A pest management business in Higher Walton is pushing for regulations that will protect more homes – and challenging negative perceptions of its industry.
I visited Lancashire Environmental Services to discuss its work in protecting public health and keeping businesses open with chairman John McCann and his sons Paul, a director in the business, and Jack, senior technician. We also met with Rosina Robson, chief executive of the British Pest Control Association, which LES is a member of.
Founded by John in the 1980s, the business provides services to residential, commercial and public sector organisations, including several local councils, and has expanded to add tree surgery to its pest control services.
Education
The team of six deals with everything from birds and rodents to squirrels and insects, but there’s a focus on educating the public on the importance of prevention rather than cure.
There are patterns when it comes to different types of homes, according to Paul, with terraced rows typically falling victim to mice infestations, while new-build estates more generally call out the team to squirrel problems.
The way some solar panels are fitted is sometimes creating a nesting ground for pigeons, with the business then called out to provide netting to prevent further issues. I said I’d feed back this insight as part of my work as member of the government’s Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee.
Perceptions
The business is also keen to change negative perceptions of pest control. Paul told me they feel what they do is undervalued and conjures a negative image in people’s minds when, in fact, their work keeps businesses open and protects public health. LES is also investing in professional development for its people through the BPCA to keep knowledge up-to-date so it can continue finding the right solutions to pest problems.
Thanks to John, Paul and Jack for meeting with me.
