Todays Technician December 14:Mag Oct10.qxd

Transcription

Quarterly Journal of
The National Pest
Technician’s
Association
Issue 84 - December 2014
this issue...
3
Chairman’s Desk
6
Roythornes
7
PestTech 2014 - Bayer
8-9
PestTech Seminars
12
John Hands Over
13-15
Final Life At The Sharp End
16-17
PestTech Report 2014
18
Court Proceedings
19-21
NPTA Golf Day
23-25
Urban Deer Management
26-273
New Business Model
Today’s Technician
Chairman’s Desk
editorial
Welcome to issue 84 of
As you will read in this edition both
Barrie Sheard and myself, JD, are
handing over the publication of Today’s Technician to
our present Chairman Iain Turner, who in turn is
passing the Chairmanship to Adam Hawley, the now
Vice Chairman of our Association.
These moves will enable more innovative ideas to be
put into practice. Iain would like to see both the new
website and this publication being more interactive
and has great plans in store for future issues.
Both Barrie and myself will of course assist Iain in this
new venture and will continue to supply relevent
information, articles and help with proof reading and
other areas where needed.
It has been very rewarding to see the progress in
Today’s Technician and we have both endeavoured to
bring both interesting and informative articles to TT
for over two decades, but now we feel the time is
right for new blood to take the reins.
28-29
PestTech Demonstrations
As always Iain and the team are always grateful for
any articles, pictures, or any humorous incidents that
you the membership can supply.
30-31
Charity Run & PCN Dinner
We thank you for your support and look
forward to future issues in its new format.
Important Deadlines in 2015
Please note that the dates set for the next four
deadlines for both advertisements, product news,
editorials and their photographs, articles (both long
and short), letters for last word, any hot gossip, front
page photographs (portrait), job advertisements and
anything else to do with "Today's Technician" are as
follows
March 2015 issue Friday 30th January 2015
June 2015 issue
Friday 1st May 2015
September 2015 issue Friday 24th July 2015
December 2015 issue Friday 30th Oct 2015
Ed.
Today’s Technician is published quarterly. ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED. The opinions expressed in this publication are not
necessarily those of the NPTA or of the Editor.
Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the NPTA
Management Board and in no way implies endorsement of
the goods or services by the NPTA or it’s officials. The
function of Today’s Technician is to improve communications
within the public health pest control industry to the benefit
of aIl involved. The NPTA has taken all reasonable care in the
preparation of Today’s Technician, but does not accept any
liability for the consequences of any errors or omissions. Use
of the NPTA logo by members merely indicates membership
of the Association and does not allude to endorsement of the
member by the Association.
Editor : John Davison.
Assistant Editor: J. Barrie Sheard
Designed by Alan at ACW Design & Print
Printing : ACW Design & Print, 0116 233 4266
Cover picture - Ken Kay of Avocet Photography
NOTE: The September 2015 issue will come out 8
weeks before PestTech 2015 so your business
could easily include details of any new products
or services that will be on your Exhibition Stand.
HELP US TO HELP YOU GET YOUR “TT" ON TIME!
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL
– USE PESTICIDES SAFELY
2
Today’s Technician December 2014
Some People
Just Don’t
‘Get It’, Do They?
At PestTech, the Pest Control News seminar tackled the key
issue of the forthcoming SGARs* Stewardship Scheme. We
were fortunate to have present the two key officials from
the HSE that are overseeing this Scheme. They confirmed
that the Scheme was to go ahead, following a consultation
period that would last until the end of the year. This would
mean that the Scheme would come into effect early in the
New Year. Products whose Approvals had been held up
would now be processed and that SGARs would be allowed
to be used outdoors as well as in.
This is excellent news for
professional pest controllers, as
had the Stewardship Scheme not
been accepted, SGARs would have
been restricted to indoor use only,
with disastrous implications for rat
control.
Unfortunately, this good news was
not welcomed by some of the
audience, who chose instead to
complain that ‘amateur use’
products would still be available
and cast doubts about whether
other sectors, such as farmers and
gamekeepers, would comply with
the requirements of the Scheme.
They just don’t ‘get it’, do they?
We have no divine right to the sole
use of these products. Nor are we
the ‘innocent victims’ in this. For
years – decades even – pest
controllers have been selling the
concept of the ‘ring of protection’
to their contract clients. There
must now be hundreds of
thousands, possibly even millions
of tamper-resisting bait boxes
secured in place all around the
country. And what do they
contain? In the vast majority of
cases I would guess they contain
SGARs. And what would be eating
this bait? Some rats certainly, but
we all know that most bait gets
eaten by mice, especially the most
common mammal in the UK, the
Wood Mouse. This has to be one
of the key ways in which SGAR
residues have been getting into the
natural food chains.
We are as guilty as all the other
users of SGARs products of
poisoning the food chains that
have caused such a rise in the
levels of SGAR residues in those
birds and animals at the top of
these chains. We can question the
significance of these findings all we
want, but these residue levels will
have to come down if we are to
retain the use of SGAR products.
We can moan all we like about
these other groups, but we can
only control what we do.
It’s about time that we all
‘got it’ and changed our
ways.
Some suggestions about this are
put forward for discussion later on
in this edition under the article on
‘The Industry Needs a New
Business Model’.
Another presentation that
generated a lot of discussion – and
hot air – was the one on the new
requirements for how we deal with
pest control waste. Once again,
there was a feeling amongst some
members of the audience of a
great injustice being forced on
them. Again, they just don’t ‘get
it’.
As an industry, we’ve managed to
get away with not handling our
waste properly for nearly 10 years
after the legislation changed. It is
time to face up to our
responsibilities, like all other
commercial producers of waste
and to do things properly.
Finally, as I ‘hand over the baton’
as the Chairman of the Association
to Adam Hawley, may I say what a
pleasure it has been and to wish
Adam the best of luck as the
industry enters a new age.
*Second Generation Anticoagulant
Rodenticides
Iain Turner
3
W.F.
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NPTA Membership Benefits
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liabilityinsurance.co.uk
• Technical Advice
• Services of our specialist Insurance Broker
• Professional and Legal Advice from the Association’s Solicitors
• Information on Training Courses throughout the UK
• Specialist Training Courses throughout the UK
• Regional Meetings
• Access to Accredited Membership *
• Use of the Association Logo
• Guidance Documents
• Help and Services of a Regional liaison Network
• HS Direct (Online Health & Safety Paperwork)*
• The Annual PestTech Exhibition
• Promotion of Members to potential customers
• Today’s Technician - our quarterly journal
• CRB checks*
• Debt Recovery Helpline
• Promotional Advertising
• Corporate Advertising within Yellow Pages
• Website design services at preferential rates
• Websites - www.npta.org.uk and www.pesttech.org.uk
• Discounted advertising rates in Today’s Technician
• Free job advertising within Today’s Technician
• Discounted rates for exhibiting at PestTech
• Promotion of the industry to Government
• Personalised Fridge Magnets
• Discounted rates for utility services such as Gas & Electric
• Promotion of the industry through Media
• Help and guidance when needed
• Photographic Identity Cards*
• Information on Working Documents
• Peace of mind knowing you are part of a Professional Association
* extra charges apply
4
5
Pest Tech 2014 • Pest Tech 2014 •
Taking the plunge
- employing
someone for the
first time
As a business grows, there
comes a time when you
may need to start to think
about taking on more staff.
Whether it’s part-time or full time
there are a number of key steps you
must take as you take on someone
for the first time. John Cameron of
Roythornes Solicitors talks about
the steps and how to make sure
you do them right.
How much do you pay them?
Assuming you have decided who
you want to employ, the first step is
to decide what you are going to
pay them. You must at the very
least pay them the National
Minimum Wage (NMW). This
currently depends on their age, and
whether they are an apprentice or
not.
The current NMW for those age 21
or over is £6.50 per hour. For
employees between 18 and 20 it is
£5.13 per hour, whilst employees
under 18 must be paid £3.79 per
hour. Apprentices can be paid
anything more than £2.73 per hour.
