mandatory not optional!
- Do not attempt to ‘hoodwink’ customers who suffer delusional episodes.
SUBJECT: BEE NESTS
What options do I have if I find a bee nest?
DEE REPLIES: The principle advice for this has not changed much over the past decade or so, which is: do not lethally control the bees (honey or otherwise) unless absolutely necessary.
Necessity may rely on a significant health and safety risk being present. They must also be recorded.
In many cases, the bees can be left alone. In some cases, they can be relocated via non-lethal removal, which must be considered and explored.
As we know, a ‘commonly used insecticide’ has revoked bees from its label as well as stopping its use externally.
However, there may still be products that can be used so speak to your suppliers.
The Pest Management Alliance (PMA) has an up-to-date Code of Best Practice for control relating to honey bees.
SUBJECT: NON-TARGET SPECIES
Can I treat rats in an area where voles are active?
NATALIE REPLIES: If rats are present in an area that is causing a detrimental effect on public health, then yes.
However you must acknowledge that a non-target species is present and so put treatment strategies in place that will not harm the voles that are present.
Live capture traps can ensure that any captured voles can be released unharmed.
This may be less time efficient but it is a legal requirement under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Explain this to the customer in a way they can understand - this will help ensure you work legally.
BPCA is always at hand for some extra advice for members.
SUBJECT: REPORTING
Do I need to leave a report on every visit?
NATALIE REPLIES: Yes. The question we would ask is ‘why would you NOT leave a report on every visit’?
A report provides many avenues of information as well as being a legal requirement. It confirms you attended and what actions you took.
This information assists invoicing as well as demonstrating your professionalism.
It is also your responsibility to tell the customer what chemicals or treatments you have used along with active ingredients, product details and any recommendations to ensure their safety, as well as service effectiveness.
Without a report you may leave yourself open to prosecution.
It is also a criteria of BPCA servicing membership.
SUBJECT: FALSE PRETENCES
Can I spray with water if I suspect delusionary parasitosis?
NATALIE REPLIES: People with delusional parasitosis have an unshakable, false belief that they are infested with insects, worms, mites, lice, fleas, or other organisms.
Some people also believe the parasites have infested their home, surroundings and clothing.
They often provide vivid descriptions of how the organisms enter their bodies via their skin and other body openings and move around.
If you suspect this then the only course of action for the customer is to seek advice from their GP.
The GP will likely refer them to a specialist therapist.
You should NOT mislead customers with ‘placebo’ treatments as this could be considered fraudulent if discovered, especially when money is exchanged.
ARE YOU A BPCA MEMBER WITH A TECHNICAL QUERY?
Get in touch...
enquiry@bpca.org.uk
01332 294 288
@britpestcontrol
Source: PPC96