Pest controllers reminded to check rodenticide labels thoroughly, as the sale of bromadiolone and difenacoum products for ‘open areas’ ends in July. Legal authorisation is being withdrawn for open area and waste dump use for the only two second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) currently allowed to be used that way, bromadiolone and difenacoum. This will take effect 4th July this year. The change was instigated voluntarily by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use UK, with support to make the necessary amendments from UK biocides regulator, the Health and Safety Executive ..read more

Results of new independent trials have shown Advion Cockroach Gel was the fastest way to stop pest activity in domestic homes and food businesses. The practical research in premises infested with German cockroaches compared various commercially available gel formulations - with only Advion proving to stop all pest activity. Reporting the results at PestEx 2024 in London, Syngenta Business Manager, Richard Moseley, said: “This research has confirmed the challenge German cockroach can prove to achieve high levels of control in practical situations. “Palatability of products is clearly crucial ..read more

ITV’s Tonight, Britain’s most popular current affairs programme, has zeroed in on pest control in the UK – and BPCA was on hand to set out the importance of professionalism in the industry. BPCA’s Technical Manager, Natalie Bungay, travelled to Chichester earlier this month, where she took part in a series of interviews with ITV News Reporter Geraint Vincent. Natalie said: “BPCA is the collective voice of pest professionals across the UK, so it’s great that we were asked to take part in the programme and represent the industry. “I was really pleased that the ITV team worked with us to underst ..read more

Dr Alan Buckle, Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Reading and Chair of the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticde Use (CRRU UK) reflects with PCN on over 50 years in pest management. Alan retires from his CRRU role at the end of April 2024, with a stellar career that has shaped the pest management industry for just over half a century. Many of our readers will be familiar with Alan as the Chair and driving force of the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU UK), the industry stewardship regime that has preserved the use of anticoagulant rodenticides when they were under thr ..read more

The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use UK’s new chairperson is Nigel Cheeseright. Following a two-month handover from Dr Alan Buckle, who is retiring after two decades in the role, he begins a three-year term on 1 May. From 2010 to 2021 with Rentokil Initial as head of technical services then director of product development, Mr Cheeseright was also the company’s representative as a CRRU director. In addition to “exemplary leadership and personal qualities”, the CRRU selection panel’s decision was based on “nearly four decades of operational and general management success in technical co ..read more

Changes for farmers, gamekeepers and pest control businesses in new rodenticide stewardship report In readiness for all anticoagulant rodenticide purchases being restricted July onwards to their use inside and around buildings only, the latest UK Rodenticide Stewardship annual report includes for the first time an explanation specific to rodent pest control of what constitutes a ‘building’. Summarised from guidance in the report, this means a permanent enclosed structure with foundations, constructed from wood, brick, concrete or metal that provides protection from the elements and minimise ..read more

Pest Control Officer Salary: £36,996 – £38,769 Location: Car Pound, 585-593 Commercial Road, London Job Type: Full time, Permanent Closing Date:  3rd March 2024 Responsibilities To provide, develop and maintain a responsive and effective Pest Control Service to meet the changing needs of Tower Hamlets’ multi-cultural community, which reflect the Council’s Core Values. Requirements The person appointed will be enthusiastic, dedicated and highly motivated. You will also hold an RSPH Level 2 certificate in pest control or equivalent and have broad experience in Pest Control work, including ..read more

By Dr Alan Buckle, Dr Colin Prescott, Colin Shawyer The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) UK has monitored barn owl breeding in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Partnership (WCP) every year since 2011. Over the study’s 12 years, the percentage of successful nests ranged between 23.2% in 2013 and 64.5% in 2014, with the annual average 46.3%. An average 2.9 chicks flew from every successful nest. WCP scientists monitored at least 130 nests annually in five regions of England to track nest occupancy, the numbers of eggs laid and barn owl chicks leaving these nests. The ..read more

A reminder to consult 2024 general licences for bird management This is a reminder, for those involved in professional bird management, to ensure you have the latest copies of general licences before undertaking any lethal control of listed bird species. In fact, it’s not just about having the latest copies, it’s about following the licence requirements fully. England In England, the relevant general licences are available here https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/general-licences-for-wildlife-management The general licences regarding bird management have been reissued for 2024, co ..read more

A reminder to consult 2024 general licences for bird management This is a reminder, for those involved in professional bird management, to ensure you have the latest copies of general licences before undertaking any lethal control of listed bird species. In fact, it’s not just about having the latest copies, it’s about following the licence requirements fully. England In England, the relevant general licences are available here https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/general-licences-for-wildlife-management The general licences regarding bird management have been reissue ..read more