You will also need to be clear about
whether bonuses or overtime is to
be paid, and if so at what rate.
Can they work in the UK?
It is important to check whether
your proposed employee has the
legal right to work in the UK. If
they have a UK passport and are a
British Citizen, then the answer will
generally be yes, but of course
many others also have the right to
work in the UK, depending on their
circumstances.
6
This is a very important check to
make as you could be fined up to
£20,000 per employee for
employing an illegal worker.
Examples of illegal workers include
students with expired visas, or
students working more hours than
they are entitled to, or people
working on a visitor’s visa. The
Government offer a helpline on
0300 123 4699 to help you make
the right checks.
Do they need a DBS (Previously
CRB) check?
The DBS (Disclosure and Barring
service) check is needed for people
who undertake certain jobs in the
care sector e.g. working with
children or in healthcare. It is
unlikely that a DBS check will be
needed for anyone in the Pest
Control sector, but if you have any
questions the Governments DBS
helpline can be contacts on 0870
909 0811.
Employer’s liability insurance
Once you employ someone you
become liable for them as your
employee. For this reason you must
make sure that you take out
employers’ liability insurance. This
will help you to pay compensation
if the employee is injured whilst at
work and it must provide at least
£5m of cover. You can be fined up
to £2,500 a day for each day you
do not have Employers Liability
insurance and you must display
your certificate at your place of
work.
Terms and conditions of
employment
You must supply your employee
with written terms and conditions
of employment which set out the
relationship between you as
employer and the employee. This
will contains items such as details of
duties, pay and holidays, hours of
work, etc. You must also advise the
employee about your grievance and
disciplinary procedures, or state
where those policies may be easily
accessed by the employee. You
must provide the statement if you
are employing someone for over
one month.
Notify HMRC
You must notify HM Revenue and
Customs that you are about to
employ someone and provide them
with the necessary details such as
their National Insurance Number
etc.. This can be done online and
must be done two weeks before
their first pay day.
This checklist may be daunting, but
employing someone for the first
time is an indication of a successful
business. The key to avoiding
problems in the future is, however
to make sure you follow the correct
procedures, keep in mind that
employees have certain employment
rights that they may rely on, and
make sure the paperwork is in
place.
If you have any questions
whatsoever, speak to your solicitor,
or have a look on the Government
web site, which has much useful
guidance and advice.
John Cameron is a solicitor in
Roythornes Solicitors employment
team. He can be contacted on
01775 842500 or by e-mail on
[email protected]
Bayer showcases
Racumin® Foam for
the first time at
PestTech
Taking an interactive approach,
Bayer’s stand proved to be a success
at this year’s PestTech event in
Birmingham. The team unveiled the
latest innovative product,
Racumin® Foam.
During the event, the team were
inundated with interest in the new
product, with pest industry
professionals able to see the innovative
product first hand and ask questions
direct to the experts.
Racumin® Foam is a first generation
rodenticide, developed in a unique,
water-based foam formulation which is
delivered by an aerosol. With the
withdrawal of contact activity powder
formulations, this new rodenticide
offers a much needed alternative. It’s
easy to apply in areas such as access
holes, cavity walls and pipe-works
where rodents are known to pass. The
foam is then transferred to the pest’s
coat as it brushes past and is ingested
straight into the blood stream during
routine grooming.
House fit for a queen competition winner David
Nicoll – wasp’s nest in motorbike helmet
officer for Kier Harlow Ltd, in Harlow.
This was an apt winner, having been
voted for in the National Motorcycle
Museum.
David says he is over the moon to have
received the winning prize of £200
worth of Bayer products.
“The helmet is by far the strangest
place I’ve seen a wasp’s nest, it was
found in the back of a customer’s
shed. I treated the nest with Bayer’s
Ficam® D, and once eradicated, was
given the helmet as a thank you from
the customer.”
The wasp’s nest competition was a
talking point at the show, as was the
appearance of a number of live insects
on display in petri dishes, including
Madagascan cockroaches
(Gromphadorhina picea), oriental
cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) and the
common bed bug (Cimex lectularius),
which attracted visitors and other
exhibitors onto the stand.
PestTech is viewed as the largest one
day pest control event in Europe, and
welcomed over 1,250 people through
the doors at the National Motorcycle
Museum, on Junction 6 of M42
motorway, in November.
Bayer engaged with current and new
customers throughout the day. “For us,
talking to our customers is of utmost
importance. We tried to make the
stand as engaging as possible to
attract people and it worked.
Racumin® Foam generated marked
interest and it was a great event all
round for us,” says Alan.
Bayer’s Alan Morris ran demonstrations
throughout the event and received very
positive feedback. “We displayed some
inert foam in a large, sealed,
transparent tube, in order to show how
it keeps its structure, even when the
tube is vigorously shaken - the foam
stays in this soft texture for up to
twelve days. Our stand was buzzing
with interest in it all day.”
Visitors were also invited to vote in the
‘House fit for a queen’ competition,
which looked for the most impressive
and unusual wasp’s nest. The stand
featured picture entries of strangely
located wasp’s nests, sent in by pest
controllers from across the UK and
visitors had the chance to vote for the
most impressive entry from the five
finalists. The winner was a picture of a
wasp’s nest in a motorbike helmet,
taken by David Nicoll, pest control
NPTA Scholar Xanthe Bigwood attended PestTech for the first time and
really enjoyed the experience. Progress report to follow in the next
issue of Today’s Technician.
7
• Pest Tech 2014 • Pest Tech 2014 • Pest Tech 2014 • Pest Tech 2014 •
Whilst the RSPH Level II
Award/BASIS PROMPT
combination remains our sector’s
‘preferred option’ for pest
controllers, the LANTRA
alternatives, whilst primarily
aimed at workers in the
agricultural sector, may be more
suitable for some pest controllers,
particularly those working
primarily in rural areas.
All pest controllers wanting to use
SGAR products in the future are
going to have to get specified
‘certificates of competence’ and
join a recognised CPD Scheme and
it was good to see that we will
have different schemes to choose
between.
Next was Matt Womersley from
the Environment Agency, who
took us through some of the key
requirements regarding the new
‘Code of Best Practice’ for the
disposal of pest control waste.
L Mike Allison and Tony
Moore of Jelen Deer Services
Once more, all those who wish to
remain in the pest control industry
are going to have to learn how to
deal with this issue, as it is not
going to go away.
There then followed the ‘Main
Event’, which was an update on
the proposed SGAR Stewardship
Scheme, which was the subject of
the PCN Workshop. We were most
fortunate to welcome the two key
Civil Servants involved with the
development of the Scheme,
Sarah Shore, Head of Biocides,
Pesticides and the Environment
and her colleague in the Chemical
Regulation Directorate of the HSE,
Nicola Gregg. They were able to
confirm that the Stewardship
Scheme was to go ahead, with
the Consultation Phase continuing
until the end of this year, for
implementation early in the New
Year.
From the many questions
afterwards, it was clear that some
in the audience had yet to read
the new CoBP, but Matt did his
best then – and for some time
The Seminar programme this year
proved to be very popular, with
standing room only in more than one.
M SGAR Stewardship Scheme,
PCN Workshop Panel
M
Pest Tech Seminars
First up was Oliver Madge,
representing agricultural training
body LANTRA, who introduced us
to the alternative training and
CPD schemes that are going to
become available in the near
future, that are being designed to
meet the needs of the
forthcoming SGAR Stewardship
Scheme.
qualifications as many current
users would not bother – and the
pests would still need to be
controlled.
afterwards outside – to help the
industry through these changes.
Rupert Broome of Killgerm
Chaired the PCN Workshop
Clearly some in the audience felt
aggrieved at the imposition of this
scheme and made their feelings
known. Unfortunately, whatever
misgivings we may feel about this
scheme, it will be far better for us
than to have all SGARs restricted
to ‘indoor use only’ which was the
alternative and which has already
been implemented in some EU
states.
