Wildlife Management
Supporting Responsible, Legal, and Humane Wildlife Control Across the UK
Wildlife management is a vital part of modern pest control. Pest professionals are often called upon to deal with protected or sensitive wildlife species that can pose real challenges to health, safety, and property — from managing urban foxes and invasive grey squirrels to navigating the complexities of bird control under general licences.
At the NPTA, we support pest controllers with the specialist training, up-to-date legislative guidance, and practical resources needed to handle wildlife situations confidently, humanely, and within the law.
Why Wildlife Management Matters in Pest Control
Controlling wildlife is not the same as dealing with typical pest species like rats or cockroaches. Wildlife species are often protected by law, and control measures must meet high standards of legality, welfare, and environmental care.
Wildlife can:
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Spread disease to humans and animals
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Cause structural damage to homes, farms, and businesses
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Compete with native species
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Lead to complaints or media attention if handled poorly
Pest controllers working in this field need to be highly trained and legally informed to carry out effective wildlife control and avoid fines or prosecution.
Key Topics in Professional Wildlife Control
Our training and guidance cover all core areas of wildlife management in the UK pest control industry, including:
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Understanding the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Learn what’s protected, what’s permitted, and how to stay compliant -
Using General and Specific Licences Correctly
Discover how to interpret and apply Natural England, NatureScot, and NRW licensing frameworks -
Animal Welfare and Humane Control Methods
Learn ethical, welfare-focused approaches to wildlife deterrents and control -
Identifying Protected Species, Signs of Activity and Nesting Sites
Improve your species recognition and seasonal awareness -
Safe Use of Traps, Exclusion Tools, and Deterrents
Use approved equipment and techniques that minimise suffering and risk -
Managing Public Perception and Responsible Reporting
Learn how to communicate effectively with clients and the public on sensitive wildlife issues
Being trained, confident, and compliant in this area isn’t just best practice — it’s essential.
Real-World Relevance and Industry Expectations
Wildlife management is under increasing scrutiny from regulators, local authorities, environmental groups, and the public. Missteps in this area can damage your reputation — or worse, land you in legal trouble.
That’s why NPTA-accredited professionals are trained not only in effective control methods, but also in how to:
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Carry out proper risk assessments
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Stay within legal limits and codes of practice
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Communicate confidently with clients
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Manage wildlife in rural, urban, and commercial settings
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Reduce non-target risks and ensure public safety
From Trapping on commercial sites to humane fox removal from residential areas, wildlife control is a professional skill — and it’s one we’re proud to support.