Malcolm Hadler, World-Renowned UK Entomologist, Dies

Malcolm Hadler

The pest control industry in the UK and around the world lost one of their leading lights this month on May 10, with the death of Malcolm Hadler, widely respected throughout the industry for the development of three of its best-known rodenticides, his role with a world-leading pesticide manufacturer and numerous elements of best pest control practice.

Hadler trained as an entomologist, working both for Shell Research and ICI before joining Sorex as laboratory manager in 1966. He remained with the company for 30 years, ultimately serving as its managing director until 1997.

Under Hadler's leadership as technical director in the 1970s, Sorex invented both difenacoum and brodifacoum and also developed calciferol mouse bait. He was heavily involved in designing and building the company’s state-of-the-art rodenticide plant in Widnes which remains a leader in its field today. And he played a major part in earning Sorex the Queen’s Award for Technological Achievement in 1975.

Hadler was very active both within the BPCA and the UK pest management industry at large. He was particularly committed to improving professional pest control practice, involving himself in training programs and pioneering the development of rodenticide product stewardship, exemplified by the introduction of Bitrex into rat and mouse baits.

Hadler is survived his wife and two children, as well as the many colleagues and specialists through the industry who have had the privilege of his friendship, advice and leadership over the years.