IN MEMORIAM
It is with deep sadness that the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) announces the passing of Oliver Madge, who for many years was a leading force in our industry and a key figure in advancing pest control standards across the UK.
Oliver’s contributions to BPCA, and indeed the broader pest management profession, were profound.
He served as Chief Executive Officer of BPCA from April 2006 to November 2009, a period during which he championed professionalism, rigorous standards, and stronger engagement with government and regulatory bodies.
Lorraine Norton, Operations Manager at BPCA, said: “Oliver and I worked together for two years at BPCA. He was never content merely to maintain the status quo. He was passionate about CPD and believed deeply in the need for ongoing training, for raising technical competence, and for embedding the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) into everyday practice.
“It was difficult to keep up with the pace of change he wanted, but I think we’ve moved significantly towards the vision he saw for the industry, and he was definitely an early advocate for that”.
Oliver often spoke publicly about the evolving challenges facing pest control, from legislative change to shifting public expectations, and he worked to position BPCA and its members to respond.
Showing the lighter side of pest control, Oliver once brought his expertise to a national audience when he appeared on E4’s Big Brother’s Little Brother during season nine, helping the housemates deal with an unexpected wasp problem.
The clip, still available on YouTube, captures his trademark enthusiasm and ability to make professional pest management both accessible and engaging.
In 2007, speaking to international media, he warned that rodents were becoming resistant to standard treatments and urged a more strategic, science-based approach.
Even after stepping down as CEO, Oliver remained active in the sector through consultancy, instruction, and technical contribution. His continued involvement was a testament to how much he cared about the industry’s future.
BPCA’s Chair of the Outreach and Communication Committee, Alex Wade, said:
“Regardless of how you may have known him, to me, Oli was more than a colleague or business partner; he was first and foremost a good friend. He was always there with a smile to talk shop or just chat, to put the world to rights, or just to listen.
"He will be missed… I will miss him."
Long-time friend and fellow pest professional, Robert Moon from Applicateur3D, said:
“I’ve known Oli for over 35 years as a friend. I saw him off at Heathrow to become a diving instructor off Australia’s Gold Coast for a couple of years. Upon his return, he worked for me briefly as a private investigator.
“Years later, I had learned that he became a ‘name’ in the pest control industry. Having moved to France, he mentored me to become the first British person with a French qualification in pest control. A great friend, a great trainer”.
To his family, friends, and all those in the pest management world who worked with him, we extend our deepest condolences.
A thanksgiving service to celebrate Oliver's life will take place, Friday 7 November at 2pm, at St Peter's Church in Goodworth Clatford, Hants.
If you wish to attend, please email Rob Moon at [email protected] so he can pass numbers to Oliver's family. The funeral will be a private ceremony the day before, for close family only. Thanks.
Source: Online