PPC121 | ASK THE TECHNICAL TEAM

In this issue of Ask the technical team, we talk about winter checklists, glue trap encounters, and spring trap choices.

What should be on my winter checklist?

As the days get shorter and the weather turns, it’s worth giving your winter preparations a once-over to keep both your sites and yourself in good shape.

Bait stations
Check the condition, tethering and labels. Replace worn parts and test firing mechanisms. Cold can make plastic brittle, so ensure everything is safe and functional. 

Proofing and maintenance
Revisit previous recommendations and offer to complete the work for clients. It helps reduce repeat or follow-ups later in winter. 

Cleaning and inspection
Remove debris and inspect external kit for weather damage. It keeps sites compliant, tidy and ready for winter conditions.

Tyres and lights
Ensure good tread depth, working lights and top up fluids. Essential for safe driving in dark, wet conditions. 

Winter checks
Book a professional winter safety check if possible. Prevents breakdowns and keeps your van roadworthy in cold weather.

Emergency supplies
Keep a breakdown kit in your car, plus a sleeping bag, food and water. Check out the RAC or AA website for advice on what you'll need. This is vital if you get stranded due to bad weather.

A few checks now can make the cold months safer, smoother, and more successful for everyone.

What should I do if I encounter the illegal use of a glue trap? 

If you ever walk into a site and spot a glue board that’s been placed without a licence, it’s never a nice moment. You’re likely to be dealing with a desperate client who thinks they’re helping, but in reality, they’re breaking the law. 

For England and Wales, Defra’s advice is clear. If you’re sure the glue trap hasn’t been set in line with licensing requirements, you should safely remove and dispose of it. If you’re not sure and you’re not in a position to remove it without trespassing, then the next step is to report the matter to the police as soon as possible.

Education is key here. Clients may not realise the law has changed, especially since the sale of glue traps is still legal and they can be found in many DIY stores and online. As professionals, it’s on us to calmly explain the risks and help them find legal alternatives. In practice, many pest professionals will strike a deal with the client to remove the unlicensed glue trap safely. But if you need to, walk away and seek advice from your manager, BPCA or the police.

We all know how tricky these situations can be. You may not want to get someone in trouble who didn't understand the law, or you may not want to risk a longstanding relationship with a client. 

That’s why empathy matters. Recognise the client’s stress, then guide them toward the right and legal solution.

How do you choose the right spring trap?

When it comes to spring traps, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Choosing the right one depends mainly on what you’re targeting and where you’re setting it. Get those two things wrong, and even the best trap won’t do its job effectively.

Start by checking which species you’re dealing with.The Spring Traps Approval Order determines which traps are legal for different mammals, and the rules can vary across devolved nations. Always make sure your chosen trap complies with the law where you are working.

The environment plays just as important a role. For example, in internal lofts, you often have more flexibility. You can build tunnels to suit the space, and there’s typically a lower risk of non-target captures.

Externally, it’s a different story. Use purpose-built tunnels and baffles to keep non-target species safe and ensure your work remains compliant. After all, we’re stewards of the environments we operate in.

How easy is the trap to set? Can you confidently and safely set it in a tight loft space, on a crawl board, or in poor lighting? If another technician will be completing the follow-up, are they equally confident in checking and resetting it?

Think about logistics too. If you’re trapping squirrels, you may need to deploy traps in batches to improve your success rate. Choose traps that are practical to carry and set in large numbers, even if it means a bigger upfront cost. The investment will pay off in fewer callbacks and happier customers.

Check our infographic for more info.

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