Pest Perspectives: UK Pest Management & AI Insights

Modern Pest Control: Profit, Professionalism & The Future of the Industry

In this round table episode of the Pest Perspectives Podcast, host Shaun Muller (Oakham Pest Control) is joined by Sam Trickey (Trickey Pest Control) and Kieron Bewes (Green Rock Pest Control) for an open and practical discussion on the realities of running a modern pest control business.

This episode goes beyond day-to-day pest work and looks at the bigger picture — how pest control businesses can stay professional, profitable, and future-focused while still putting good pest management and client trust first.

The panel discusses:

• What should (and shouldn’t) go into a professional site folder
• Sensible, ethical sales add-ons that genuinely benefit clients
• How AI is starting to reduce admin and improve reporting
• Diversifying income through additional revenue streams
• Drain investigations and rat ingress work
• Bird proofing as a specialist service
• Detection dogs and where they fit in pest management
• Professional standards, compliance and documentation
• Where the pest control industry may be heading next

This is a practical, honest conversation for technicians and business owners who want to build sustainable, professional operations — whether you’re self-employed, growing a team, or refining your current systems.

The Pest Perspectives Podcast is an industry-recognised, CPD-approved platform focused on real conversations, education, and raising standards within pest management.

In this episode of the Pest Perspectives Podcast, host Shaun Muller sits down with Owen Hayes, a young technician whose journey into pest control shows the real impact the industry can have on people’s lives.

Owen’s path hasn’t been straightforward. After struggling to find the right direction in traditional college routes, he joined a supported internship programme designed to help young people with learning difficulties and disabilities gain confidence and workplace experience. With the right support, structure, and opportunity, he found his footing and ultimately began an apprenticeship in pest control, where he has continued to grow and develop.

This episode is an honest, down-to-earth conversation about what it’s really like starting out in the industry as a young person, the challenges that can come with learning difficulties, and how the pest control sector can offer practical, rewarding career paths for people who might not thrive in more traditional roles.

Shaun and Owen discuss:

• Getting into pest control as a young person
  

• Building confidence through hands-on work
  

• The importance of supportive employers and mentors
  

• How the industry can create more opportunities for people with learning difficulties
  

• Why pest control can be a strong career choice for those who prefer practical, real-world learning
  

This episode shines a light on an often-overlooked side of the industry: the role it can play in giving young people purpose, confidence, and a genuine career path.

Whether you’re a pest controller, business owner, trainer, or someone considering a career in the industry, this is an important and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

Listen now on your favourite podcast platform.

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#VocationalTraining#dfnprojectsearch#projectsearch#SupportedInternship
#LearningDifficulties
#DisabilityInclusion#YoungProfessionals
#NextGeneration
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#CareerPathways

In this episode of the Pest Perspectives Podcast, Shaun sits down with Billy McPhearson of Scotica Wildlife Solutions to talk about the realities of wildlife management, working in challenging environments, and the practical skills needed to deal with problem species safely and professionally.Billy shares insights from his day-to-day work, the types of jobs he attends, and how wildlife control differs from standard pest management. The conversation covers field experience, training, industry standards, and the importance of doing the job correctly and ethically.This episode offers valuable learning points for pest professionals, wildlife controllers, and anyone interested in the practical side of UK pest and wildlife management.A practical, honest conversation from the field with one of the industry’s working wildlife specialists.🎧 Listen now on your favourite platform📚 CPD value: Reflective learning opportunity for pest professionals