Want to be a pest controller? Fundamentals of working in pest management

During the day you’ll observe pests in their natural environments, and see best practice techniques for effective control.

The course takes place at the famous pest management training site, Church Farm. You’ll come face-to-face with many pest species including black and brown rats, mice, cockroaches, mosquitoes and spiders so you can examine their behaviour in a controlled environment.

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Overview

On the course, you’ll learn:

• Why pest control is important
• The different areas where pest controllers work and their impacts
• Regulation and legislation
• Development opportunities in the sector
• Rodent biology, behaviours and treatment options
• Common pest insects, their biology, behaviours and treatment options
• Health, safety and the environment
• Risk assessments.

Level: Foundation
Prerequisites: None
Delivery: Classroom only
Duration: 1 day
Additional Study: None
Assessment: None
BPCA Registered CPD Points: 10
BASIS Prompt points: TBC

While there isn't a pre-course entry requirement for this programme, you may find it useful to study the Foundation Certificate in Pest Management. This BPCA course is open to all.

Minimum age statement

Young persons under the age of 18 years are often exposed to risks to their health and safety when using work equipment as a consequence of their immaturity, lack of experience of absence awareness of existing or potential risks. Therefore, such young people should not be allowed to operate equipment without supervision unless they have the necessary competence and maturity, as well as having successfully completed appropriate training (The Health and Safety (Young Persons) regulation 1997).

After completing the Practical Insect Control programme, you may wish to study:

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Technical Programmes

Technical Programmes

• On the Farm: Practical Pest Management of Rodents and Insects
• Level 2 in Pest Management - General Pest Control
• Insect Identification 

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Plus+ Programmes

Plus+ Programmes

• Starting and Managing Your Own Business
• Sales Skills
• Level 2 Emergency First Aid at Work

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Delivery

Practical classroom programme

This is a one day, classroom-based course. 9 am to 4.30 pm.

The course will use a mix of classroom and interactive practical sessions and will include modules on:

Why do we need pest control?

This interactive classroom session will consider when an animal becomes a pest and why pest control is important from a public health perspective.

The role of a pest controller/pest technician

Pest professionals work in many different environments which will affect the types of pests they are likely to come across. This session will look at the role of pest controllers within domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural settings and discuss the considerations and constraints presented by each.

What you need to know about pest control

There are several pieces of legislation that apply to the control of pests and pest prevention as well as specific health, safety and hygiene rules to follow. This classroom session will give delegates an overview of the relevant legislation and regulations, and highlight where responsibility for adherence lies.

The career path for a pest professional

Those working within pest control typically advance as they gain experience. This session looks at the opportunities offered within the sector for career advancement, either in the broad pest management spectrum or through gaining specialist knowledge in specific fields.

Rodents in their natural environment

Church Farm has an extensive rodent population of both Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus. The course includes a tour of the rodent pens, which will give you the opportunity to see both in their natural environment. You’ll get the opportunity to observe and discuss the differences in their behaviours. Observing rodents in large numbers will provide you with an understanding and knowledge of the rodent hierarchy. The venue also houses a large resident mouse population, where you will be able to observe the mice in their natural habitat and have the opportunity to discuss their behaviour.

Site surveys

The site survey is one of the most important parts of any pest management programme. Getting it right first time will not only save you time and money but also give enhanced customer satisfaction. The course includes two different site survey sessions which will provide you the opportunity to learn where to look and what to look for when conducting a survey.  The sessions will also give you the opportunity to discuss control techniques including chemical preparations as well as non-chemical controls, eg proofing, good hygiene processes and monitoring techniques. 

Sprayer use and maintenance

A sprayer is one of the most important pieces of equipment that any technician will have. Keeping your sprayer well maintained and serviced will not only keep you safe but can also save you money. This session will take you through all of the maintenance checks you should be carrying out on your sprayers but also train you on the correct nozzles and pressures that should be used on different types of surface.

Common pest insects

Church Farm has many resident insects including cockroaches, mosquitoes and spiders. This part of the day will begin with a classroom session focussing on the basic biology of cockroaches and bed bugs. Following this you will be taken on a tour of the site’s insect population, so that you can see these insects in their natural environment and be able to identify all of the life stages.

Risk assessments

In the pest management industry, working in confined spaces and at height poses the biggest risk for technicians. This session will cover working within an attic environment which will involve both confined spaces and working at height. You will learn how to conduct both written and dynamic risk assessments, giving you the knowledge and skills to develop safe operating procedures.

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Assessment

There is no assessment for this course.
Upon completion of this course, you will receive a BPCA certificate of completion.

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Fees

The course fee includes morning and afternoon refreshments, lunch and a resource pack which includes manufacturers’ samples.

Please note: accommodation is not included in this course.

Suggested accommodation sites:

The Wheatsheaf Hotel,
A30, Basingstoke RG25 2BB
Tel: 01256 398282
Travellodge Basingstoke
Winchester Rd, Basingstoke RG22 6HN

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.

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