PestAware the pest control blog from BPCA

PestAware is a blog for anyone with public health pest control problems or concerns. PestAware is packed with professional advice from leading experts in the pest control industry and is designed to help you tackle your domestic or commercial pest problems.

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26 August 2026

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Watch out for tipsy wasps this sting season

Worker wasps are leaving their nests and feasting on fermented fruit that can cause them to cause them to become inebriated and more likely to sting, say experts at British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

28 February 2022

Check for bed bugs before season starts, says BPCA

Hospitality businesses are being urged to get the 2022 season off to the best start, by making sure their accommodations are free of bed bugs.

23 February 2022

Pest professionals can help contain viruses, says BPCA

More research is needed into the role of pest management in protecting the public health, a national trade body has said.

07 December 2021

Act fast on Red Spider Mites, urges trade body

British Pest Control Association is urging householders to seek professional help quickly if red spider mites invade their home.

15 November 2021

Smallholders: Ten tips on maintaining your yard to help prevent pests

British Pest Control Association is advising rural businesses to put in place a few simple measures before colder weather drives rats and mice to seek shelter indoors.

01 November 2021

Tropical species is a serious public health pest

Managers of large centrally heated buildings are being urged to understand the risks posed by a small tropical species.

28 October 2021

False Black Widow sightings on the rise

A seasonal spike in sightings of False Black Widow spiders is likely to be caused by males in search of a mate, a national trade body has said.

02 September 2021

Six signs fleas have moved into your home

Pest experts at a national trade body are urging householders to watch out for the six signs of fleas.

04 August 2021

Choose professionals to protect wild birds, says trade body

BPCA is urging the owners of homes, businesses and public buildings to ensure they choose a trained and qualified professional to offer advice and install bird-proofing measures.

29 June 2021

Trade body’s wasp advice for window cleaners

Wasps can be a common hazard for window cleaners, particularly during the late summer months when a wasp colony is at its peak.

01 April 2021

Almost half of feral pigeons carry infectious disease, BPCA warns

Up to 49 per cent of feral pigeons could carry an infectious disease that can be passed to humans, BPCA has warned.

01 March 2021

Brown marmorated stink bug spotted in UK for first time

An invasive stink bug has been found in England, prompting calls for pest controllers to keep an eye out and report any sightings.

25 February 2021

PestWatch: Rodents and glue boards

With all eyes on control measures for glue boards, BPCA Technical Officer Natalie Bungay gives PPC102 a glue board refresher.

19 January 2021

The impact of lockdown on pest control

Pest patterns have changed considerably under the lockdowns, so how can the cleaning sector ensure workplaces are protected from infestations?

30 November 2020

BPCA calls for rodent control as part of Avian flu measures

Poultry farmers and other bird keepers are urged to step up rat and mouse management as part of measures to halt the spread of Avian flu.

09 November 2020

BPCA warns of second spike in rodent activity

Householders and businesses should be on the look-out for signs of an infestation as rats and mice head indoors for winter.

04 November 2020

Check for clusters of cockroaches as heating goes on this autumn

Heating ducts and pipes can be prime spots for cockroaches as the heating goes on in the autumn, a national trade body has warned.

14 October 2020

Pest Advice for controlling Cockroaches

Got some uninvited dinner guests? Is the back of your fridge home to a colony of creepy crawlies? If you find your building crawling with cockroaches, you’re in the right place.

30 September 2020

Take steps now to stop squirrels entering your home

BPCA is urging people to take preventative pest management measures to stop squirrels getting into your roof space this winter.

23 September 2020

Pest advice for controlling Grey Squirrels

Have you heard something rustling in your attic or loft and suspect squirrels?

26 June 2020

Identify the differences between wasps, hornets, bees and more

Not everything that buzzes is a pest! Everything that buzzes around your garden is potentially a pollinator. These fascinating insects are incredibly useful; not just in the garden, but also in agriculture, with many crops dependent on pollination.

03 June 2020

Becoming pest ready: guidance for businesses reopening after Covid-19 lockdown

BPCA has created a guidance document to help businesses mitigate the risk of pest problems, as easing of lockdown measures sees business reopening in the UK.

15 May 2020

Pest breeding cycles: counting the pests thriving in your business during lockdown

In this article we talk about how pests are notorious for their ability to reproduce at vast rates, showing why even closed businesses need pest control.

20 April 2020

Surge in pest activity in Covid-19 shutdown

BPCA is keeping a watching brief on pest issues after a survey revealed a significant spike in rat and mice activity in the Covid-19 pandemic.

31 March 2020

Keeping pests at bay in Covid-19 pandemic

BPCA is urging householders to be vigilant to pest infestation during the Covid-19 crisis.

25 March 2020

Pest control critical to sustain public health during Covid-19 crisis

Press release: Urgent action required to ensure pest control management can continue to be administered in the Covid-19 pandemic

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02 January 2024

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Professional rodenticide users have two years to prepare for changes

PRESS RELEASE: All user groups of SGARs covered by the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime have two years to prepare for a significant change in access to such products.

06 June 2022

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Daera reopen Northern Ireland Wild Bird Licence Consultation

Daera/Northern Ireland Environment Agency is currently considering the wild bird general licences for 2022/2023 and beyond.

13 June 2019

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Defra release three new general licences for bird control

Three new general licences for the killing or taking of wild birds in England will be issued at 00:01 on Friday 14 June, says Defra.

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26 August 2026

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Watch out for tipsy wasps this sting season

29 July 2026

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Ant ID is key if they are found indoors say BPCA experts

Identifying ants found indoors is vital to ensure an effective solution to the problem, say experts at British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

23 June 2026

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First sighting of Yellow-legged hornets in East Midlands

Sightings of Yellow-legged (Asian) hornets in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have prompted a call for householders in the East Midlands to keep an eye out for ‘things that go buzz’ this summer.