Are traditional bed bug insecticides becoming less effective, and could desiccant dusts offer a different approach to managing resistant bed bug populations?

Welcome to another episode of Pest Perspectives | In Focus, where we revisit some of the most interesting and educational conversations from Pest Perspectives Podcast.

In this 21-minute discussion, host Shaun Muller revisits Episode 74, Bed Bug Control: Does ChinChex Really Work? | Expert Roundtable, featuring Dr Richard Naylor, Francisco Pazos and Sarah Spratt.

The conversation explores the science behind desiccant dusts, including independent testing, insecticide resistance and the factors that can influence treatment effectiveness.

We also look at the differences between silica-based products and diatomaceous earth, the effects of humidity, exposure considerations and questions surrounding UK product regulation.

Topics covered include:

• Are traditional bed bug insecticides becoming less effective?

• Understanding insecticide resistance in bed bug populations.

• How desiccant dusts work against bed bugs.

• Silica versus diatomaceous earth – what's the difference?

• What independent testing tells us about desiccant performance.

• How humidity can influence treatment effectiveness.

• Exposure considerations when using desiccant dusts.

• Questions surrounding UK regulation and product approval.

• What the research could mean for professional bed bug management.

This discussion offers pest management professionals an opportunity to explore the scientific evidence behind alternative bed bug control methods and consider how resistance, product selection and environmental conditions influence treatment decisions.

This conversation is taken from Episode 74 of Pest Perspectives Podcast. Watch or listen to the full expert roundtable for the complete discussion about ChinChex and its potential role in professional bed bug management.

About Pest Perspectives Podcast

Pest Perspectives Podcast is an independent, CPD-approved UK pest management podcast hosted by Shaun Muller, featuring conversations with pest control professionals, researchers, manufacturers and industry specialists.

Subscribe for more educational discussions covering pest control, pest management, industry research and professional development.

Website: www.pestperspectivespodcast.co.uk

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Dan Traynor – Periscope CFO

CFO and author of Pest Control by Numbers, helping pest control business owners better understand their finances, improve profitability and build stronger businesses.

A big thank you to both sponsors for supporting Pest Perspectives Podcast and helping us continue bringing independent, educational conversations to the pest management industry.

#PestPerspectivesPodcast #BedBugControl #InsecticideResistance #DesiccantDusts #PestManagement

Can rats really come through toilets? How do they travel through drainage systems, and could hidden defects be allowing them into properties?

Welcome to another episode of Pest Perspectives | In Focus, where we revisit some of the most interesting and educational conversations from Pest Perspectives Podcast.

In this 18-minute discussion, host Shaun Muller is joined by drainage specialist Darron Pearce from RATTRAXS, revisiting part of Episode 69.

We explore how rats use drainage systems to access buildings, why flexible toilet connectors can be vulnerable and how damaged or poorly connected pipework can create hidden entry points.

Darron also shares a fascinating real-life case involving rats reaching a fourth-floor property, showing just how capable these animals are when it comes to navigating drainage systems.

Topics covered include:

• How rats travel through drains and soil pipes.

• Why flexible toilet connectors can be vulnerable to rodent damage.

• A real case involving rats reaching a fourth-floor property.

• How building extensions can create hidden drainage problems.

• The difficulties caused by buried or inaccessible inspection chambers.

• Why investigating drainage defects is important when dealing with recurring rat infestations.

It's a practical discussion for pest control professionals, drainage specialists and anyone interested in understanding how rats find their way into buildings.

Sometimes the source of a recurring rat problem isn't immediately visible, and understanding what's happening beneath a property can be an important part of finding a lasting solution.

About Pest Perspectives | In Focus

In Focus brings you selected conversations from previous full-length episodes of Pest Perspectives Podcast, concentrating on individual subjects, industry knowledge and real experiences from professionals working in pest management.

This conversation was originally featured in Episode 69 with Darron Pearce from RATTRAXS.

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Powered Now – Business management software helping pest control companies manage scheduling, quotations, invoicing and day-to-day business operations.

Periscope CFO – Dan Traynor ACA – Chartered Accountant, CFO and author of Pest Control by Numbers, helping pest control business owners understand their finances, improve profitability and build stronger businesses.

Thank you to both sponsors for supporting Pest Perspectives Podcast and helping us continue sharing independent conversations and educational content with the pest management industry.

Follow Pest Perspectives Podcast

Enjoyed this discussion? Follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and other major podcast platforms.

