Pests news from BPCA

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

24 February 2026

Latest news

SURVEY: Home Office plans to change firearms licensing – tell us how it might impact you

While no new consultation has yet been launched, proposals to align shotgun licensing more closely with rifle controls could have serious implications for pest professionals who rely on shotguns for legitimate, professional use.

Read more

13 March 2025

Latest news

Hantavirus and the role of pest control in preventing its spread

Following news of a high profile Hantavirus death recently, we've put together some information on the virus and how good pest management can help stop it spreading.

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

06 March 2026

Latest news

BPCA Chief Executive recognised in Women in Trade Associations Powerlist 2026

BPCA Chief Executive Rosina Robson has been named in the Women in Trade Associations Powerlist 2026

Read more

05 March 2026

Latest news

BPCA submits response to EU biocides review

BPCA has submitted a response to the European Commission’s consultation on the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) Refit, setting out what needs to change to keep public health pest control effective, affordable and innovation-friendly.

Read more

05 March 2026

Latest news

Avoiding illicit Advion pitfalls

Pest controllers are being warned to be careful to only source their Advion Cockroach and Advion Ant gel products from the authorised distribution network, or potentially fall foul of counterfeit product that could adversely affect results and ris...

Read more