We then heard from Nigel
Shelton, of Natural England, who
took us through the changes to
the Licences relating to the
control of certain bird species.
We may be familiar with the
General and Personal Licences that
have been available previously, but
there are now Class Licences as
well, which fall between the other
two types. These would cover
such situations as dealing with
birds in food premises, which
previously would have required
specific, individual licences.
Peter Rigby of Trust K9 gave a
presentation of bed bug sniffer
dogs and Jelen Deer Services
introduced their new training
course for pest controllers on
Urban Deer Management, which
had been produced in conjunction
with the NPTA.
Registering for the Class Licence
covering this activity is now much
simpler and easier for pest
controller.
Independent consultants Rob
Fryatt and Chris Suter then took
us through the new Europeanwide CEN Standard for Pest
Management, which offers
interesting opportunities for small
pest control companies as well as
the larger ones.
David Cross and Kevin Brown of
RAMPs reminded us that we only
had until November next year to
get the qualifications now
necessary to purchase and use
aluminium phosphide products for
vertebrate control. They reminded
us that these requirements
applied to all users and they
suggested that this would open
up opportunities for those
prepared to get these
L Sabra Fearon and Adam Hawley
from the NPTA
Finally, Adam Hawley and Sabra
Fearon, the NPTA’s most recent
appointed Directors led a
discussion on what the
Association is planning for the
future, including the setting up of
an Irish branch to look after our
rapidly-growing membership in
that part of the world.
It is a time for change in many
areas of pest control, so it was
fitting for us to be reminded of
the old Chinese proverb:
“When the winds of change
come, some people build walls,
whilst others build windmills”.
L Matt Womersley,
8
Environment Agency
9
A big + for Accreditation
Have you ever wanted that really big contract just down the road but could not cost effectively service the other
company premises some hundred or more miles away?
Well now it is possible as being an NPTA Accredited member entitles you to take on multi-national contracts and for
those premises that you find are just too far, all you have to do is come to an arrangement with another Accredited
member to take the work in their area at an agreed price
- yes it’s that easy.
Being a fully Accredited member of the NPTA verifies by way of a site audit that your working practices, paperwork,
insurance, vehicles, store and training all comply with current legislation and is recognised by the major supermarket
chains and their auditors.
Being an Accredited member of the National Pest Technicians Association at last gives you the same benefit as a large
national pest control company.
All you have to do to be Accredited is contact the NPTA office and our office staff will talk you through the
application process, once you feel your company can comply with the requirements an auditor will visit your
premises, so why not phone today and join the growing number of Accredited members.
Contact NPTA House on 01773 717716 for further details
Accredited Members
Discreet Pest Control, Manchester
Central Pest Control, Herefordshire
CMA Nemesis, Dorset
Culm Environmental, Devon
Oakwood Groundcare & Pest Control, Shropshire
Alba Environmental Services, Scotland
Wakefield & District Housing, West Yorkshire
Acorn Environmental Services, Cheshire
Bye Bye Pests, Hampshire
Enviropest Control Services, West Midlands
macenviro, Leicestershire
Ashford Pest Control Ltd, Kent
Orkney Pest Control Services, Scotland
Countryside Pest Control Services, Lincolnshire
Guardian Pest Control, Lincolnshire
P & P Pest Control, Wales
Mark Jolly Pest Control, Suffolk
Complete Pest Management, West Midlands
A.K. Pest Control, Cornwall
Pestbusters (Midlands) Ltd, West Midlands
Adaptive Pest Control Ltd, Scotland
Absolute Pest Control Ltd, Kent
5 Star Pest Control, Isle of Wight
Abate Ltd, Norfolk
Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions Ltd, Suffolk
Buckton Pest Management Ltd, East Yorkshire
Apest Control Ltd, Pembrokeshire
London Environmental Pest Control Ltd, Essex
Graham Environmental Services Ltd, Scotland
Midland Environmental Services, Northamptonshire
A B Complete Ltd, Gloucestershire
Silvery Tweed Cereals, Northumberland
Herefordshire Environmental Services Ltd,
Herefordshire
Europest N.I., Ireland
Eradicate Pest Control Specialists, Lincolnshire
D. H. Pest Control Services, Nottinghamshire
Hullternative Pest Control Service Ltd, West Mids
Fen Farm Partnership, Lincolnshire
Deadfast Pest Control Services, County Durham
Cross Pest Control Services, Hertfordshire
Trust-K9 Ltd, London
PestAid Environmental Services, Nottinghamshire
Green Care UK Ltd, Lancashire
Pestforce Torquay Ltd, Devon
Solutions Pest Control, Leicestershire
Baroque (SW) Ltd, Devon
24/7 Pest Control, Cheshire
Orkin Ireland, Ireland
Direct Pest Control, West Yorkshire
Pied Piper Pest & Wildlife Management, West Mids
Altek Midlands Environmental Services, West Mids
J.G. Environmental Ltd, Buckinghamshire
Pestforce Reading, Berkshire
Presley Pest Control Ltd, Scotland
If your company is interested in becoming an Accredited Member of the NPTA, please contact our office on
01773 717716 and join this elite group of members to benefit from this special category of membership.
Subscribing Members
The NPTA is a non-profit making body and can only exist with the continued support of companies in the industry.
We therefore place on record our gratitude to the following ten subscribing members:
•
•
•
•
10
Barrettine Environmental Health
BASF SE Pest Control Solutions
Bayer Environmental Science
Killgerm Chemicals Ltd
• Lodi UK Ltd
• Rentokil
• Rodent Service (East Anglia) Ltd
• Russell IPM Ltd
• Suterra
• SX Environmental Supplies Ltd
SINT-KATELIJNE-WAVER, BELGIUM
and KNARESBOROUGH, UK
Group De Ceuster of Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium is
pleased to announce the sale of their Environmental Care
division to P+L Systems (Holding) UK of Knaresborough,
UK, for an undisclosed sum.
The scope of the Environmental Care
unit primarily comprises the chemical
formulation and manufacturing
companies, Denka International,
based in Barneveld, Holland, and
Edialux-Formulex, based in Bornem,
Belgium with subsidiaries in the
Netherlands, France and Switzerland.
The transaction includes many leading
brands such as Edialux, Sprigone,
Lurectron, Luxan for the pest control,
rural hygiene and consumer markets.
Importantly the transaction includes
135 employees across the various
acquired entities as well as certain
manufacturing and other real estate
facilities.
Commenting on the transaction, Peter
Mangion CEO of P+L Systems said:
“We are delighted that Group DC
have entrusted us to bring their
Environmental Care business together
with our existing Pest Control
business in Western Europe. We are
already a very international business,
with half our revenues derived from
European markets. The bringing
together of these businesses, and
their market leading respective brand
portfolios, creates a strong and
focussed business dedicated to
solving pest control problems in both
the professional and consumer pest
control markets.
We are particularly pleased to be
bringing together the considerable
expertise and experience of our
respective employees, a resource
which we value highly and which will
be brought to bear in delivering
further growth in Europe and
beyond”
Tom De Ceuster, Group DC President
and CEO added:
“This is truly a win-win deal for all
parties. In particular for all employees
and customers of the Edialux and
Denka businesses. They all become
part of a market leading group where
the new shareholder is committed to
continue to create value for all of its
valued stakeholders.
With the divestment of our
environmental care activities, Group
DC will focus more than ever on its
plant health and soil fertility division
as well as on its husbandry and feed
premix activities. We will not only
intensify our R&D efforts to further
enhance our product leadership
position, but we will also look for
new geographical markets and
investment opportunities. “
For further information please
contact:
Group De Ceuster Mrs. Peggy Paulus T: +32 476 58 21 59
E: [email protected]
P+L Systems Ms. Claire Larcombe T: +44 1423 796664
E: [email protected]
OF MICE AND MEN
In the ‘good old days’, mice were mice and
rodenticide labels said things like ‘for the
control of rats and mice’. Simple and
straightforward. Unfortunately, things are
getting a bit more complicated.