Listen to the full interview with Darron Pearce and explore more episodes at:

https://www.pestperspectivespodcast.co.uk/

How can a small, independent pest control company compete for bigger commercial contracts and grow into a successful business?

Welcome to Pest Perspectives | In Focus, a new series bringing you some of the best conversations, advice and industry insights from previous episodes of Pest Perspectives Podcast.

In this 16-minute discussion, host Shaun Muller revisits Episode 19 with Mark Porter from Porter's Pest Control UK.

Mark shares his experiences of building a family-run pest control business, developing industry relationships and finding opportunities to win larger commercial contracts.

We also discuss how smaller pest control companies can stand out from their competitors by offering additional services, investing in technology and building trust with customers.

Topics covered include:

• Building relationships that lead to commercial pest control contracts.

• Growing a family-run pest control business.

• Winning commercial work as an independent pest controller.

• Digital rodent monitoring and camera technology.

• Offering premium pest management services.

• Customer expectations and the challenges of business growth.

Whether you're running your own pest control company, looking to expand into commercial pest management or considering starting a business, there's plenty to take away from this conversation.

About Pest Perspectives | In Focus

Pest Perspectives | In Focus takes selected discussions from our full-length episodes and brings them together as shorter, topic-focused podcasts.

Real conversations, practical experience and knowledge shared by people working in the pest management industry.

This discussion originally featured in Pest Perspectives Podcast – Episode 19, featuring Mark Porter.

Proudly Sponsored By

Powered Now – Business management software helping pest control businesses manage their day-to-day operations, including scheduling, quoting, invoicing and customer management.

Periscope CFO – Dan Traynor ACA – Chartered Accountant, CFO and author of Pest Control by Numbers, helping pest control business owners better understand their finances, improve profitability and build stronger businesses.

A huge thank you to both sponsors for supporting Pest Perspectives Podcast and helping us continue bringing independent industry conversations and educational content to pest management professionals.

Follow Pest Perspectives Podcast

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow, subscribe and share the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and your favourite podcast platforms.

Listen to more episodes and explore the full podcast archive at:

https://www.pestperspectivespodcast.co.uk/

Pest Perspectives Podcast | Episode 87

Nearly 40 years in pest control. How much has the industry really changed, and are some of the methods we use today worth questioning?

In this episode of Pest Perspectives Podcast, Shaun Muller is joined by Hugh Radford, founder of Guardian Pest Control in Somerset, Vice Chair of the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) and co-host of the Beauties and Beasties Podcast.

Hugh began his pest control career with Rentokil in 1987, long before digital reporting, smartphones, modern bait stations and today's CPD requirements. Since then, he's experienced significant changes in pest management, built a successful family business and developed strong opinions about where the industry is heading.

This is a wide-ranging conversation featuring decades of first-hand experience, stories from the field and some thought-provoking discussions about modern pest control practices.

Topics covered include:

• Pest control in the 1980s: Rentokil training, traditional baiting methods, fumigation and working without modern technology.

• Are we relying too heavily on bait stations? Hugh questions routine external monitoring and discusses the importance of practical inspection skills.

• Rodenticide stewardship and CRRU: Why responsible rodenticide use matters and the potential consequences of losing important control products.

• Running Guardian Pest Control: Building a family business, overcoming serious personal setbacks, employing technicians and managing commercial contracts.

• Commercial pest management: The increasing paperwork, auditing requirements and compliance demands facing pest control businesses.

• Professionalism and public health: Why pest controllers need to communicate their role in protecting public health more effectively.

• CPD and industry training: The importance of continuing professional development, sharing knowledge and remaining open to different approaches.

• Bed bug treatments: Discussions around steam, ChinChex, changing treatment methods and learning from other professionals.

• PestTech 2026: A look ahead to the NPTA's industry event, seminars, exhibitors and opportunities for pest professionals.

• Industry podcasts: Hugh and Shaun discuss the work behind creating independent pest control podcasts and making industry knowledge more accessible.

Throughout the conversation, Hugh challenges established practices while recognising the importance of learning, adapting and maintaining professional standards.

Whether you're an experienced pest controller, a trainee technician, a business owner or simply interested in how professional pest management has developed, this episode offers plenty of insight and discussion.

About Pest Perspectives Podcast

Hosted by Shaun Muller, Pest Perspectives Podcast brings together pest management professionals, technical specialists, business owners and industry voices to share practical experience, challenge ideas and encourage learning across the UK and international pest control industry.

