The Cattery from Hell
Rodenticide Resistance in The UK And What We Are Doing About it
The Consequences of Poor Pest Control Practices
In the UK, pest control practices are governed by strict regulations and guidelines to ensure public health and safety. However, there have been instances where pest control companies or individuals have engaged in bad practices, harming people, animals, and the environment. This article will discuss some examples of bad pest control practices in the UK and their consequences.
Illegal Pesticides.
One of the most common bad practices in the pest control industry is using illegal pesticides. The UK government has banned several pesticides due to their harmful environmental and human health effects. However, some pest control companies continue to use them, risking the health and safety of people and animals in the surrounding areas. In 2018, a pest control company in London was fined £5,000 for using an illegal pesticide in a residential area, causing harm to a pet dog.
Legal Requirements When Using Traps
Another bad practice is using traps that do not conform to legal requirements. The law requires that traps used for pest control should be humane and cause minimal suffering to animals. However, some pest control companies use traps that cause undue suffering to animals, such as glue traps that trap animals alive and cause them to die slowly from dehydration and starvation. In 2019, a pest control company in Birmingham was fined £3,500 for using glue traps to catch rats, causing them unnecessary suffering.
Improper disposal of pesticides
Improper disposal of pesticides and pest control waste is also a bad practice that can harm the environment and wildlife. The UK government has strict regulations on hazardous waste disposal, including pesticides and pest control equipment. However, some pest control companies dispose of their waste improperly, contaminating water bodies and other environmental damage. In 2017, a pest control company in Northamptonshire was fined £20,000 for illegally disposing of pesticide waste, causing harm to a local watercourse.
Misuse of Pesticides
Misuse of pesticides is another bad practice that can harm the environment and wildlife. Pesticides should only be used as a last resort when other pest control methods have failed. However, some pest control companies use pesticides indiscriminately, developing pesticide-resistant pests, environmental damage, and harm to non-target species. In 2020, a pest control company in Kent was fined £22,000 for misusing a pesticide, causing harm to bees.
BPCA Guidelines on Pesticide
Failure to follow industry guidelines and standards is also a bad practice that can harm people and the environment. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has strict guidelines on using pesticides and pest control methods to ensure the safety of people, animals, and the environment. However, some pest control companies fail to follow these guidelines, leading to harm and legal consequences. In 2018, a pest control company in Essex was fined £4,000 for failing to follow BPCA guidelines on pesticide use, leading to harm to a pet cat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bad pest control practices in the UK can have severe consequences for people, animals, and the environment. Illegal pesticide use, improper disposal of waste, misuse of pesticides, and failure to follow industry guidelines and standards are some of the bad practices that have resulted in legal consequences for pest control companies. It is crucial to adhere to the strict regulations and guidelines set by the government and industry associations to ensure the safety of all.