Labels now refer to the species they are ‘Approved for Use’
for. As far as rats are concerned, there’s no problem. We
have to deal with only one rat in this country, so whether it
is a ‘rat’ or Rattus norvegicus, is irrelevant. With mice it’s
different, because we have two that we commonly deal
with – and only one of these features on the newer
labels.
Labels now refer to ‘the House Mouse, Mus musculus’,
with only older labels referring to ‘mice’. So what do we
do when we know we are dealing with the other mouse
that we frequently find indoors, the Wood Mouse,
Apodemus sylvaticus?
Well, technically speaking, you would be breaking the Law
if you used a product which specifies the House Mouse
and you knowingly used it against a Wood Mouse
infestation.
That is a little difficult to manage, as when faced with
nothing more than some droppings, gnawing damage and
a complaint of ‘noises in the walls/ceiling’ it is pretty much
impossible to identify the culprit down to species. You
would probably need to catch one in a trap to make sure.
This may seem like being a bit picky, after all, who is likely
to find out if you killed a few Wood Mice which were
causing a problem in someone’s house with a product that
only specified use against House Mice? Probably no-one
and even if they did, would it be ‘in the Public Interest’ to
prosecute you? Probably not.
However, it does raise an important issue with regard to
treating outdoors for mice. Which species do you usually
find outside?
Given these new, specific,
labels and all the kerfuffle
about using rodenticides
outside, perhaps it is time
to look twice at claiming
to control ‘rats and mice’
outdoors.
11
I think he saw the light!
Life at the Sharp End
a final out and about with Bob Newey
I’ve been rambling on
in Today’s Technician
about my day to day
experiences as a pest
technician since 2005
which was shortly after,
at the late age of 50, I
first began the life of a
pestie after having been
in road haulage all my
working life.
For some reason - possibly the humming of this high voltage cable, the fox in the
picture decided to take a bite and not only electrocuted himself but managed to put
the lights out on the main runway at a busy midlands airport.
J.D. passes the reins
J.D. (John Davison) the Associations CEO (Chief Executive
Officer) and Editor of Today’s Technician for almost two
decades, has decided to pass the reins of the Association
Journal to our Chairman, Iain Turner.
John, along with Assistant Editor, Barrie Sheard, have decided new more
innovative ideas are needed to bring TT forward, enabling the use of new
technology and integration with the NPTA Website.
Both John and Barrie have been involved with Today’s Technician since the first A4 photocopied
publication back in 1993. They will both still assist and support Iain in his new role and continue to
supply any relevant information for future issues.
12
I’ve recalled the trials and
tribulations I encountered starting
out in the industry, especially
beginning from scratch with no
previous experience. I’ve talked
about some amusing jobs, some
unusual jobs, had a rant to get
something off my chest, or shared
my thoughts and experiences on
other pest related matters.
if we live frugally and I
cut down on the fags
then we should be okay.
One of the problems with this pest
industry is that the busiest time is
the summer when I want to be out
on the boat enjoying the nice
weather. I have thought about
perhaps a way of just doing pest
control in the winter months but it
just wouldn’t be practical or viable,
especially the type of pest work I
do, so I’m afraid it’s going to have
to be a clean break.
I am going to miss it, although I
must confess that with the changes
that are coming in concerning
SGARs and the new waste disposal
stipulations I’m kind of glad that I
won’t have those hassles.
But having recently turned 60, I’ve
decided to retire. I’ve mentioned
before that last year we put the
house up for rent and moved onto
a canal narrowboat to live and I
now want more time for me and
the missus to go off and explore the
2,500 miles of canals and rivers in
England and Wales.
So how have I found the last 10
years? Well my biggest regret is that
I didn’t discover this wonderful
business a lot earlier in my life. It
was mighty tough in those early
days and much more so than I’d
expected. It took longer for me to
be able to earn a living purely from
the pest work, meaning that I had
to do Friday and Sunday night shifts
truck driving for longer than I
wanted to.
having recently turned
60, I’ve decided to retire.
There was a heck of a lot to learn in
terms of gaining my qualifications
It’s going to be tight financially, but
I have a small pension from all my
years working for P&O shipping as
well as the income from renting out
the house, so if we live frugally and
I cut down on the fags then we
should be okay. I can also do some
HGV driving shifts in the winter if
need be because we shall be
moored up not far from a
distribution centre between
November and March.
Well my biggest regret
is that I didn't discover
this wonderful business
a lot earlier in my life.
and this was more difficult at 50
than had I been younger. There was
my inexperience in actually doing
the job, but being able to ‘shadow’
some NPTA members out on their
rounds helped immensely. Then
There was my
inexperience in actually
doing the job, but being
able to 'shadow' some
NPTA members out on
their rounds helped
once I was on my own I gained
experience from actually doing the
job, making a few mistakes here
and there but learning from them.
If there is one single piece of advice
above anything else that I’ve learnt
from others and from my own
experiences, it is how crucial the
initial survey is. Whether it is a ‘one
off’ job or a quote for a contract,
the importance of spending a lot of
time and effort sussing out a
situation beforehand will not only
ensure a more thorough job but
also save time and hassle later by
not missing some vital information.
13
Having that drummed into me
certainly paid dividends.
If there is one single
piece of advice above
anything else that I've
learnt from others and
from my own experiences
it is how crucial the
initial survey is.
I’ve loved being out and about
rather than stuck in an office all day
like I had been for 30 years
previously, although I must confess I
sometimes hankered for a warm
cosy office when kneeling in a
muddy rain swept field setting mole
traps.
I’ve so enjoyed the variety that this
It's certainly been a
varied and often
eventful 10 years.
job brings. Yes there is the routine
stuff, but coming across varying
and sometimes challenging
situations makes for some
interesting and stimulating times as
well.
It’s certainly been a varied and
often eventful 10 years. There have
been some hairy moments such as
the time my ladders slid off the
edge of a garage roof leaving me
stranded 15 feet up clinging onto a
slippery sloping tiled roof until I
could attract the attention of a
passer by. The time a ceiling below
me collapsed as I crawled around a
loft, which was not my fault I
hasten to add, and I even received
an extra payment from the
customer. Then there was the chap
who stripped naked in front of me,
and the time I got stuck inside a
property when the security gates
closed and locked up on me.
Amongst the more interesting or
unusual jobs I came across, were a
biscuit beetles infestation which I
eventually found the source to be
inside a teddy bear in a drawer, the
bat that was hanging on to a
picture rail having mistakenly
entered the bedroom through an
open window instead of into the
roof-space above, the post office
which had an infestation of
pharoah ants and the alarming
thought of how many of these ants
might have been inadvertently
dispatched to many parts of the
country (or world) during the 6
months they’d had the infestation
before calling me in.
There was the guy who, rather than
paying to have his wasps removed,
rigged up a vacuum cleaner hose by
the nest entrance, but finally
admitted defeat when after weeks
and weeks of doing this the nest
was still very active.
There was the guy who,
rather than paying to
have his wasps
removed, rigged up a
vacuum cleaner hose by
the nest entrance,
Some of you may remember my
passion for bumblebees and the
lengths I’d go to in order to avoid
killing them. I must have re-located
over 100 nests over the years and
the most bizarre one was where the
presence of a nest was holding up
the demolition of a concrete garden
path. Rather than pump Ficam
down into the crack in the concrete
I borrowed the builder’s pneumatic
drill and proceeded to break up and
remove the section of the path so
that I could dig out the nest and relocate it.
I borrowed the builder's
pneumatic drill and
proceeded to break up
and remove the section
of the path so that I
could dig out the nest
and re-locate it.
Probably the most disturbing call I
went to was at a care home to deal
with ants in a resident’s room, and
when I arrived she had just passed
away but the owners, fearful of
having to pay for a wasted call out
still wanted me to go ahead which
of course I didn’t.
