The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has released new guidance on bee disease awareness and biosecurity, which is now available free of charge on its website.
The document is aimed at pest professionals involved in bee removals and sets out practical steps for managing disease risk before, during and after work. It focuses on improving awareness, strengthening biosecurity measures and ensuring clear procedures are followed when disease is suspected.
Bee disease can present a significant risk during removal work, particularly where signs are not immediately obvious. The guidance encourages pest professionals to assume disease risk from the outset and to build checks, such as reviewing BeeBase data, into their standard survey process.
It also highlights the importance of competency in identifying key diseases, including European foulbrood (EFB) and American foulbrood (AFB), alongside ongoing training and access to reliable identification resources.
A strong emphasis is placed on biosecurity in practice, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, thorough cleaning between jobs and maintaining clear records to support traceability.
The guidance also outlines the steps to take if disease is suspected on site, including stopping work, restricting movement and contacting a Regional Bee Inspector for further instruction.
Quarantine procedures for retained colonies are also covered, with recommendations on monitoring, traceability and managing risk over multiple brood cycles before reintroduction.
Niall Gallagher, BPCA technical manager, said: “Bee disease is one of those risks that can easily be overlooked until it becomes a serious issue. This guidance is about helping pest professionals build awareness into every stage of their work, from initial survey through to aftercare.
“By taking a structured approach to biosecurity and knowing how to respond if disease is suspected, technicians can protect both honeybee populations and their own professional reputation.”
The publication forms part of BPCA’s wider work to support professional standards and promote responsible pest management, particularly where activities intersect with environmental and ecological considerations.
The guidance is available now on the BPCA website, alongside a CPD quiz designed to reinforce key learning points.
