MEMBER NEWS

Ashford MP Sojan Joseph has heard first-hand how professional pest management could play a greater role in tackling invasive species, including Yellow-Legged (Asian) hornets, during a visit to BPCA member Bounty Pest Control.

British Pest Control Association (BPCA) joined the visit to the family-run business at Ellingham Industrial Estate, Ashford, to discuss the contribution professional pest management makes to public health, local communities and the economy.

Mr Joseph met Bounty Pest Control Partners Elaine and Martin Rose-King, the Bounty team and BPCA Chief Executive Rosina Robson.

He met the full Bounty team, with Martin organising a practical ‘show and tell’ outside to bring their work to life.

Sojan Joseph MP, said: 

“I was pleased to meet Martin, Elaine and the team at Bounty Pest Control and hear about the work they have been doing to track Yellow-legged Hornets alongside protecting our local community, and I truly appreciate them taking the time to meet with me.

“It was interesting to hear about the work of this local business and learn more about the many products and techniques used in professional pest management.

“Small and medium-sized businesses, like Bounty Pest Control, are the lifeblood of our economy. They provide good jobs and growth in our communities, and I greatly appreciate their long-standing commitment to Ashford, and I wish them all the best ahead of their 30th anniversary celebrations next year.”
 

The team demonstrated some of the equipment they use day to day, including an Asian hornet protective suit and extendable pole, super-heated steam equipment for bed bug treatments and a fogger used for fly control on waste sites.

They also discussed Bounty’s wasp relocation work and its research collaboration with University College London’s Centre for Biodiversity and Environment, which grew out of conversations following a PestEx seminar.

Invasive species and public health

As a member of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee, Mr Joseph was particularly interested in Bounty’s work around environmental responsibility and integrated pest management.

Discussions also covered the growing challenge of invasive species, including Yellow-Legged (Asian) hornets, and the potential for professional pest controllers to support surveillance and response work.

Rosina Robson, BPCA Chief Executive, said:

Bounty Pest Control, like all BPCA member companies, provides essential services to its local community and helps protect public health in Ashford and across the region. We’re grateful for the interest Sojan Joseph has shown in our sector. There are plenty of opportunities for MPs and BPCA to work together to improve how professional pest management is understood and regulated.

Rosina Robson, BPCA Chief Executive

Putting a value on pest management

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss BPCA’s No Small Matter report, which found professional pest management contributes around £1 billion in value to the UK economy and saves households and businesses an estimated £1.9 billion each year.

Pest management firms attended an estimated 4.4 million client jobs during 2025, equivalent to more than 12,000 every day across homes, hospitals, schools, warehouses, farms and businesses.

BPCA also highlighted its priorities for government engagement, including housing standards and Awaab’s Law, chemical regulation, TrustMark and ensuring professional pest management tools remain available to trained and competent professionals.

Martin Rose-King, Partner at Bounty Pest Control, said:

We were very pleased to welcome Sojan Joseph MP and BPCA to meet our team, explain the work we do and talk about the importance of having the right tools, technical knowledge and experience to keep homes and businesses pest-free.

Martin Rose-King, Bounty Pest Control

Mr Joseph has offered to continue engaging with the sector, including exploring opportunities for Bounty to share its work with parliamentary colleagues.

Get your MP involved

Local MP visits are a useful way to show decision-makers what professional pest management actually looks like and explain the challenges affecting your business and customers.

BPCA members who would like support engaging with their MP can contact the BPCA team. We can help you make an introduction, prepare for a visit and identify the issues worth raising.

[email protected]

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