UK Industry Flocks to PestTech Event

Editor’s note: Frances McKim, editor of Pest magazine and a partner in PestBusiness.com, recently attended PestTech in the UK, and filed the following report.

Each autumn, the UK pest control industry flocks to the one-day PestTech exhibition organized by the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) and traditionally located at the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham. Held this year on Nov. 5, the event was as busy as ever.

With nearly 50 exhibitors present, several had their new product developments on display. Amongst these was an first electric bird control system – AviShock from Sorex. Although successfully employed in many parts of the world already, in the UK the system’s use has been seriously restricted for fear of contravening various wildlife regulations. However, following extensive trials official government approval was recently granted.

During the morning a debate, which was organized by Pest Control News, addressed the UK adoption of a set of pan-European pest control standards prepared and endorsed by the Confederation of European Pest Control Associations (CEPA). These standards, known as the Roma Protocol, aim to raise the level of professionalism across Europe and address such issues as operator training and certification. While all within the industry would support the sentiment, the problem has arisen around its implementation and a perceived lack of communication within the industry.

Running alongside the exhibition was a series of popular practical demonstrations, covering such techniques as rabbit snaring and mole trapping.

The day concluded with the traditional and lively Pest Control News dinner. During the proceedings the achievements over many years of several industry leaders were recognized with their introduction into the Hall of Fame. Those recognized were: Bruce Blything (Industrial Pesticides); Clive Boase (Pest Management Consultancy); Dr. Alan Buckle (Alan Buckle Consultancy); Frances McKim (Pest magazine); Fiona Murphy (Ecolab); and David Pinniger (DBP Entomology).