Killgerm Podcast

Part two focuses on the skills behind accurate insect identification. Dr Matthew Davies discusses training routes, common sample challenges, and the limits of AI and image recognition. The conversation looks ahead to DNA analysis, invasive species, and how climate change may reshape insect identification in the UK pest control industry. The post Episode 52: A Year in Insects – Part 2 first appeare...

In part one, Dr Matthew Davies explores the Killgerm Insect ID Service, revealing what thousands of annual samples tell us about emerging pest trends. From book lice dominance to rising ant species, this episode covers identification methods, seasonal patterns, and why accurate insect ID underpins effective pest control. The post Episode 51: A Year in Insects – Part 1 first appeared on Killgerm Po...

A closer look at rodent taste and how quickly they assess what’s safe to eat. Michael and Avril discuss taste buds across the mouth, food preferences, aversions, and how taste impacts bait uptake, shyness, and overall pest control success. The post Episode 50: Rodent Senses – Part 3 first appeared on Killgerm Podcast .

An exploration of rodent hearing and vision, covering ultrasonic communication, colony interactions, and why sight is far less important than other senses in day-to-day behaviour. The post Episode 49: Rodent Senses – Part 2 first appeared on Killgerm Podcast .

A deep dive into how rodents use smell to navigate their environment, communicate within colonies, and locate food — plus how this understanding supports more effective pest control. The post Episode 48: Rodent Senses – Part 1 first appeared on Killgerm Podcast .

A continuation of the discussion, covering native and invasive dormice, their impact on properties, the legal requirements around control, and how different mouse species influence the approach pest controllers should take. The post Episode 47: Mice of Great Britain – Part 2 first appeared on Killgerm Podcast .

Michael and Melvin explore the mice commonly found in Britain, focusing on how to distinguish house mice from wood mice through appearance, behaviour, and field signs — and why correct identification is essential for compliant pest control. The post Episode 46: Mice of Great Britain – Part 1 first appeared on Killgerm Podcast .

Host Michael Dunbar is joined by Benny and George from Coptrz to discuss how drones are changing industries and what this could mean for pest control. From thermal imaging and LiDAR to safety, training, and AI, this episode explores the technology’s potential to save time, cut costs, and improve results. The post Episode 45: Drones in Pest Control: Innovation with Coptrz first appeared on Killgerm...

Michael Dunbar talks to BASF’s Lawrence Barnard about the return of a once-withdrawn insecticide. They cover its history, what’s changed on the label, and why it earned long-term trust from pest controllers. Plus, practical advice on resistance management and a look at what’s coming next from BASF. The post Episode 44: Fendona is Back! first appeared on Killgerm Podcast .

In this episode, we’re joined by Nicolai and Christian N. Hagelien, co-founders of SKATEK, to discuss Exhale—a device that mimics human presence using CO₂ and kairomones to trigger bedbug movement. Exhale supports effective detection in places like hotels, vacant flats, and other challenging environments where hosts can’t be present. The post Episode 43: Learn how Exhale mimics a human host...

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Matt Davies on CRRU UK’s latest updates. We delve into the practical implications of the upcoming restrictions on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) use in open areas and waste dumps, clarify burrow baiting rules, and discuss how pest controllers can adapt to these changes.  The post Episode 42: CRRU UK Update Part 2: Navigatin...

This Spring, we’re making it easier than ever to earn CPD points with Killgerm podcasts. Based on your feedback, we’re introducing a new system that allows you to earn points faster. Instead of listening to a full batch of 12 podcasts for 6 points, now you can earn 1 point after every two podcasts you listen to. No more waiting—build up your points as you go! We would also like to introduce...

In today’s episode, Emma welcomes Sophie Wulff, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Arctech Innovation, to explore the groundbreaking BugScents Sentry Pro. Inspired by nature and advanced by science, this discreet and reusable monitor, powered by a patented fast-action aggregation pheromone lure, detects bedbugs in as little as 24 hours. Developed through a decade of research at the London Schoo...

Join Emma Lown as she sits down with Dr Matthew Davis, Head of Technical at Killgerm, to discuss the recent change in licensing for glue traps. The post Episode 38 – New Licensing for Rodent Glue Traps first appeared on Killgerm Podcast .

Join Emma Lown as she sits down with Richard Moseley, the Key Account and Business Development Manager at Syngenta, in this insightful episode. They delve into the specifics of Advion Cockroach & Ant Gel, exploring its innovative features, effectiveness, and application techniques. Discover how this product is revolutionising pest control and providing a reliable solution for managing infesta...

In Part 2 of this podcast, Emma is joined by Killgerm Area Sales Manager Rob Simpson to discuss cluster flies and how to manage them, as well as some anecdotal stories from Rob from his days as a Pest Controller. Click here for Part 1. The post Episode 36: Cluster Flies – Part 2 first appeared on Killgerm Podcast .

In Part 1 of this podcast, Emma is joined by Killgerm Area Sales Manager Rob Simpson to discuss cluster flies and how to manage them, as well as some anecdotal stories from Rob from his days as a pest controller. Click here for Part 2. The post Episode 35: Cluster Flies – Part 1 first appeared on Killgerm Podcast .

Today, Emma is joined by Maike Schmitz to discuss the new era of insect management technology. For the last 5 years, Maike has been the international sales manager for PestWest, and today she has kindly joined us to discuss the new LED range of electronic fly killers. The post Episode 34: Quantum X Tube Technology first appeared on Killgerm Podcast .

This month, Killgerm’s resident bird expert Alastair Fernie joins Emma Lown to discuss the latest offering of bird spikes and bird control products . The post Episode 33: Bird Spikes first appeared on Killgerm Podcast .

In order to talk about the concept of digital pest control as part of a wider discussion surrounding the future of our industry, Luke is joined by Gary Nicholas, Digital Pest Management Manager for Bayer UK. Amongst other things, the pair discuss the industry’s perception of technology, how it might help bring a younger generation to pest control, and speculate on what the future might hold. The p...

In an eye-opening episode, Neil Wotherspoon, Director at Elite Pest Management, is welcomed on the podcast to talk about his time working in military-occupied Afghanistan. Luke questions Neil about his day-to-day activities, the pests he came into contact with, the conditions he faced, and what he learnt from the experience. The post Episode 30: Pest Control in Afghanistan first appeared on Killge...

Luke is joined by Alan Buckle, the Chairman of the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU), to discuss the organisation’s core principles and objectives, how pest controllers and CRRU can help one another, and what the future holds for CRRU. The post Episode 29: Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use first appeared on Killgerm Podcast .

We turn our attention to a specific product as Luke is joined by Iain Urquhart, the inventor of the AF Amicus rat box. They discuss what makes the AF Amicus successful, and how a pest controller can get the most out of it. The post Episode 28: AF Amicus first appeared on Killgerm Podcast .