Emergency advice in wake of Birmingham bin strikes
British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is urging residents in Birmingham to understand the laws around pest control products as bin strikes result in rubbish piling up on the city’s streets.
Experts at the national trade body are warning residents to be fully aware of the risks of untrained use of pest control products to avoid causing illness or injury to family members, pets or wildlife.
Niall Gallagher is Technical Manager at BPCA. He said: “Piles of rubbish become a food source, attracting pests into human environments and posing a potential risk to people living in those areas.
“While it’s important to protect your home, it’s absolutely vital to understand the requirements around pest products, to use them strictly in accordance with instructions on the label and to get advice if you have any doubts at all.
“You must always ensure any pest control products you purchase are approved for use in the UK.
“People have died following incorrect use of pesticide products, and we strongly urge anyone concerned about pest risk, or who suspects pest activity in their property, to seek professional help and advice from a BPCA member.”
Refuse collectors began an ‘indefinite strike’ on Tuesday 11 March in a dispute over pay – which follows a number of strike days in recent weeks.
In a letter to Birmingham City Council, Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston called for a solution to bin strikes, which have seen rubbish piling up in certain areas and increased sightings of pests such as rats and cockroaches.
She said: “Some roads in Edgbaston constituency are particularly badly affected where the volume of waste is obstructing passage along the pavements.
“Additionally, residents are reporting that the waste is driving a plague of rats and cockroaches.
“I am formally requesting that you use the relevant statutory powers available to you to ensure that this emergency situation is addressed, ensuring that the streets are not running with vermin and the health of the population protected.”
Experts at BPCA say regular bin collections are a key part of protecting people from the disease, destruction and distress that can be caused by a pest infestation, and residents should protect their homes against pests.
Information about pests, the risks and signs they have entered a property can be found at: A to Z of Pests | Pest Advice, Support and Guidance from BPCA
BPCA members are trained, 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.
BPCA members are also endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme.
To find a BPCA member visit: bpca.org.uk/find.