Sector

14 June 2018

New Code of Best Practice: The Use of Air Guns in Pest Control

The new Code of Best Practice for The Use of Air Guns in Pest Control is now available to download.  

BPCA Codes of Best Practice (COBP) are written rules which explain how people working in the pest management industry should behave in a particular situation.

This code aims to make operators within the pest industry aware of their responsibilities when using air guns.

New BPCA Code of Best Practice Air Guns Released

Compliance with BPCA Codes of Best Practice is mandatory for all BPCA members.

All BPCA servicing members that use air guns for the management of pest species should familiarise themselves with the document and communicate its contents with their team.

Read the code now

The code includes a safe and legal process for using an air rifle for the management of pests.

“This has been a difficult code to produce, requiring lots of input from many BPCA members and government departments. The legal basis for using an air gun varies in England and Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, so the code we’ve produced had to reflect that. Air guns are a valuable, humane tool in the hands of properly trained pest management professionals. By following this code, you’ll keep your practice safe, legal and professional.

Dee Ward-Thompson, BPCA Technical Manager

The Code of Best Practice is freely available to everyone through the BPCA website, meaning it’s available in full to non-members and the general public.

If you know of an issue or situation that you feel needs a Code or guidance document producing, please contact us, and the Servicing Committee will then discuss it.

View the Code of Best Practice now

Suggest a Code of Best Practice

Source: Online

Highlights View all news

01 September 2025

Latest news

Policy Watch: New rules on wages, contracts and vehicles explained

Rosina Robson, Chief Executive of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), outlines key policy changes on the horizon that could affect pest management companies and technicians.

Read more

27 August 2025

Latest news

BPCA challenges failings in glue trap legislation 

BPCA has stepped up its campaign to fix the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 after new undercover footage showed retailers still selling and advising on the illegal use of glue traps. 

Read more

18 August 2025

Latest news

HSE launches consultation on anticoagulant rodenticides

The HSE is holding a public consultation on renewing anticoagulant rodenticides under the GB Biocidal Products Regulation

Read more
Latest View all news

24 October 2025

Latest news

Inside PelGar’s Telford Laboratory

PRESS RELEASE: At the heart of PelGar International’s technical operations lies the Telford Laboratory, a hub of scientific excellence where chemistry meets biology.

Read more

23 October 2025

Latest news

Trade bodies join forces ahead of Maintenance Week

National trade bodies British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and Property Care Association (PCA) have joined forces to shine a spotlight on the entry points shared by water and pests as part of Maintenance Week.

Read more

23 October 2025

Latest news

Halloween horrors – how to prevent pests this spooky season

From rotting pumpkins to unattended sweet treats, Halloween celebrations can inadvertently become a party for pests, warn experts at British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

Read more