Another memorable job was to
remove a couple of squirrels from a
garden. I’d warned the householder
that after catching them, more
squirrels would inevitably move in,
but even I was surprised when I
ended up catching 31 during the
following 5 weeks.
Like most of you, I have had a few
14
The Association really needs people
who are willing to give up a little of
their time to help and if any of you
would like to find out more of what
it’s about please give Julie at the
office a call. You don’t even have to
live near to the office in
Nottingham.
thank you so much to
those of you who have
taken the time to
read my ramblings over
the years
I won a contract at a lap
dancing club but this
didn't last long when
they turned out to be
really bad payers.
‘bad debts’ but thankfully nothing
major. I remember being so pleased
when I won a contract at a lap
dancing club but this didn’t last
long when they turned out to be
really bad payers. Even my offer to
settle the debt with ‘payment in
kind’ didn’t work!
Yes it has certainly been an eventful
and by and large an enjoyable
career but despite having found the
job fulfilling and rewarding, there
are some aspects of it that I
definitely won’t miss, such as
crawling around in lofts precariously
straddling joists hidden under
mountains of insulation, a situation
made far worse when suited and
booted for dealing with angry
wasps coming at me from all
directions. I won’t miss the moving
around of heavy furniture when
doing household spraying, or
getting soaked to the skin in
freezing rain when doing outside
jobs.
have been really grateful when I’ve
sorted out their pest problems. I say
the majority because naturally there
have been a few awkward ones
such as those who try to find an
excuse not to pay, or try to knock
the price down. Then there are
those who think they know more
than you because they have ‘read it
on the internet so it must be true’.
Then there are those
who think they know
more than you because
they have 'read it on the
internet so it must be
true'.
I plan to carry on my involvement
with the NPTA. It’s all on a
voluntary basis as is the case with
all of the management board
members, so I will give as much as
time permits and hopefully a bit
more than I’ve been able to give
whilst trying to run a business as
well.
I will really miss the enjoyment of
dealing with such a variety of folk,
whether it be the relationships I’ve
built up with my contract customers
or most of the householders who
Finally before I go, thank you so
much to those of you who have
taken the time to read my
ramblings over the years and I hope
you’ve enjoyed them. I’ve
sometimes found it difficult to think
of things to talk about and this has
inevitably meant an element of
repetition. There have been times
when I’ve wanted to stop, but the
editor has encouraged/persuaded
me to carry on. But more
importantly, it has been the
feedback from some of you pesties
that has kept me going. It’s been
really great and meant so much to
me that so many of you over the
years have come up to me at
PestTech and said how much you
enjoy my column.
it has been the
feedback from some of
you pesties that has
kept me going.
Best wishes to you all for the future
and hopefully I’ll see some of you at
PestTech in the future.
For the final time
Bob Newey
AKA
Neil
Barnett
The Association really
needs people who are
willing to give up a
little of their time
to help
15
PestTech 2014 – a resounding success for the NPTA
Considered to be the premier
event of the Pest Control
Calendar, PestTech certainly
didn’t disappoint the 1250+
delegates that flooded through
the doors. With an array of
interesting talks taking place
throughout the day as well as
the outdoor demonstration, it
was once again a day not to be
missed.
It was standing room only for the Waste
Guidance talk and Matt Womersley of the
Environment Agency explained to
delegates the requirements and guidelines
they should now be following and tried to
break down the procedure into easy to
follow steps. Not an easy subject to tackle
and I am sure there are still a lot of
technicians who remain confused about
the procedure. Mr. Womersley even had to
continue the question and answer session
outside to some delegates as he had so
many questions to answer!
The PCN Workshop on SGAR Stewardship
Scheme was also standing room only and
along with a panel consisting of Iain Turner
from the NPTA, Rupert Broome from
Killgerm, David Oldbury from NPAP and
Simon Forrester from the BPCA, the two
representatives from the HSE, Sarah Shore
and Nicola Gregg gave a full and detailed
presentation and confirmed that the
Scheme would be going ahead, once the
public consultation process had been
concluded.
NPTA website, Today’s Technician and your
emails.
Other topics for discussion throughout the
day included a new Lantra training course
and CPD Scheme, the latest NPTA / Jelen
Deer course on Urban Deer Management
and what the future holds for the NPTA.
The exhibition itself well and truly delivered
with new products being demonstrated,
new companies parading their wares and
the more established companies enjoying
having the opportunity to meet up with
customers.
Alongside the NPTA, members could ask
the Association Solicitors, Roythornes, for
their advice and speak to Bill Fountain
about any insurance issues that they may
be experiencing.
Delegates who were interested could visit
the Museum free of charge and there were
a few who couldn’t resist viewing all those
old motorcycles and extending their visit
with a bit of nostalgia.
If you missed out on PestTech 2014 there is
an opportunity to view a short film from
the event at http://npta.org.uk/pesttech.
Next year will see another fantastic event
so a date for your diary – 4th November
2015 and remember, if you have any
pressing topics that you would like to see
covered in the seminar timetable, please
get in touch.
Significant changes lie ahead for
professional users and the NPTA will be
providing members with updates on the
SGAR Stewardship Scheme when it
becomes available so keep your eye on the
APOLOGIES FROM
THE NPTA
The NPTA would like to apologise for
the problems some of you may have
experienced when visiting PestTech this
year.
Due to circumstances beyond our
control, the National Motorcycle
Museum had booked two large
conferences to take place on the same
day as PestTech, which resulted in the
car park being up to capacity by
lunchtime on 5th November.
As soon as the NPTA was made aware
of the problems, immediate action was
taken to resolve the issue, the airgun
range was hastily relocated and the
overflow car park was opened up.
Unfortunately, we have been informed
that for a short period of time the car
park attendants were refusing entry to
delegates and instructing them to park
at the NEC, resulting in a car park
charge. If anybody was forced into this
position and can produce their car
parking ticket, showing the fee charged,
to the NPTA, a voucher will be issued
for a free drink at PestTech 2015.
We have had assurances from the
Motorcycle Museum that this problem
will not occur again so once again, our
sincerest apologise to all those who
were affected.
16
17
Court
Proceedings
Case One – Food poisoning
outbreak associated with a
South Devon Pub
3. Dirty floors and untidy storage of food;
4. Contaminated food, namely a mouse-gnawed
multipack chocolate bar exposed for sale and
obviously unsafe.
Conditions found at the Globe Inn in Frogmore,
Kingsbridge were so poor that it could have made
people unwell.
Photographic evidence was produced that showed the
gnawed chocolate bars.
As a result of allegations received of a food poisoning
incident at a wedding reception held at the Globe Inn in
Frogmore an immediate hygiene inspection revealed a
series of findings at the local Torquay magistrate’s
court. The landlords of the public house, named John
and Lynda Horsley had reported to South Hams DC that
a suspected food poisoning incident had occurred the
day before at a wedding reception.
The inspection revealed that samples of food and cloths
used in the kitchen indicated conditions to cause a
serious concern. The landlords pleaded guilty to three
offences;
1. Failing to keep the premises clean;
2. Placing unsafe food onto the retail market;
3. Failing to have a food hygiene management system
in place.
Fines of £4,000 were made with costs of £1,798. As a
result of the inspection deep cleansing was undertaken,
food areas redesigned, staff retrained and a food safety
management system put in place. The spokesperson for
South Hams DC stated “Our approach to enforcing food
law is to provide advice and guidance in the first
instance. In this case, the proprietors were aware of
their obligations and had failed to meet them. We do
not take prosecutions lightly”.
Case Two – 99p Store sold
mice eaten food
Evidence was presented to the magistrates of several
offences:
1. Extensive mouse activity;
2. Food unprotected from contamination;
This year we took to the
undulating slopes of the
Greetham Valley Golf Club in
Rutland, and as you can see
from the many photographs,
a great day was had by all.
Despite pleading guilty the Company were fined the
maximum of £5,000 per offence, with a third off for an
early guilty plea, a surcharge of £120 and costs of
£4,168. Making a total of £14,288.
