NPTA Industry Pulse Results

In August, we launched the first ever NPTA Industry Pulse, asking both business owners and frontline technicians to share their views on the future of pest management.

The objective was simple.

Rather than making assumptions about the challenges facing our industry, we wanted to hear directly from the people who live and breathe pest management every day. We created two dedicated surveys, recognising that business owners and technicians often have different experiences, priorities and perspectives. 

Firstly, thank you to everyone who took the time to participate.

The response has provided valuable insight into the issues, opportunities and concerns currently shaping our profession. While there were some differences between the two groups, there were also several clear themes that emerged consistently across both surveys. 

 

A Profession Proud of What It Does

Perhaps the most encouraging finding was the level of pride demonstrated by technicians working within pest management.

The vast majority of respondents told us they are proud to work in the profession and remain optimistic about its future. Many highlighted the skilled nature of pest management and the important role pest professionals play in protecting public health, businesses, food production and the wider environment. 

Business owners were similarly positive. Most respondents described their businesses as stable or growing and expressed confidence about the year ahead despite the challenges currently facing the sector. 

The message was clear.

This is an industry that believes in what it does and remains optimistic about the future.

 

Recognition Matters

If one theme united both business owners and technicians more than any other, it was the desire for greater public recognition of professional pest management.

Respondents frequently highlighted concerns that the public often underestimates the skill, training, knowledge and responsibility required to deliver professional pest management services. Many felt that the industry continues to be viewed too narrowly, with insufficient recognition of the work undertaken to protect public health, safeguard businesses and support environmental stewardship. 

Public awareness was one of the highest-ranked priorities in both surveys, suggesting there is a strong appetite for the NPTA and the wider industry to do more to communicate the value of professional pest management.

 

Tackling Rogue Operators

Business owners delivered a particularly strong message around rogue operators and poor industry practices.

When asked where the NPTA should focus its efforts over the next twelve months, tackling rogue operators emerged as the single most frequently selected priority. Respondents expressed concern about unqualified individuals, poor workmanship, misuse of products and practices that risk damaging the reputation of professional pest management businesses. 

Many businesses also highlighted the continued availability and misuse of pest control products by untrained users as an issue requiring greater attention.

The feedback suggests that raising standards and improving public understanding of the benefits of using qualified pest professionals remain key priorities for the sector.

 

Regulation, Compliance and Competence

The surveys also revealed a significant level of discussion around regulation and competency requirements.

While respondents broadly supported professional standards, many business owners expressed concerns about increasing compliance burdens, the pace of regulatory change and the cost of ongoing training requirements. Several respondents called for a balanced approach that maintains high standards whilst recognising existing qualifications, competence and practical experience.

There was also strong support for greater government engagement and stronger representation for the industry on issues affecting pest management businesses.

These responses reinforce the importance of ensuring that the industry’s voice is heard when future policy decisions are being considered.

 

Looking After the People Behind the Profession

One area that stood out from the Technician Pulse was the importance of technician wellbeing.

Alongside discussions around training, qualifications and career development, respondents highlighted concerns relating to workload, lone working, mental health, pay, career progression and work-life balance.

Several participants spoke about the need to focus not only on technical competency, but also on supporting the people who deliver pest management services every day. 

As an industry, we spend a great deal of time discussing pests, products and legislation. The feedback suggests we should also continue to focus on developing sustainable careers that attract, support and retain talented individuals.

 

What Happens Next?

The NPTA Industry Pulse was never intended to be an exercise in simply collecting opinions.

We launched the initiative under the banner “Your Voice. Our Action.” because we wanted the findings to help shape our future priorities.

Based on the results, several themes will feature prominently in our discussions and activities over the coming months, including:

• Raising public awareness of professional pest management.

• Supporting efforts to tackle rogue operators and poor industry practices.

• Continuing to provide practical technical guidance and training.

• Strengthening engagement on regulatory and government matters.

• Supporting technician development, wellbeing and long-term career progression.

• Championing the professionalism and value of our industry.

 

Thank You

This is the first NPTA Industry Pulse, but it will not be the last.

We intend to repeat the surveys every six months so we can continue tracking industry sentiment, identifying emerging challenges and ensuring that our members and the wider profession help shape the work we do.

Once again, thank you to everyone who participated.

The industry has spoken.

Now it’s our responsibility to listen and act.

 

Your Voice. Our Action.