PRESS RELEASE

London-based BPCA member ThermoPest has launched a free 40-minute online course for housing officers, caretakers, support workers, care staff and hotel housekeeping teams.

The course is designed to help frontline staff recognise signs of bed bugs and report suspected infestations.

The launch comes ahead of phase two of Awaab’s Law, which extends requirements for social landlords in England to further significant hazards, including domestic hygiene, from 30 November 2026. Emergency hazards are already covered by the law. 

ThermoPest said:

“For pest professionals, the changes are likely to mean more requests from housing providers for prompt inspections, written reports with photographs and clear records of treatment and proofing.

“Late or unclear reports from site remain one of the main reasons bed bug infestations spread between flats and rooms before a technician is called.”

The course takes about 40 minutes and covers seven short modules.

Topics include recognising bed bugs, bites and resident welfare, how bed bugs spread in shared buildings, spotting signs during routine visits and responding to reports. The course also covers treatment and follow-up, alongside legal responsibilities.

ThermoPest said: “The course is designed to help with that first step.”

The training is for awareness only and does not replace professional pest management or legal advice.

Access the free course at pest.co.uk/training.

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