BPM Manual

The BPM Manual is a reference Manual for the management of Pests, and is prepared in collaboration with the British Pest Control Association (BPCA). The manual (originally LGTB and ADAS manual) is now recognised as "the" reference for the British pest control industry.

It costs £110.00 plus postage. For ordering info call +44(0) 1332 225 113. The level of expertise of pest control technicians has changed over the years, and whilst the basic skills such as the recognition of animal signs and the correct setting of traps, still need to be learnt and developed in the field, there is a requirement to be technically competent in legislation, pesticide use, resistance to pesticides and health and safety issues.  The responsibility that goes with the use of pesticides is considerable. The need to protect the environment forms an increasingly important part of the pest technicians' duties. As well as being an essential tool for the basic training of pest control technicians, the manual can also be used effectively for refresher training and by supervisory staff and others for reference purposes.  It should be used as an adjunct to training which it is not intended to replace.  It does not provide all of the practical details on working methods, techniques, safety and legislation because these details will be provided by appropriate training and by practical experience both on and off the job.  Each employer is responsible for providing or making provision for relevant training. Principal Editors: Ed Allan, Adrian Meyer

Section contained in the manual:

Principles of Pest Management

Wherever people live there are creatures which can be identified as pests - some because they threaten health, food quality structures and wealth, others because they are a nuisance. The animals that cause most conflict are certain species of insect, mite, mammal and bird. Pest management covers the wide variety of activities undertaken to reduce or eliminate the problems caused by these animals. Before attempting to control pests, it is important to understand the biology, behaviour and ecology of the species. The cost relative to the potential benefit must be assessed when deciding whether management action should be taken. Any action must be based on sound principles, which are effective, safe, legal and humane.

Legislation

Legislation covers almost all aspects of pest management and can apply to anyone, whether a member of the public, farmer, gamekeeper or professional pest control technician. Legislation governs the way in which a pest controller undertakes his/her work, whether it be wildlife protection, pesticide use, environmental health or health and safety and a sound understanding of current legislation is essential for anyone who is involved with pest control. Safety Pest technicians must understand the importance of safety as it relates to all pest control operations. Both the technician and the employer have legal responsibilities for safety. By following safe practice the pest control technician demonstrates concern for customers, the public at large, colleagues, pets and other non-target species, and for the environment. Personal safety, whether it relates to working alone or to substances used, is clearly a particular concern of the technician.

Invertebrates

This part of the Manual contains more information on species than is generally required by pest control technicians, but the layout is such that relevant sections can be identified and located easily. The general sections on control apply to most species, but where special techniques or considerations are necessary then these are described under the heading of the species concerned. All of the most common invertebrate pests of public health and hygiene importance are included, as well as most of the important species associated with stored products that are likely to be encountered by pest control technicians in the normal course of their work. Thus, those pests that are commonly found in domestic situations, kitchens, food premises, factories, offices, hospitals and other institutions, farm grain stores and housed animal units are included.

Commensal Rodents

This section of the Manual deals with the three important commensal rodent species that are considered as pests in Britain. They are also regarded as the most serious commensal rodent pests world-wide. Although the control methods and techniques described are essentially those used in Britain, the principles of control apply in other countries. Any system dealing with living animals is dynamic. Not only are new control techniques and rodenticides being introduced but rodent populations themselves are evolving, perhaps altering their behaviour and susceptibility in response to selective control pressures. It is necessary to be aware of the obligations and responsibilities imposed by legislation in the control of commensal rodents. The safety aspects of control for the pest technician, other people and non-target species must always be of paramount importance. Safety will be mentioned where particularly relevant and more information on safety and legislation will be found in other sections of the Manual.

Mammals

This section deals with the principal additional mammals, which may cause damage or nuisance.
For each species considered in detail there is a description and an account of its biology followed by details of the damage which it may cause, signs of presence, methods of preventing the damage and control measures. There is also a summary of the main relevant legislation and a short list of references.

Urban Birds

Bird pests form an essential component of the pest controllers' work. This section covers not only the essential biology and behaviour of the main urban bird pests but also reviews the techniques available for their control and management. There are several common methods of dealing with bird problems. General reference is made to these methods - the advantages and disadvantages. Specific advice on each method is given for individual species. Current legislation is reviewed.