PESTS IN THE PRESS | PPC112 September 2023
With sightings of Asian hornets in early spring, followed by a media spotlight on ‘Dracula’ horseflies and the launch of Direct Line’s ‘rat map’, it’s been a bumper time for BPCA in print, online, over the airwaves and on TV.
Activity in Q2
Squirrels and seagulls stepped into the spotlight as spring got underway.
As schools across the UK broke up for Easter, regional and national press featured BPCA’s press release highlighting the start of gull breeding season and encouraging people to be aware that gulls might be defensive around breeding sites.
The Scottish press picked up on a case of a woman ‘terrorised’ by squirrels in her kitchen, with BPCA’s Natalie Bungay interviewed by BBC Scotland.
As April ended, three sightings of Asian hornets were reported, and BPCA quickly issued advice to gardeners on how to report a sighting via the Asian Hornet Watch app.
The advice also set out the differences between Asian hornets and Asian giant hornets, in a bid to prevent any conflation between the two in the press.
Working with Direct Line Insurance, BPCA featured in a project led by the insurers examining and mapping UK rat call-outs. This work was effective in promoting BPCA as the voice of authority and first choice for comment, resulting in headlines such as: ‘The rat map of Britain: rodent infestations reach 618 a DAY appearing across the country’.
Again, Natalie Bungay was in demand for television and radio interviews towards the end of May and into June.
On 6 June, BPCA focused on careers in pest control for World Pest Day, with videos shared on social media and press releases showcasing opportunities in the industry.
During PestEx in March, BPCA caught up with a number of members and discussed career progression on camera ready for this #WPD2023 event. Thanks go to Anna Mollins (PestFix), Charles Murahwa (Intercleanse Pest Control), Gemma Sutherland (Pest Solutions) and Ian Adamson (Precision Consulting) for taking part!
Unexpectedly in mid-June, an article from an old PPC issue suddenly re-surfaced and sparked another media storm around ‘Dracula horseflies that can tear flesh’, this time propelling John Horsley into the spotlight.
Further BPCA-led press activity in May and June included Invasive Species Awareness week, wasp awareness and further broadcast activity, including interviews or providing information to BBC’s The One Show, ITV, LBC Radio, Channel 5 and the Stephen Dixon and Anne Diamond Breakfast Show for GB News.
As always BPCA has also been working with trade or sector-specific titles in a bid to reach markets and sectors that align with, or could benefit from, pest control.
In Q2, these titles included Conservation and Heritage Journal, Facilities Management Journal, Landlord Focus and Government Business Magazine.
Read all about it!
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