British Pest Control Association is calling on pest professionals to share their experience of infestations in housing to help shape stronger protections for residents.
The association is gathering anonymous case studies from technicians and people affected by infestations. The evidence will inform its response to a government consultation on extending Awaab’s Law in England, as well as its wider housing policy work.
The consultation considers how to apply the law to privately rented homes and whether to extend it to certain accommodation occupied under licence, including temporary accommodation, supported housing and accommodation for care leavers.
Rosina Robson, BPCA chief executive, said: “Nobody deserves to live with a pest infestation, whether they rent privately, live in social housing or have been placed in temporary accommodation.
“Pest professionals see the consequences when problems are left unresolved. We need your help to make sure the people shaping housing policy understand what’s happening in these homes and what needs to change.
“Please complete the survey and pass it on to your colleagues and affected clients. We want both professional experience and residents’ voices to inform our response.”
Turning experience into evidence
BPCA wants to highlight the practical challenges of resolving infestations, from gaining access and carrying out treatment to securing repairs that prevent pests returning.
Technicians’ experiences can help policymakers understand where current arrangements fail residents and what effective protection requires.
A report published by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee in April found that pest infestations were common in temporary accommodation. It also highlighted residents’ fears about complaining, including concerns about being moved elsewhere or penalised for speaking up.
Making protections work
Awaab’s Law followed the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 after exposure to mould in his social home. It sets timescales for social landlords in England to respond to specified housing hazards.
BPCA said it helped secure pest management’s inclusion in the law’s expansion and wants the next stage to deliver workable protections.
Mrs Robson added: “Stronger protections need to deliver results for residents. That means getting professional help promptly, addressing the causes of infestations, and making responsibilities clear.
“We welcome these proposals and want to help government get the detail right. Evidence from technicians and residents will help us do that.”
The association’s wider housing work includes calls for stronger protections in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Pest professionals are encouraged to submit an anonymous case study and share the form with colleagues and clients who have experienced infestations.
Submit a case study, by clicking here.
