Rosina Robson, Chief Executive of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), reports.
A new independent report commissioned by British Pest Control Association (BPCA) shows that professional pest management saves UK businesses and households £1.9 billion every year by preventing damage, disruption, enforcement action and reputational harm.
The report, No Small Matter, was produced by Pragmatix Advisory and examines the economic and social value of pest management across the UK.
It finds that the sector contributes around £1bn in gross value added, supports more than 2000 businesses and employs over 22,000 people. In 2025, pest professionals carried out more than 4.4 million jobs across homes, hospitals, schools, food premises, transport networks and other essential settings.
For me, the message is clear. Pest management is not just something that happens once an infestation is visible. At its best, it is preventative work that keeps buildings safe, businesses open and people protected.
This is a sector people often only notice when something goes wrong. But every day, pest professionals are working behind the scenes to keep businesses trading, homes safe and public services running.
We have always known the value that professional pest management creates for society, but we have not always had the data to prove it. This report changes that. It gives our sector the evidence it needs to show government, clients and the public that pest management protects health, homes and the economy.
The report estimates that professional pest control helps clients avoid around £1900 in direct costs per case. Early intervention saves a further £700 by stopping problems from escalating.
However, the report also shows that too much pest control work still happens after a problem has already developed. Around 64% of pest control work takes place once an issue has emerged, while nearly a third of jobs involve significant infestation or emergency response.
For cleaning, hygiene and facilities management professionals, the key takeaway is that pest management should be seen as part of routine building maintenance and risk management, not simply as an emergency call-out.
In food, hospitality, healthcare, housing and public buildings, pest activity can affect compliance, customer confidence, staff wellbeing and business continuity. A single incident can lead to closure, enforcement action or long-term reputational damage.
The report also highlights wider policy challenges, including reduced local authority pest control provision, increasing pressure on the professional toolkit, recruitment challenges, and rising expectations for pest management contractors.
A small sector is delivering big national outcomes, but it is still too often falling through the cracks in policy. If we want prevention, resilience and growth, pest management must be part of that system.
That is why BPCA works with governments, regulators, partners and industry stakeholders to make sure professional pest management is understood, recognised and properly represented in policy decisions.
https://bpca.org.uk/
About the contributor
Rosina Robson
Chief Executive
British Pest Control Association (BPCA)