Principles of Pest Identification

Upon completion of the one-day course, candidates will understand:

• Why accurate identification is important
• Basic pest anatomy and biology
• Identification techniques: What you will face in reality and the importance of context
• How to use identification keys
• Creating a reference collection for future use.

Modules include:

• How to see what you need: use of a hand lens and torch and turn your phone into a microscope
• Rodent and insect pests we find or are found for us
• Rodents: Know their behaviour, know what to look for (droppings, tracks, damage, fur) and where 
• Insects: Basic insect structure and biology, what makes it look like that
• What you would normally face when a client presents you with a ‘sample’: the realities of identification!
• The importance of context
• The use of identification guides and binomial key
• Differential identifications (eg T confusum vs T castaneum, or O. surinamensis v O. mercator) but does it matter?
• How to generate and keep a reference collection.

While there isn't a pre-course entry requirement for this programme, you probably get the most out of this course if you already have your Level 2 Award in Pest Management. This BPCA course is open to all.

This is a one-day course. 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

The course will use a mix of presentations and interactive sessions.

There will be regular breaks, including one for lunch. 

Virtual classroom programmes have limited places, so you can ask questions and get involved in the training from the comfort of your home or work. The BPCA virtual classroom is accessible via Zoom.

To take part, you need:

• A computer, laptop or tablet
• An internet connection.

Smartphones will all so work, however the session is not optimised for very small screens.

The online classroom option is a training course, not a webinar. Your tutor will be able to see you, and you can ask questions face-to-face throughout the session. Your tutor will ask you questions to check your understanding, so you must have your camera and microphone on during the teaching.

There is no assessment for this course.

Upon completing this course, you will receive a BPCA Certificate of Completion in the Principles of Pest Identification.

If you are on BPCA Registered, you will earn 7 CPD points for completing the course.

If you are on Basis Prompt, you will receive TBC CPD points for completing the course.

The course fee includes access to the course and all handouts. 

Cancellation Terms:

Course cancellations will only be accepted on receipt of written instruction and are effective from the date received by the BPCA.

• More than 15 working days prior to course: No charge
• 15 working days or less: 100% of fee.

Ian Adamson BSc (Hons) MRBS is the General Manager of Precision Consulting which is an independent consultancy aiming to support pest management professionals and their customers to ensure the best possible IPM solutions. Ian started working in the pest management industry in 1998 and became a consultant in 2010.

Ian has extensive experience in urban pest management within the UK and abroad, having worked with many of the largest food manufacturers in the world. As a certified professional trainer, he is delighted to be able to share his experience with his industry colleagues.