Pest Control Legislation and Compliance in the UK
At Apex Pest Control, we are committed to delivering professional service fully compliant with UK law and the highest standards of safety, ethics, and effectiveness.
Apex Pest Control addresses legal compliance for all pest control operations in Sheffield and South Yorkshire, including areas such as Crookes, Hillsborough, and the city centre.
We serve both residential and commercial clients, making sure each job follows the strictest regulations to protect people, property, and our local environment.
By choosing Apex, you can be confident that your pest management is not only effective but also backed by proper legal and ethical standards for our region
Here we outline the most important legislation governing pest control—and how Apex ensures you remain compliant and protected.
Absolutely fantastic service! Tom came out on the day I enquired and was very professional & knowledgable which put my mind at rest. He explained everything throughly and offered advice. I would highly recommend using their services!
Sheffield BranchAnt InfestationSeriously, friendly, effective, quick, what more could you ask for, Thanks Indeed.
Why UK Pest Law Matters
UK pest control laws safeguard public health, wildlife, property, and the wider environment. Understanding these statutes is essential for property owners and businesses alike.
Non-compliance can result in penalties and long-term risks. Choosing Apex Pest Control means your pest management is legally compliant, ethical, and reliable.
Key UK Pest Control Laws
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69
Protects native wildlife and restricts pest species management.
Pest Act 1954
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Eliz2/2-3/68/contents
Makes provisions for controlling pests, with a primary focus on the destruction and control of rabbits, as well as the use of spring traps.
Environmental Protection Act 1990
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/43/contents
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA) is a key UK law that sets the framework for controlling pollution and managing waste and for identifying and cleaning up contaminated land/areas.
Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) 1986
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1986/1510/contents/made
Regulates use and supply of pesticides.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2677/contents/made
Covers safe handling of hazardous materials and chemicals.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/12-13-14/55
Imposes responsibility for rodent control and public health.
Food Safety Act 1990
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/16
Ensures pest-free conditions for all food businesses.
Public Health Act 1936 & 1961
1936: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo5and1Edw8/26/49
1961: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Eliz2/9-10/64
Provides powers to address public health nuisances.
Biocidal Products Regulation (EU 528/2012 & UK version)
EU: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32012R0528
UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/biocidal-products-regulation-bpr
Controls approval and use of biocidal pest products.
Animal Welfare Act 2006
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/contents
Ensures humane treatment of animals, including pests.
Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/988/contents/made
Regulates hazardous waste disposal.
Environmental Protection Act 1990
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/43/contents
Covers environmental management and waste.
BPCA Codes of Best Practice
https://bpca.org.uk/Content-Only-Documents/Code-of-practice-general.pdf
NPTA Standards
https://npta.org.uk/
Rating
Industry Standards and Accreditations
Apex Pest Control is BPCA and NPTA accredited, CHAS certified, and follows all official Codes of Best Practice. Our technicians receive regular training to keep up-to-date with all new and amended regulations.
How Apex Ensures Compliance
We meet and exceed legal requirements by:
- Conducting risk evaluations on every job.
- Using only approved products and legal methods.
- Ensuring humane wildlife and pest management.
- Ongoing training and accreditation for staff.
- Providing compliance documentation for audits and inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions (UK Pest Law)
Do I need pest control by law?
Yes, under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949, owners and landlords are legally responsible for controlling rodents and preventing infestations.
(https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/12-13-14/55)
Can I use any pesticide for pest control?
No, you must use pesticides approved under COPR 1986, and apply them in accordance with COSHH Regulations 2002.
COPR: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1986/1510/contents/made
COSHH: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2677/contents/made
Are there protected pest species I cannot control?
Yes, some wildlife species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, including many birds and mammals. Control methods and timing may be restricted.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69
How are pest control chemicals regulated?
Biocidal Products Regulation and COPR 1986 govern the approval, use, and disposal of pest control chemicals.
BPR: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/biocidal-products-regulation-bpr
COPR: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1986/1510/contents/made
What are the specific rules for food businesses?
Food businesses must keep premises free from pests under the Food Safety Act 1990. Failure can result in fines, closure, or lost licenses.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/16
What documentation does Apex provide for compliance?
We supply detailed risk assessments, treatment reports, and disposal records to demonstrate legal compliance for audits and inspections.
How does Apex ensure humane pest control?
We apply best practices under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and BPCA Codes of Practice, prioritizing non-lethal, humane methods whenever possible.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/contents
https://bpca.org.uk/Content-Only-Documents/Code-of-practice-general.pdf
Are your technicians certified?
Yes, all Apex Pest Control technicians are BPCA and NPTA accredited, and CHAS certified.
What if a pest infestation is reported to the council?
The local authority can enforce action under the Public Health Act or the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act; failing to act can result in fines and enforced pest control.
Public Health Act: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo5and1Edw8/26/49
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/12-13-14/55
Can I dispose of pest control waste myself?
Hazardous waste (e.g., chemicals, carcasses) must be disposed of according to Waste Regs 2011 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990 through licensed contractors.
Waste Regs: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/988/contents/made
EPA: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/43/contents
Useful Resources
- Comprehensive legislation: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/
- BPCA Codes of Best Practice: https://bpca.org.uk/Content-Only-Documents/Code-of-practice-general.pdf
- NPTA Membership & Standards: https://npta.org.uk/
Government guidance: https://www.gov.uk/topic/environmental-management/pest-control
Contact Apex Pest Control
To arrange a legal compliance audit, risk assessment, or expert advice on safe, effective pest management, contact Apex Pest Control—Yorkshire’s trusted authority in professional pest solutions.
Apex Pest Control
Contact Details
54 Baxter Drive
Birley Carr
Sheffield
S6 1GH
0114 3491098
https://apex-pest-control.co.uk/about-us/
Contact Us
- Apex Pest Control
- 54 Baxter Dr, Birley Carr, Sheffield, S6 1GH
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