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

26 August 2026

Latest news

SOFHT announced as first strategic partner for PestAware Summit 2027

British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has announced the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology (SOFHT) as the first strategic partner for PestAware Summit 2027.

Read more

30 July 2026

Latest news

BPCA seeks industry experience on working dogs

As greater public attention has fallen on hunting and the use of dogs, BPCA is asking pest professionals to share their experiences with using working dogs.

Read more

30 June 2026

Latest news

GET INVOLVED: Innovative block treatment - could you be part of the treatment phase?

Veritas Pest Consultancy are conducting a new and innovative project that is tackling a long-seated cockroach and bed bug infestation in a 22-story block of flats in Wolverhampton.

Read more
Latest View all news

14 October 2026

Latest news

Taking pest management to Labour conference

Rosina Robson reflects on a day at Labour’s conference, the conversations taking place around government and what they mean for BPCA members.

Read more

13 October 2026

Latest news

VIDEO: What role will pest professionals play in yellow-legged (Asian) hornet control?

From recognising a suspect hornet to understanding why an unreported nest treatment can cause problems, this BPCA debate explores where pest professionals fit into the response.

Read more

09 October 2026

Latest news

Early action on pests can help ease distress, says BPCA

Ahead of World Mental Health Day, BPCA are urging householders to take swift action and help avoid the mental health impacts of living with an infestation.

Read more