The 2014 NPTA Annual Golf
Day, held on 1st October,
was a gloriously sunny, warm
day and saw teams taking
part from all over the UK and
from every sector of the
Industry.
The chair of the magistrates commented “When I go to
a food store which is open to the public I expect food
to be sold of an acceptable standard for human
consumption. In this case it was found that a product
sold was not up to that standard and there were
unacceptable lapses in management.”
Case Three – Rats and Insects
cause two business closures
in Ealing
It didn’t matter whether you
were playing with or against
your competitors, all was fair
in this competition and
nobody was safe from all
that testosterone (and balls)
flying around!
Ealing London Borough Council recently had to close
two food premises. The first business known as the
Kavah Café at 73 New Broadway, Ealing and the second
at the Brothers Kebab and Fish Bar at 178 South Ealing
Road.
This year saw teams of 4
players taking part and the
competitive spirit was rife,
although as you can see,
banter and laughter were
most definitely the order of
the day creating a fantastic
atmosphere.
The Kavah Café operated by Trishan (London) Limited
was immediately closed with an emergency prohibition
notice and ordered to pay £583 towards the Council’s
costs. The findings were the result of first a customer
complaint to Ealing LBC that a cockroach had been seen
scuttling across the café floor and a member of the staff
had crushed same, this complaint resulted in the food
team uncovering live cockroaches in a glass, a toaster
and cupboards plus mouse faeces on work surfaces in
cupboards. In addition, there was also no hot water on
the premises for washing hands.
The second premises were visited as a result of q
complaint from the police. Here was found rat
droppings in food preparation areas, dirty conditions
throughout the premises and a large rodent hole in the
ceiling. The business was ordered to pay £639 towards
the Council’s costs and forced to close until work was
completed.
L
Business premises in the High Street, Sittingbourne, in
Kent known as ”99p Stores Limited” were found guilty
of food safety offences as a result of a routine hygiene
inspection carried out by an Environmental Health
Officer for Swale Borough Council.
Annual
Golf Day 2014
Don’t forget, if you missed out this year you can always show your support
and competitive spirit by signing up for the NPTA Annual Golf Day 2015.
References: We wish to acknowledge our appreciation to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) for their courtesy in
allowing us to reprint articles from both their October and November 2014 EHN Journal.
18
19
Players could hire a golf buggy if required or could chose to walk the
challenging course – the clue is in the Golf Club Name! Those who
walked certainly looked in need of liquid refreshment when they had
finished but commented on the lovely course, some having seen
Squirrels, Rabbits, two rats (sightings at the 18th hole) and even a
Muntjac.
Barbara Lucas, Water for
Kids Charity
Players were ‘encouraged’ to give generously to take part in a raffle
in aid of the Water for Kids charity with the prize being an electric
golf trolley.
With teams setting off at regular intervals it was a while before the
last team sauntered into the ‘refreshment area’ (bar to you and me).
After all had refreshed themselves it was off to the restaurant for a
tasty meal, the presentation of the trophies and the raffle prize draw.
The chosen charity this year was Water for Kids and Barbara Lucas
from the charity explained why it was set up and gave an update on
their work.
Photography was courtesy of Julie Gillies and her driver for the day
was Donna Alvey, how they survived was a mystery to all those who
witnessed the wacky races style of driving but apart from one scary
moment when the golf trolley tilted precariously on an incline, they
survived to capture the day to a tee – :-)
L Rats at the 18th
Don’t leave the golf
buggy unattended –
they’ll get their
revenge...
The NPTA wishes to
thank all those who
took part, the
companies who
sponsored the day and
Greetham Valley Golf
Club for their superb
hospitality.
Surprisingly
most of the
players had
turned up with
dirty balls and
had to make
full use of the
cleaning
apparatus!!
Overall winner – Ken
Siddall, Haart Estate
Agents
20
Nearest the pin – Steve
Owen, National Bird
Control.
Longest drive went to –
Dave Wood, Synergy
And last but ....scrap that,
definitely last... Barry
Philips of SX gets the
booby prize.
Paul Wood, Killgerm,
winner of the raffle
taking ownership of the
electric golf trolley
21
Urban Deer Management Training NPTA Leading The Way
Nano! The Dynamic
Universal Range of
FLY KILLERS
Continuity is the keynote of this
stunningly designed, British constructed
comprehensive range of matching, multisized fly killers fresh on the market from
Bower.
This universal Nano range offers both glue board and high
tension grid machines in a variety of sizes and price
ranges within the same captivating design pattern.
This means that the universal Nano machines can be used
in areas where different machine types are required whilst
still maintaining a flowing aesthetic appearance. The
Nano's modern rounded design and intricately designed
front guard all enhance that distinctive, smart and
pleasant look.
Pest Control
Service
Technician
Hertfordshire and
surrounding areas
Melford Pest Control are a professional, well
established family run pest control company
based in North Herts.
We currently have a vacancy for a fully
trained Pest Control technician to join our
friendly hard working team. The role will
include commercial and domestic pest
control, fly killer servicing and pest
proofing. The ideal candidate should:
identical in height but different in width depending on
their capacity.
Ideally be qualified to BPCA / RSPH level 2 in
pest management or equivalent.
Small budget machines incorporate a 20 watt energy
saving lamp. With the exception of the budget ‘G20’
model (which can be supplied with a standard lamp as an
option) all of the Nano range comes fitted with shatter
resistant lamps.
Have a full, clean UK drivers licence.
With the cleverly designed ‘lift and lock’ front guard and
the spring loaded, removable killing grid, all Nanos offer
tools free servicing. Tube changing is quick and easy and
all models come with a five year warranty (excluding
lamps, starters and glue boards where applicable).
As you’d expect, all replacement tubes and glue boards
are available from Bower Products.
A great deal of interest was shown at PestTech.
Have common sense and a positive attitude.
To find out more, call Bower
on 0208 903 0983.
Email [email protected] or web: www.bower.co.uk
The two-tier course was written and
developed jointly by Jelen Deer Services
- the UK’s leading Deer Management
Professionals - and the NPTA, now
recognised as the industry’s foremost
professional body representing the
interests of Wildlife Management
Professionals.
L
Ten new matching Nano fly killers are to be introduced
from the low cost machine for the smaller establishment
to the high performance version for substantial areas –
each one complimenting the next. Available in steel or
stainless steel, the Nanos can be suspended or wall
mounted. Machines are
The 27th November saw
the UK’s first ever
formally recognised
training course in Urban
Deer Management run
for 9 delegates at the
National Pest Technicians
Association (NPTA)
Headquarters in
Nottingham.
Be self-motivated, well organised,
hardworking, reliable, flexible and
trustworthy.
Have good communication skills and be
confident dealing with customers at all
levels.
A company vehicle and mobile phone,
clothing, PPE and equipment will be
provided. Salary is negotiable depending on
experience plus overtime and commission.
Please email your CV and a covering
letter to [email protected]
or send to Tina Marsh, Melford Pest
Control, Melford House, Stevenage Road,
Little Wymondley, Herts SG4 7JA, or call
01438 722393.
22
23
The new course, delivered by Mike
Allison & Tony Moore of Jelen
Deer Services projected a balanced
fusion of professional skills of
both organisations which gave
delegates an opportunity to not
only refresh, but also to build on
their current knowledge of this
important but sensitive issue.
Attended by several Police Wildlife
Liaison Officers as well as leading
Wildlife Control Technicians &
NPTA members, the course
provided a unique blend of
specialist skills, knowledge and
field experience which was readily
shared between all delegates.
The initial feedback was positive,
and without exception delegates
felt that the course content
exceeded their expectations at all
levels. Although the course moves
quickly, at no point did delegates
feel overwhelmed as information
was clearly laid out, explained
succinctly and supported with a
professionally produced training
manual.
The course provided Police
delegates particularly with a
greater understanding of the
complexities of managing deer in
the urban landscape, and to
identify areas in their approach to
Urban Deer challenges that
required updating and
improvement.
