Latest news with #NiallGallagher
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Raccoons could become UKs next invasive pest threat
Raccoons could become the UK's next invasive pest threat. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has identified the species as a growing concern, noting that raccoons are already well-established pests in parts of Europe and could quickly adapt to UK environments if introduced. Niall Gallagher, technical manager at the BPCA, said: "Raccoons were imported into Germany from North America during the 1930s and rapidly became established across central Europe. "What we've learned from this is that once established, raccoons can thrive in our natural environments." While there is no evidence of a breeding population in the UK, raccoons have been identified by the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) as one of the top 20 species most likely to become invasive over the next decade. Raccoons can live for up to four years in the wild and pose risks to both property and wildlife. They also carry diseases and parasites that can be harmful to humans.
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Call a professional if pigeons are a problem, says BPCA
Call a professional if pigeons are a problem The breeding season for feral pigeons is well underway – and while the birds can become a problem around homes and businesses, it is essential anyone experiencing issues get in touch with a professional, say experts at British Pest Control Association (BPCA). Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Pigeons – like all wild birds, their nests and eggs – are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which means anyone who disturbs them and who is not operating under an appropriate licence, may face prosecution. In certain circumstances, management and control techniques may be required, but anyone concerned about pigeons should always seek advice from a BPCA member who specialises in bird control. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Niall Gallagher is Technical Manager at BPCA. He said: 'The breeding season for pigeons is between March and September. 'In that time, they can have up to seven broods, with two or three eggs in each. With enough food, young pigeons become independent adults in just 30 days and more eggs can be hatched before the young have even left the nest, which means a population can grow rapidly. [1] 'If pigeons are becoming a problem around a home or business, it is vital that advice is sought from a BPCA member or appropriate professional. Interfering with a wild bird, their nest or eggs is illegal, so do not consider any form of DIY pest control.' Pigeons can reportedly carry around 110 pathogens, and can spread disease to humans, as well as potentially causing secondary infestations of mites, ticks, fleas and beetles that live on their bodies and in their nests. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Niall added: 'Pigeon droppings are a public health risk and, in some circumstances, a potential slip hazard, once dry, pigeon droppings can become airborne in small particles, which can lead to respiratory complaints. 'The most effective way to deter pigeons from a particular site is to remove food sources. Bins should be kept securely closed, ensure the area is free of litter and debris and clear up any spills. 'Regularly flying a bird of prey in the area can be useful, but if pigeons are becoming a cause for concern, seek advice from a BPCA member.' BPCA member businesses are endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme as they must carry the correct insurances and are trained and qualified technicians who are assessed to the British Standard in pest management EN 16636 and follow BPCA's Codes of Best Practice. To find a BPCA member visit:
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Call a professional if pigeons are a problem, says BPCA
Call a professional if pigeons are a problem The breeding season for feral pigeons is well underway – and while the birds can become a problem around homes and businesses, it is essential anyone experiencing issues get in touch with a professional, say experts at British Pest Control Association (BPCA). Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Pigeons – like all wild birds, their nests and eggs – are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which means anyone who disturbs them and who is not operating under an appropriate licence, may face prosecution. In certain circumstances, management and control techniques may be required, but anyone concerned about pigeons should always seek advice from a BPCA member who specialises in bird control. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Niall Gallagher is Technical Manager at BPCA. He said: 'The breeding season for pigeons is between March and September. 'In that time, they can have up to seven broods, with two or three eggs in each. With enough food, young pigeons become independent adults in just 30 days and more eggs can be hatched before the young have even left the nest, which means a population can grow rapidly. [1] 'If pigeons are becoming a problem around a home or business, it is vital that advice is sought from a BPCA member or appropriate professional. Interfering with a wild bird, their nest or eggs is illegal, so do not consider any form of DIY pest control.' Pigeons can reportedly carry around 110 pathogens, and can spread disease to humans, as well as potentially causing secondary infestations of mites, ticks, fleas and beetles that live on their bodies and in their nests. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Niall added: 'Pigeon droppings are a public health risk and, in some circumstances, a potential slip hazard, once dry, pigeon droppings can become airborne in small particles, which can lead to respiratory complaints. 'The most effective way to deter pigeons from a particular site is to remove food sources. Bins should be kept securely closed, ensure the area is free of litter and debris and clear up any spills. 'Regularly flying a bird of prey in the area can be useful, but if pigeons are becoming a cause for concern, seek advice from a BPCA member.' BPCA member businesses are endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme as they must carry the correct insurances and are trained and qualified technicians who are assessed to the British Standard in pest management EN 16636 and follow BPCA's Codes of Best Practice.
Wales Online
25-06-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Warning to all UK households as flying ants set to hit
Warning to all UK households as flying ants set to hit People are being warned to 'keep a close eye' Flying ant season isn't necessarily a cause for concern (Image: BCPA ) Ants will take wing to mate for a short period of time in July or August – known as flying ant season. However, swarms of flying ants are not something householders should be alarmed about, say experts at British Pest Control Association. But they warn you should ensure they don't get inside. Young queens will emerge from the nest and take flight in a bid to mate with males from other colonies. Niall Gallagher, technical manager at BPCA said: 'It's not entirely true that ants only fly for one day each year, but the mating season does tend to be just a few days in July or August. 'Mating takes place in the air during the swarming nuptial flight, but the ants will disappear within a few hours and are best left alone.' Male ants will die shortly after mating, while the queens will chew off their wings and find a nest site where she will stay for the winter. Niall added: 'Flying ant season isn't necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you have ants in your garden or near to your home, it is sensible to keep a close eye on them and make sure they don't make their way indoors. 'They are highly organised social insects that are attracted to sweet foodstuffs and may invade buildings in search of food. Article continues below 'The most common ant in the UK is the black garden ant (Lasius niger). But in large centrally heated buildings such as apartment blocks, tropical species such as Pharaoh's ants and Ghost ants can become a problem and should always be dealt with by a BPCA member as they're much more difficult to control.' Flying ants entering households typically do so through open windows and doors, or cracks in walls and roofs, seeking food and water. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here They are attracted to homes for the same reasons as regular ants as it is a readily available food source and a place to nest. While they may be a nuisance, they are generally harmless and often a sign of a nearby ant colon. They are often drawn to light sources, which can lead them into homes through open windows and doors. 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. Article continues below BPCA members are also endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme. To find a BPCA member, you can visit the website here.
South Wales Argus
12-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
People in Wales urged to protect honey bees this summer
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is supporting the British Beekeepers Association's (BBKA) Swarm Savers campaign, which calls on the public to help rehome bee swarms that appear in gardens and public spaces during the spring. Niall Gallagher, technical manager at BPCA, said: "Swarm Savers is an initiative in which thousands of trained beekeepers across the country are on standby to safely rescue and rehome honey bee swarms." Without intervention, up to 80 per cent of swarms are unlikely to survive. The BPCA says that bee swarms are often mistaken for wasp infestations, leading to unnecessary pest control callouts. Mr Gallagher said: "Bees are a vital part of our ecosystem, but sometimes a swarm of honey bees can be mistaken for a wasp infestation, resulting in a call to a BPCA member." Diane Drinkwater, chair of the BBKA, said: "There's something truly magical about witnessing a honey bee swarm. "It's how a colony reproduces; a natural marvel where thousands of bees work together to protect their queen and find a new home. "But without help, many never make it."
