Feature articles

05 October 2016

BPCA on radio after fire service issues wasp nest warning

Fire services covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, issued a warning this week after a DIY treatment of a Wasps nest went horribly wrong.

The warning comes after photos emerged of a garage completely burnt to the ground after a member of the public tried to set fire to their wasp's nest in an attempt to rid themselves of infestation.Firefighters managed to control the blaze before the home attached to the garage was also significantly damaged. However, the owners are very lucky that the damage was contained to the garage.

Firefighters managed to control the blaze before the home attached to the garage was also significantly damaged. However, the owners are very lucky that the damage was contained to the garage.

The warning on the fire services website reads:

"Worried about a wasps' nest or other infestation in your home? Please don't try to tackle it with fire! Contact your local council for advice."

A professional pest controller should always tackle wasp nests.

In response to the warning, we were contacted by BBC's Three Counties Radio to talk more about the dangers of treating pest problems yourself, and the importance of hiring a professional.Speaking on the Radio, Membership Manager Kevin Higgins said,

Speaking on the Radio, Membership Manager Kevin Higgins said,

"Hire a professional who is trained, qualified and has experience in your particular pest problem."

"We benefit from a find a pest controller tool on our website where all people need to do is enter their postcode, and we can present you with a range of trained, qualified and experienced professionals who can meet your needs."

Kevin then went onto talk about some of the different wasp nests our membership had dealt with this year (reported through social media), including one in an old Austin Seven, one on the inside of another car's wheel arch and giant nest in Northampton which was estimated to be home to over 10,000 wasps.

You can listen to Kevin's interview on the Three Counties Radio with Roberto Perrone here (starting at 1:36:30).

Source: BPCA.org.uk

Highlights View all news

14 March 2025

Latest news

BPCA Annual Report 2024

A look back at what BPCA and our members have achieved together in 2024.

Read more

21 January 2025

Latest news

CEO recruitment for BPCA underway

BPCA is pleased to announce that the search for its new Chief Executive Officer has begun.

Read more

06 November 2024

Latest news

CRRU UK prepares rodenticide users for 2026 certification requirements

CRRU UK confirms that from 2026, sellers of professional-use rodenticides will only accept two forms of proof of competence at the point of sale.

Read more
Latest View all news

02 May 2025

Latest news

Full steam ahead for entry-Level 3 qualifications on BPCA Qualifications Framework

BPCA has committed to developing new Level 3 pest management qualifications as part of a new industry qualification framework.

Read more

30 April 2025

Latest news

VIDEO | Digital Forum 30 | Solitary Bees - identification, biology and behaviours for pest professionals

In this video, Paul Westgate from Veritas Pest Consultancy talks about bees and their identification, biology, and behaviour.

Read more

30 April 2025

Latest news

VIDEO | Digital Forum 30 | Biology and behaviour of ants on the trail

In this video we're joined by John Stewart from BPCA member company Pelsis, where he presents his guide to controlling ants.

Read more