Pest News

As of 1 January 2026, important legislative changes affecting UK farmers are no longer “on the horizon”, they’re already in force. These updates have direct implications for farm compliance, pest management, business protection and long-term planning.

On 1 January 2026, the UK will enforce major new changes to who can legally buy and use professional rodenticides. These changes affect every farmer, estate, and agricultural business that relies on rodent control to protect grain, livestock, feed, machinery, and buildings. The new rules are strict, and with just over one month left until they come into effect, farmers who are not yet compliant must act now.

As temperatures drop and nights draw in, rodents start to seek warmth, shelter and easy access to food. Each winter brings a rise in callouts across homes, farms and businesses, but experts are warning that this season could see higher than usual rodent pressure

September has arrived and farms across the UK have entered the beginning of peak rodent season. The cooler nights, shorter days, and damp weather all create ideal conditions for rats and mice to seek warmth, food, and shelter.

Essential guidance for farmers facing rising Bluetongue cases this summer

As harvest 2025 approaches, one critical task should be moving to the top of every arable farmers to-do list: grain store hygiene.

Grain storage is more than just stacking crops under cover — it’s a strategic, high-stakes part of the farming year where preparation, hygiene, and pest control come together to safeguard quality and profits.

For farmers, a successful harvest is the culmination of months of hard work, but protecting that crop is just as crucial.

Flies are more than just a nuisance on the farm - they pose serious risks to livestock health and farm hygiene. These pests can spread disease, irritate animals, reduce milk yields in dairy cows, and lower weight gain in beef cattle.

Avian flu continues to devastate poultry farms across the UK, with recent outbreaks marking some of the worst on record. Shropshire, home to one of the UK’s largest barn egg sites, has reported 25 cases as of February 2025, leading to the culling of over one million birds

Last year, we spent the day with Giles Sharley “The Bristol Pest Controller” to see firsthand how he tackles one of the biggest challenges facing farmers: grain store protection.

Rodent control has become a critical topic in farming, with experts urging farmers to prepare for an uptick in rodent activity as seasonal changes drive these pests indoors.