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Reports of thieves posing as pest controllers have sparked a warning from a national trade body
British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is urging householders to check who they are letting into their home after reports fake pest controllers were allowed into a property in Hertfordshire then stole items from several rooms.
BPCA is urging householders to do a quick check before allowing a pest controller or any other trader into their home.
Natalie Bungay, Technical and Compliance Manager at BPCA said: “You should always exercise caution when someone knocks on your door offering to do work.
“The safest thing to do is turn down the offer on the doorstep and then take advice by speaking to trusted sources.
“Check Google reviews, or use companies recommended by friends and family.
“One of the quickest ways to check the credentials of a pest controller is to ask if they are a member of a trade body such as British Pest Control Association.
“It’s like using the pest control equivalent of Trusted Traders. Members are trained, insured, regularly assessed, and commit to our Codes of Best Practice. You can also check that a company is a BPCA member by using our online find a pest controller tool.
“A pest technician who is called out to your home should have a BPCA Registered card that you can ask to see as well.
“A genuine pest professional will always be happy to show their credentials and put your mind at ease.”
As well as the danger of allowing potential criminals into your home under the guise of being a pest controller or other trader, pest controllers that are untrained and uninsured can also pose a risk to your family, property, pets and wildlife.
Natalie added: “BPCA members have the technical knowledge and experience to apply products in an efficient manner while minimising risk to the environment and non-target species.
“They understand how to operate safely and legally and have access to products not available to the general public.
“Untrained use of pest control products can have devastating consequences, so it is vital that residents not only ensure that any pest controller is a genuine operative, but also that they are trained and insured.”
BPCA members:
Carry the correct insurances
Are trained and qualified technicians
Are assessed to the British Standard in pest management EN 16636
Follow BPCA’s Codes of Best Practice.