It is clear that the Urban Deer are
impacting human lives now more
than ever before, and the
elevating annual costs of this
should not be underestimated.
Managing the potential hazards
and risks associated with Urban
Deer Control is crucial in the
highly sensitive environment in
which both Wildlife Technicians,
Police and Local Authority staff
may work.
This course involves instruction on
identifying occupational risks and
provides vital information on how
they may be controlled.
Wildlife Management Technicians,
Police Wildlife Liaison Officers and
Local Authority Managerial Staff
required to meet the increasing
challenges surrounding Urban
Deer issues can be assured that
this unique opportunity will
deliver specialist training relevant
to their needs.
Mike Allison, the principal lecturer
on the course, and one of the
UK’s leading Deer Management
specialists, has serious concerns
about the growing Urban Deer
problem and warns of the
dangers of allowing
un-qualified
operators and
purely
recreational deer
stalkers to carry
out the culling
of deer
in
urban
areas.
“ The interface between rural
areas and many of our towns and
cities has created a unique hybrid
landscape where wild deer –
normally having an inherent fear
of humans – have not only
adapted to living close to humans,
but even share the exact same
areas as humans in many cases.
Parkland, Playing field and right
down to private gardens are
regularly frequented by wild deer,
and although public perception of
wild deer in the urban landscape
is generally positive, there are a
number of potential risks that
must be addressed, and that the
public need to be aware of. The
main ones being the increase in
deer-related vehicle collisions, the
growing problem of Lyme Disease
transmission from deer
ticks and the
increasing potential
for deer attacks on
humans –
especially during
the rut (mating
season).”
L
Equally the NPTA Professional
members gained a sound base for
further development of their
service range, especially in refining
skills and techniques appropriate
to their businesses in areas where
Urban Deer impacts are a growing
problem.
to ensuring public safety and
animal welfare are not
compromised.”
Particularly useful to all delegates
was the detailed working protocol
developed by Jelen to ensure that
a clear strategic approach can be
implemented prior to and during
delivery of Urban Deer
Management services to clients.
Police Forces and Local Authorities nationwide have requested a list
of trained professionals from the NPTA who can be called upon to
deal with an Urban Deer situation. It is our intention that a list will
be provided of those members who have passed both the NPTA /
Jelen Urban Wildlife Deer Management course and the NPTA / Jelen
Humane Dispatch & Shot Placement, including tests on a range. This
is an opportunity for NPTA members to gain valuable recognition
and work within this specialised area.
24
He added; “It is worrying to me
that amongst the recreational
deer-stalking community, there
appears to be a preferential shift
towards the use of lethal control
methods (shooting with highpowered rifles) and a readiness to
embark on this type of control
before considering non-lethal
options first.
Deer & Vehicle Collisions (DVC’s)
are one such area where costs to
the taxpayer are escalating into
the millions of pounds a year.
Where human fatalities occur, the
current estimated cost to the
public sector is in the region of
£2,000,000 per casualty, in
addition to the high personal cost
to victims’ families.
Jelen Deer Services and the NPTA
are committed to raising public
awareness to the increasing
problems of Urban Deer, and to
promote thoughtful,
compassionate and professional
There is virtually no public
appetite for the slaughter of
healthy deer close to human
habitation. For this reason I feel
that we should consider all other
options first before resorting to
the use of firearms in urban areas.
However, in some cases there will
be occasions where the use of
firearms is inevitable as the only
first-choice effective means of
dealing with urban deer. It is in
these circumstances that I feel
only qualified professional deer
managers and Wildlife
Management Technicians should
be engaged to carry out this
work.
As most recreational deer stalkers
are sport orientated, then I worry
about their motives for wishing to
carry out this work, and I worry
even more about the potential for
serious shooting accidents, the
impact that this may have on
public perception, and the
implications for the wider deer
management community. It is my
view that credible and measurable
professional training in the
management of urban deer is key
management. The alliance intends
to focus heavily on finding
solutions to dealing with the
source of the problem.
Both organisations believe that
the pro-active response is
ultimately preferable to the
reactive approach that currently
appears to be the norm.
As such, both the NPTA and Jelen
are now operating in a
consultative role, as well as
providing specialist client-based
solutions to Police, Local Authority
and Private Land Owners.
The Jelen/NPTA training course in
Urban Deer Management sets the
UK benchmark, and is aimed at
raising standards as well as
minimising risk to the British
public, to property and not least
to the welfare of wild deer in the
Urban Environment.
REVIEWS OF THE COURSE
“A most informative course, giving Police Wildlife Crime
officers an unique opportunity to share training
opportunities with partners in the industry. Urban deer
issues are becoming an increasing issue for metropolitan
police forces, for us, it is essential to work on these
issues with our technician partners’ who can deal with
issues efficiently and reliably”.
“Fantastic opportunity to learn and meet professional
technicians, to see how they work and to understand
some of the issues you all face, when faced with an urban
Deer call out. The course was very informative and well
put together. Thank you for the opportunity to attend”
“I wish to thank the NPTA for the day. It was a well
organised event and I certainly came out with more
knowledge about the subject than when I went in and I
am sure that goes for the all officers present”.
Future Course Dates:
Wednesday, 25th February, 2015
Wednesday, 29th April, 2015
25
The Industry needs a New Business Model
IAIN TURNER - NPTA Director and Working Technician
Many pest controllers will
know only one business model
when it comes to offering a
rodent control contract to a
commercial client:
Whether you include these extra
visits as part of the contract, as is
often the case now, or as
chargeable additional visits, will
depend on individual circumstances.
Most sites won’t get infested every year,
so you could include any treatments in the
contract. With those sites where the client
doesn’t co-operate with pest prevention
measures, or where rodent infestations are a
regular occurrence, it may be prudent to charge
separately for every additional visit.
Install tamper-resisting bait boxes
around the site; fill them with toxic
bait and then check them every 6 –
8 weeks, replacing any bait that has
been taken.
That’s probably what they were taught to do
when they started and it has become accepted
practice throughout the industry (even though it is
contrary to product label instructions). Clients like
the ‘24/7, 365 day protection’ allegedly offered by
this approach. Auditors like this model because
they can draw up specifications around it, which
they can tick off on their visits. Pest control
salesmen like this model because they can sell bait
box installation at nice prices. Pest control business
owners and managers like this model because they
can offer their clients a tangible service and it
gives them a steady contract income.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer much protection
against rodents, but does allow significant
‘leakage’ of persistent rodenticides into the
environment via the small, non-target rodents that
are the main eaters of the bait that is left
accessible to them.
This ‘pest prevention’ model that we have come to
rely on for our businesses is one of the principal
causes of Second Generation Anticoagulant
Rodenticide (SGAR) residues increasingly found in
non-target animals, such as birds of prey. Never
mind what farmers, gamekeepers and the general
public apparently do, we have got to sort
ourselves out if we are to stand any chance of
retaining these essential chemicals.
So what new approach should we be
adopting?
Toxic baits should not be used to ‘monitor’
whether there are rodents present or not,
especially outside buildings. Existing bait stations
26
Don’t Lose Your Nerve
can be left in place, but either left empty or
containing non-toxic baits. If rats do come onto
the site, these stations are already in place to
accept toxic baits for the short period of time they
may need to be employed.
After so long relying on SGARs to do
the work for us, it is a little unnerving
replacing them with non-toxic baits, but it can
be done successfully – you just need to keep your
nerve.
Your technicians can still carry out routine
inspections, but instead of simply replacing
damaged or missing toxic baits, they can spend
more time looking for and reporting on issues that
could encourage rodents onto the site. They
should focus more on advising their clients what
they need to be doing and on proofing needed to
reduce the risk of rodent entry into buildings.
If rodents do become a problem, you will need to
start an in-depth control programme, using all
appropriate control measures, which might involve
gassing, trapping, glue boards or first generation
anticoagulants – and then, if none of the
foregoing are suitable – using SGARs in a short,
sharp treatment, removing them immediately once
control is achieved. This might involve several
visits over a relatively short period of time.
