BPCA Forum Milton Keynes: Key Takeaways for Pest Controllers

Monday 10/03/2025

The BPCA’s latest forum in Milton Keynes was packed with expert talks, networking opportunities, and industry insights - all essential for pest controllers looking to stay ahead. From fumigation best practices to drain pest control and BPCA member benefits, here’s everything Elaine, our Technical Manager, had to share from the event.

A Haunted Start? Pest Controllers vs. Paranormal Activity!

After arriving in Milton Keynes the night before, I was relieved to have booked a room at Premier Inn. Some of the BPCA attendees weren’t so lucky with their hotel. Richard from Envu had quite the ghostly encounter - his laptop mysteriously fell, his suitcase was upended, and to top it off, teabags were thrown at him while he slept. Not exactly the best rest before a day packed with pest control insights!

A Later Start, But Worth the Wait…

The venue meant a slightly later start than usual, but that didn’t stop the queues from forming early. Sadly, for those of us hoping for wildlife sightings, the only creatures in attendance were a few Shetland ponies and some mole hills.

Setting Up & Catching Up with Fellow Pest Controllers

Before the talks kicked off, it was time to set up the PestFix table. It also gave me a chance to catch up with some industry colleagues, including Dan Newton from Logistics UK. As us with our Save 8 Zone, they offer a BPCA member benefit for fleet support - something every pest controller with a business fleet should know about.

Key Talks for Pest Control Professionals

The event featured a lineup of expert speakers covering some of the biggest challenges in pest control today:

• Fumigation Techniques - Paul Gill shared the latest on safe and effective fumigation methods, crucial for pest controllers handling stored product insects or large-scale infestations.
• Drain Pest Control - Darron Pearce from Rattrax explained how drain issues contribute to pest infestations, and why regular inspections and treatment are vital in rat control.
• Rodent Identification & Control - Melvin Knapp from Killgerm delivered an insightful session on the different types of mice in the UK, helping pest controllers identify species quickly and improve their control strategies.
• BPCA Member Benefits, HR & Health & Safety Support - The final talk of the day came from Quest Cover, which provides HR advice, health & safety guidance, and compliance support for BPCA members.

Networking Over a Brew

No pest control event is complete without a good cup of tea and a chance to chat with fellow professionals. I caught up with Jen McKerrell from AGS Pest Control, the first woman to pass her Level 2 qualification with me! Also had great conversations with James Waterhouse of Peledex, who regularly visits the PestFix Academy, and the team from Glade Pest Control.

Final Thoughts

The BPCA Forum Milton Keynes was a brilliant event for pest controllers looking to expand their knowledge and connect with others in the industry. Whether it was fumigation techniques, drain inspections, rodent control, or business management, there was plenty to take away.
Looking forward to the next BPCA Forum. See you there.