Proudly sponsored by: #AD

Powered Now – Business management software and a supporter of Pest Perspectives Podcast since May 2026.https://powerednow.com/

Dan Traynor, CFO and author of *Pest Control by Numbers* – Helping pest control businesses understand their numbers and improve profitability.https://www.periscopeconsulting.co.uk/

Enjoyed this episode? Follow Pest Perspectives Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Facebook, and share it with others working in pest management.

Real conversations. Industry experience. Different perspectives.

How do you build a successful pest control business from almost nothing, grow it to 600 recurring contracts, and eventually sell the company?

In Episode 86 of Pest Perspectives Podcast, host Shaun Muller welcomes Robert from Best Pest Podcast for an honest, fascinating conversation about pest control business growth, entrepreneurship, professional training and the differences between the UK and American pest management industries.

Robert shares his remarkable journey from living in a hotel room with just $100 and three pest control customers to building a business with approximately 600 recurring contracts before selling it six years later.

But the story doesn't end there. The company that purchased his business eventually hired him back to run its pest control division!

What we discuss in this episode:

• Starting a pest control business: How Robert started with very little money and built his customer base.

• Growing to 600 pest control contracts: The importance of recurring customers, determination and building a sustainable business.

• Pest control marketing and sales: Door knocking, cold calling, Google, Facebook, customer referrals and BNI networking.

• Selling a pest control company: Business acquisitions, recurring revenue, selling contracts and life after selling a business.

• UK vs USA pest control: Major differences in pest management licensing, qualifications, technician training and industry regulations.

• Professional pest management: Experiences involving rodents, termites, ants, bed bugs, squirrel control and exclusion work.

• Building an independent business: The challenges of competing with larger national pest control companies.

• Podcasting in pest control: Why Robert started Best Pest Podcast and the importance of sharing knowledge across the industry.

Robert also opens up about overcoming difficult personal circumstances, the sacrifices involved in running a business and the determination that helped him change his life.

Whether you're an experienced pest control technician, an independent pest management business owner, considering starting your own pest control company or simply interested in entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable experiences and insights from both sides of the Atlantic.

About Pest Perspectives Podcast

Hosted by Shaun Muller in the UK, Pest Perspectives Podcast features conversations with pest management professionals, business owners and industry experts from around the world.

We explore pest control techniques, industry developments, business growth, professional training and the people behind the pest management industry.

Proudly sponsored by:

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Powered Now – Business management software helping pest control professionals manage their paperwork, quotes, invoices and daily operations.

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#ADSponsored by Dan Traynor, CFO and author of Pest Control by Numbers - turning busy pest control firms into profitable ones.

PeriscopeCFOEnjoyed this episode? Follow Pest Perspectives Podcast on Spotify, leave a five-star rating and share the conversation with another pest management professional.

You can also discover and follow Robert's Best Pest Podcast on Spotify, YouTube and social media.

https://open.spotify.com/show/033rmgGkpXZo4JIDa9kCIN?si=0d2146d07b8e4060

Pest Perspectives Podcast – Real conversations. Real experiences. Real pest management.

How do professional bed bug heat treatments actually work? What temperatures are needed to kill bed bugs, and can heat treatment eliminate an infestation in a single visit?

In this episode of Pest Perspectives Podcast, host Shaun Muller is joined by Brad Harvey from Trio Pest Control and Tales From The Crawlspace 2.0 for an in-depth discussion about professional bed bug heat treatments, the equipment involved and the complete treatment process.

Brad shares his experience from the American pest control industry as we explore how bed bug heat treatment works, from the initial property inspection and customer preparation through to heating equipment, temperature monitoring, treatment completion and follow-up inspections.

Topics discussed include:

• How bed bug heat treatments work – Understanding the process of using controlled heat to eliminate bed bugs and their eggs.

• Property inspection and preparation – What technicians and customers need to consider before treatment begins.

• Professional heat treatment equipment – The heaters, air movers, fans and temperature monitoring systems used during treatments.

• Bed bug heat treatment temperatures – Understanding the importance of temperature, exposure time and heat penetration.

• Cold spots and hidden bed bugs – The challenges of reaching harbourages inside furniture, mattresses and other difficult areas.

• How long heat treatments take – Exploring the different stages of a professional treatment.

• Heat treatment failures – Common challenges, mistakes and reasons bed bugs may survive a treatment.

• Heat treatment versus chemical treatment – Comparing different approaches to professional bed bug control.

• Follow-up inspections – Assessing treatment success and managing customer expectations.

We also discuss the practical realities of bed bug extermination, the importance of proper equipment and training, and the lessons pest control professionals can learn from real-world treatment experience.