These monitoring baits do get eaten by rodents –
there are a lot of non-target rodents out there –
but you need to resist the urge to immediately
replace them with toxic baits. Amazing though it
may seem to some, it is perfectly possible for nontarget rodents to exist outside a building and not
come inside.
Those old-timers who were in the business before
SGARs and tamper-resisting bait stations became
the norm may recognise the above approach as
how the industry used to do things! We need to
be going back to rodent control basics, but with
modern day products to help us.
You can still offer clients ‘8 visits a year’
monitoring contracts, with all the ‘duty of care’
paperwork they now expect. It is just that now we
will have to consider any infestation control
treatments as separate jobs.
Of course, it isn’t always possible to determine
what rodent ate the bait, as they don’t always
leave their droppings behind, so the technician will
have to make a professional judgement. What is
the history of the site? Is it regularly invaded by
rats, or are they very occasional visitors? How
serious would a rat infestation be to the client? For
some it would be absolutely critical for immediate
action to be taken, but for most it would be just an
inconvenience which would need to be sorted out
in due course. Remember that if you decide that it
was a rat, you will have to start a control
treatment, involving several visits over the next few
weeks. Is that really necessary?
In most situations, I would suggest that the most
likely culprit would be the much more common
small rodents that live in the vegetation that
surrounds most of our buildings. Take a chance
and stick to non-toxic baits until you know for sure
that you have rats – unless that would be
disastrous for your client. In which case, perhaps
you should be using traps as your monitors.
There is no question that it is difficult to shake off
the habits of a lifetime, but it is possible to do so,
still provide an effective service for your clients and
not get overrun with rats.
Some sites, with a long history of rat invasions
from neighbouring sites do exist, of course. If you
look after such sites, rather than dutifully replacing
toxic baits week after week, perhaps you should
investigate the neighbouring property. There might
be new business for you, or if they refuse to cooperate, it may be time to contact your local
Environmental Health Department, as the Local
Authority has a legal obligation to keep their
districts free of rats and mice.
Should You Tell Your Clients That
You’ve Switched?
You know your clients and you are the expert on
site. You decide what you put in your bait stations,
not them. Most, of course, will not be interested in
exactly how you go about your business, only that
if they do get a rodent problem, you dash to their
aid. Some may be concerned to learn that their
‘Ring of Protection’ that they have been sold is no
longer in place. Either you re-educate them,
(which may be difficult if you sold them the
concept in the first place), or you keep quiet.
The main danger in not telling your client what you
are doing is the competitor’s salesman who comes
along and claims that your client is being conned.
Such individuals are either seriously misguided
about what is now happening with regard to
SGARs Stewardship, or who are cynically twisting
things to their own advantage. To help you
counter this, the NPTA, working with the BPCA, has
produced an official letter explaining the new
situation, which you can request from the
Association’s Head Office to present to your clients.
We all need to move towards a new business
model in the light of the changes that are coming
our way. We can no longer rely on the existing
model that depends on the long-term deployment
of SGARs in tamper-resisting bait boxes, routinely
checked and replaced. We have to move to a more
reactive model, otherwise we will lose these
valuable products for good.
27
SIMON WHITEHEAD AND HIS FERRETS
Being a keen ferreter myself and spending many a frosty
morning rabbiting at locations throughout the Midlands, there
was one demonstration I really wanted to see at the 2014
annual Pest Tech exhibition.
Simon Whitehead of Pakefield ferrets had travelled up from Suffolk to wow the crowds with his
team of ferrets. Simon is well known among the ferreting fraternity writing articles for
Countryman’s Weekly and the Shooting Times as well as appearing at many of the game fairs up
and down the country throughout the summer months.
Falconry Display
From the off Simon had the crowd of onlookers captivated with his humorous talk and practical
demonstration in the art of traditional rabbiting, from preparing his ferrets at a young age for work, to
giving advice on ferret husbandry, housing and the essential ferreting equipment used when out
rabbiting and the general conditioning of his ferrets before they even enter the working arena, and he
made it quite clear that there was no room for sentiment, the ferrets were there to work as part of a
team.
Simon spoke about the type of purse nets he uses for each rabbiting job and why he used that particular
net as well as where to position a long net to ensure maximum success, just in case you have missed that
one hole that the rabbit is sure to emerge from to make his escape.
He showed the crowd just how to work the ferrets through the rabbit burrows pushing the rabbits into
the waiting purse nets above, how to use a locator just in case your ferret decides to go AWOL in a rabbit
warren below ground and the tools used to retrieve it.
At the end of the demonstration it was pretty obvious to me that Simon Whitehead eats, sleeps and
dreams rabbiting and the knowledge he has gained over the years is second to none and I for one will be
pushing to see if we can entice Simon back again for Pestech 2015
28
Unfortunately due to unforeseen
circumstances this display could not take
place although JRCS Falconry did bring a
selection of birds on the day and Jan and
Abi were in attendance to answer
questions regarding the use of birds of
prey in pest control.
Gun Range
A very popular outdoor special was again
in place during our 2014 event.
Run as always by ATEO airgun training in
conjunction with BSA guns, the use of
this range enabled those who wanted to
try the very latest rifles for pest control
from BSA, to get a feel for any of the
weapons on display before considering
purchase. Unfortunately the range was
shut down for a short time and moved to
allow more availability for parking. We
apologise for any inconvenience.
29
Pest Tech 2014 • Pest Tech 2014 •
Charity
Run
!
D
U
ITH M
Pest Control News Dinner
A fitting end to PestTech was as
always the Pest Control News Dinner,
as usual held at the Windmill Village
Hotel, being the favoured venue for
many exhibitors to stay both before
and after the exhibition.
W
This venue has not only the facility to hold a dinner
of this magnitude but also has almost enough
rooms to accommodate those taking part.
On a bright September morning, the ladies from the NPTA
Office – Julie, Donna and Sophie (aka Troublesome Trio) –
set off to take part in the 5K Cancer Research Race, Pretty
Muddy. Running in memory of their loved ones and all
those who have been affected by this terrible disease, the
girls donned their cancer research tee shirts, bright pink
tutus, bright pink leg warmers and bright pink net gloves
and set off to the start line.
After a gruelling 15 minute
warm up, well gruelling for
those of us who participated, we
were off. The first obstacle, a
giant paddling pool with mud
in, wasn’t the easiest to
overcome especially for those a
little on the shorter side (I won’t
mention any names here).
Thankfully Donna (oops) was
helped, well dragged, over the
wall of the obstacle by her team
mates although this did mean
she went head first into the mud
(hee hee)....
There were a few more obstacles
along the way, tunnels, cargo
nets to crawl under, this one was
especially difficult for Sophie
who had a man standing on the
net refusing to move until she
put her torso on the floor to
crawl. There were pools of mud
to crawl through and a cargo
net obstacle to climb over. For
those of us (me actually), scared
of heights, this wasn’t a stroll in
the park but thanks to team
spirit and oodles of
encouragement from fellow
participants, I managed.
The format for the 2014 dinner was slightly
different which many who attended felt was a
welcome change. The organisers and sponsors of
this event should give themselves a well deserved
pat on the back. It was absolutely fabulous and
heartily enjoyed by all who attended.
WELL DONE PCN.
The final obstacle was a bouncy
castle slide with a pool of mud
at the bottom and a team of
eager gentlemen throwing mud
at you as you came down. Ours,
as you can imagine, was a rather
undignified finale to what had
been a terrific but emotional
charity run.
The Troublesome Trio would like
to thank all those very kind and
generous people who sponsored
them, raising in the region of
£500 for Cancer Research UK.
Cheque to
Water for Kids
raised by the
NPTA Golf Day
and presented
by Adam and
Julie after the
meal but
before the
entertainment
30
31
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Todays Technician December 14:Mag Oct10.qxd

Transcription

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