GUIDANCE

Wildlife cameras have become an invaluable part of modern pest management. They help identify the cause of infestations, confirm pest presence, and assess proofing success, all without being physically onsite.

But when cameras are placed inside homes or commercial buildings, pest professionals step into an area covered by strict privacy and data protection laws. Misusing a camera, even unintentionally, could put your company at risk of breaching the UK’s data protection legislation.

This guidance explains how to use wildlife cameras legally, ethically, and professionally. It’s designed for BPCA members and technicians who install or manage these devices on customer premises.

Speed read

• Wildlife cameras are powerful tools for pest professionals, but their use inside customer properties comes with ethical and legal responsibilities
• Capturing footage often means processing personal data – making you subject to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018
• Always obtain customer consent, minimise what’s recorded, and secure all footage properly
• Good documentation, such as Data Protection Impact Assessments and Privacy Notices, is essential
• The key: be transparent, proportionate, and professional every time you install a camera.

The legal landscape

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, footage or audio that could identify a person counts as personal data.

That means you’re legally responsible for how that footage is captured, stored and used. If your company decides how and why cameras are used, you’re acting as a data controller and must register with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

You’re processing personal data if:

• People are visible or identifiable in your footage, even briefly
• Audio is recorded
• Footage reveals something about an identifiable individual (for example, the layout of their home).

Data controllers must follow the seven data protection principles:

Example scenario:

You install a camera in a loft to track rodent activity. The footage shows the customer entering to retrieve storage boxes. Even though this wasn’t your intention, it counts as personal data – so your documentation must reflect that risk.

Get your paperwork in order

Before deploying cameras, prepare documentation showing how you safeguard privacy. Some of this may already exist for other business functions, such as booking jobs or writing reports, but it must also cover camera use.

Not all documentation is legally required. However, it is generally considered best practice to have in place a process to demonstrate clear compliance with the data protection principles.

A suggested set of documentation is provided in Annexe A at the bottom of this page.

Choosing the right camera for the job

Different camera types offer varying benefits, but also carry different privacy and security risks. Choose the right tool for the environment.

Other equipment, such as phone cameras or inspection scopes, should be treated with the same ethical considerations, even if not covered by this guidance.

Security considerations for Wi-Fi cameras

If you connect to a customer’s Wi-Fi, always obtain explicit consent. Older cameras can slow down their network or pose security risks.

Be aware that Wi-Fi devices may automatically reconnect to networks they’ve previously joined (including neighbouring or spoofed networks!). This could expose footage to interception.

BPCA recommends:

• Keep firmware updated
• Use unique, strong passwords
• Never share or reuse credentials
• Store footage only on secure, approved systems.

Good practice principles for pest professionals using cameras

1. Obtain informed customer consent

Explain what you’re doing and why. Show them the camera’s field of view and confirm they understand the purpose.

If cameras might affect more than one person (for example, in a shared building or neighbouring property), obtain permission from all relevant parties.

2. Prepare and check your equipment

Before deployment, remove all previous data. Clearly label or colour-mark your cameras so they’re visible and identifiable.

3. Keep clear installation records

Document everything: where the camera is, the time of installation and removal, and any deviations from standard placement. This should be stored alongside treatment reports or site records.

4. Respect privacy at all times

Never film more than is necessary. Avoid private spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms, and never use cameras covertly.

5. Minimise data capture

Position cameras carefully. Disable audio unless essential. Cover or switch off cameras when moving between non-target areas.

6. Keep data and devices secure

Treat footage like confidential client information. Store securely, control access, and report any data loss immediately.

7. Retain only what you need

Delete footage once the task is complete or after your retention period (typically 14–30 days). Confirm deletion in line with company procedures.

8. Stay trained and updated

Complete annual GDPR and data security refresher training. Review internal procedures regularly.

9. Review your approach

Regularly assess whether using cameras is still necessary and proportionate for the site.

Putting into practice: a domestic rodent investigation example

You’re called to a property where a customer hears scratching at night. You install a trail camera in the loft to confirm rodent activity.

Before installing:

• You explain what will be recorded and why
• You show the customer where the camera points
• You document consent in your treatment report.

After removal:

• You delete the footage once it confirms pest activity
• You log that the footage was reviewed and erased.

By doing this, you’ve met your obligations under UK GDPR and upheld professional standards.

Keeping compliant and professional

Using wildlife cameras can be transformative for pest management, helping technicians identify pest pathways, confirm infestations, and demonstrate the effectiveness of treatments.

But these benefits must never come at the cost of customer privacy or public trust. By following BPCA’s guidance (documenting your processes, communicating clearly, and handling data responsibly), you can use this technology with confidence and professionalism.

For further information, visit the Information Commissioner’s Office or contact BPCA Technical Support.

Annex A – Suggested data privacy documentation for wildlife camera use

This guidance was produced with the support of WildWise: Wildlife management group. WildWise is a special-interest group for anyone who either does wildlife management or is interested in it.

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