Whether you're a pest control technician, pest management business owner, bed bug specialist, or simply interested in understanding how professional bed bug heat treatments work, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the industry's most widely discussed treatment methods.

🎙️ About Pest Perspectives Podcast

Hosted by Shaun Muller, Director of Oakham Pest Control Ltd in the UK, Pest Perspectives is a pest control and pest management podcast featuring industry experts, technicians, manufacturers and business owners from around the world.

Episodes explore rodent control, bed bug treatments, insect management, integrated pest management (IPM), pest control training, CPD, industry technology and pest control business growth.

#AD Pest Perspectives Podcast is proudly sponsored by Powered Now, helping trade and service businesses manage jobs, quotes, invoices, scheduling and reporting. ⁠https://powerednow.com/⁠ please check out the guests business belowTrio pest control

https://triopestcontrol.com/

Rodent Proofing & Exclusion: Practical Tips That Work | Ben Channon, ACE – Xcluder

In this episode of the Pest Perspectives Podcast, I’m joined by Ben Channon, ACE, Director at Xcluder and Industrial Products, for an in-depth conversation about pest management, with a particular focus on rodent proofing and exclusion.

We discuss the importance of stopping rodents from gaining access in the first place, common proofing mistakes, identifying potential entry points, choosing the right materials and some of the practical techniques Ben has picked up through years of experience in the industry.

Ben shares plenty of tips, tricks and real-world advice that pest professionals can take away and apply in the field.

We cover:

• Rodent proofing and exclusion

• Finding and understanding rodent entry points

• Common mistakes made during proofing work

• Materials and techniques used for exclusion

• Practical tips for rats and mice

• Why exclusion should form an important part of integrated pest management

• Lessons and experiences from Ben’s career in pest management

• Advice pest professionals can use on real jobs

A practical episode packed with useful information for pest controllers wanting to improve their approach to rodent management, proofing and exclusion.

Guest: Ben Channon, ACE
Director – Xcluder and Industrial Products

🎙️ Pest Perspectives Podcast – conversations with people from across the pest management industry, sharing knowledge, experience and different perspectives.

#AD Pest Perspectives Podcast is proudly sponsored by Powered Now, helping trade and service businesses manage jobs, quotes, invoices, scheduling and reporting. ⁠https://powerednow.com/⁠

Are pest control professionals approaching bed bug treatment the wrong way ?

In this episode of Pest Perspectives, host Shaun Muller is joined by Leah Darby from Complete Bed Bug Solutions to explore specialist bed bug management, why treatments fail and what it really takes to achieve effective, long-term bed bug control.

From detailed inspections and understanding bed bug behaviour to steam treatment, desiccant dusts and insecticide resistance, Leah shares her practical experience and challenges some of the conventional approaches to treating bed bug infestations.

We discuss why simply applying insecticides isn't always the answer, the importance of identifying harbourages and why a structured, multi-visit treatment programme can make a significant difference.

Leah also shares a particularly challenging case involving 21 insecticide treatments over 14 months, highlighting why pest professionals sometimes need to rethink their entire treatment strategy.

Topics include:

• Why professional bed bug treatments fail

• Understanding bed bug behaviour and harbourages

• Specialist bed bug inspections and surveys

• Steam treatment: benefits and limitations

• Desiccant dusts and ChinChex

• Insecticide resistance in bed bugs

• Non-insecticide and alternative treatment methods

• Combining vacuuming, steaming and dust applications

• Multi-visit bed bug treatment programmes

• Monitoring and follow-up inspections

• Reinfestation in flats and shared buildings

• Bed bug management in hotels and commercial properties

• Why specialist training and experience matter

Is successful bed bug control more about understanding the pest than choosing the product?

This episode explores that question through practical experiences, real treatment challenges and an honest discussion about what works in professional bed bug management.

Whether you're a pest control technician, business owner, hotel manager or housing professional, this conversation offers valuable insights into improving bed bug treatment strategies.

Guest: Leah Darby – Complete Bed Bug Solutions

Host: Shaun Muller – Pest Perspectives Podcast

🎧 Follow Pest Perspectives on Spotify for more specialist conversations covering pest control, integrated pest management, industry training, practical treatment techniques and professional development.

#BedBugs #BedBugTreatment #PestControl #PestPerspectives

#AD Pest Perspectives Podcast is proudly sponsored by Powered Now, helping trade and service businesses manage jobs, quotes, invoices, scheduling and reporting. ⁠https://powerednow.com/⁠