A WARNING has been issued urging people to be "on guard" following reports of fake pest controllers.

People in Brighton are being told be vigilant after members of the of the public reported being asked for money from unqualified pest operatives.

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is asking people to check the credentials of anyone claiming to be a pest professional after fake controllers demanded cash without doing any work.

BPCA also warned that "shoddy" work carried out by unqualified traders could result in businesses being open to prosecution, while householders could see infestations grow due to the wrong treatments.

Dee Ward-Thompson, from BPCA, said: “A pest infestation in your home or business can be very distressing, not to mention posing risks to businesses that are subject to regulation, such as food premises.

“It’s essential that infestation issues are dealt with quickly, safely and effectively by a pest management professional such as a BPCA member, who will have the appropriate skills, knowledge and training as well as access to products not available to the public.”

The Association has issued advice to make sure someone is a professional - members of the public can ask:

  • Are you part of an industry body, such as the British Pest Control Association?
  • Do you carry an ID, such as a BPCA Registered card?
  • Are all your technicians qualified to carry out the work?
  • Does your company carry the correct insurance?
  • What paperwork will you leave me with?
  • How do I stop the pest problem from happening again?

If a supposed pest controller is unable to answer these questions or provide the required paperwork, do not allow them to do any "work" in your home or business and ask them to leave.

One way to do due diligence quickly is to find a pest controller through the BPCA’s online tool bpca.org.uk/find or check your existing contractor is a member at www.bpca.org.uk/check.

BPCA members are experienced professionals with access to a range of specialist products not available to the public.

They are trained, qualified and regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636.