Ashford MP Sojan Joseph has heard first-hand about the role pest professionals can play in tackling Yellow-Legged (Asian) hornets, as part of a visit to Bounty Pest Control, which is based at Ellingham Industrial Estate in the town.

British Pest Control Association (BPCA) joined the MP, providing insight into the role the industry plays in protecting the public from damage, distress and disease caused by pest infestations.

During the visit, Sojan Joseph met with BPCA Chief Executive Rosina Robson and Partners at Bounty Pest Control, Elaine and Martin Rose-King, to discuss how pest professionals support the local economy and ensure vital services such as schools, hospitals and businesses remain pest-free.

Rosina Robson said: “Bounty Pest Control, like all BPCA member companies, provides essential services to their local community and helps to protect public health in Ashford and across the region.

“We’re grateful for the interest that Sojan Joseph has in our sector, as there is much opportunity for collaboration between MPs and BPCA to improve the regulation of the pest management industry.

“Earlier this year, BPCA commissioned an independent report which found that professional pest control contributes £1bn in value to the UK economy and saves British households and businesses £1.9bn a year.

“The No Small Matter report also found the sector plays a key role in protecting food supply chains, safeguarding healthcare environments, maintaining housing standards and supporting business continuity, and we were pleased to discuss the report in more detail during the visit.”

According to the report, pest management firms are estimated to have attended more than 4.4 million client jobs in 2025 - more than 12,000 every day, across homes, high streets, hospitals, schools, warehouses, farms and transport hubs in every region of the United Kingdom.

BPCA has set out four key policy areas for engagement with Government, including protecting householders from pests in line with Awaab’s Law and other housing reforms, reviewing chemical regulation, championing the TrustMark scheme and restricting professional tools to professional users.

Sojan Joseph, MP for Ashford, said: “I was pleased to meet Martin, Elaine and the team at Bounty Pest Control and hear about the work they have been doing to track Yellow-legged Hornets alongside protecting our local community, and I truly appreciate them taking the time to meet with me.

“It was interesting to hear about the work of this local business and learn more about the many products and techniques used in professional pest management.

“Small and medium-sized businesses, like Bounty Pest Control, are the lifeblood of our economy. They provide good jobs and growth in our communities, and I greatly appreciate their long-standing commitment to Ashford, and I wish them all the best ahead of their 30th anniversary celebrations next year.”

BPCA member company Bounty Pest Control provides commercial, local authority and residential pest services alongside useful advice and information about pests at www.bountypestcontrol.co.uk.

Martin Rose-King is a Partner at Bounty Pest Control, which is a family-run business entering its 30th year. He said: “We were very pleased to welcome Sojan Joseph MP and the BPCA to meet our team, set out the work we do and talk about the importance of the tools, technical knowledge and experience that is deployed to keep homes and business pest-free.”

BPCA member businesses are endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme, must carry the correct insurances, and are trained and qualified technicians who are assessed to the British Standard in pest management EN 16636 and follow BPCA’s Codes of Best Practice.

To find a BPCA member visit: bpca.org.uk/find.

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