Battle of the bins: pest prevention a priority says BPCA

Regular refuse collections are a key battleground in protecting people from the disease, destruction and distress that can be caused by a pest infestation, writes Niall Gallagher, technical manager at British Pest Control Association (BPCA)

Bins have hit the headlines several times in 2025, with both regional and national press covering the ‘indefinite strike’ by refuse collectors in Birmingham, which began on Tuesday 11 March.
At the end of that month, Birmingham City Council declared the situation a ‘major incident’ and by early April, there were reportedly 17,000 tonnes of uncollected waste on the streets of the city, creating a major attraction for rats, mice, foxes and other pests.

BPCA launched a wide-ranging public health campaign to help residents take steps to prevent pest issues in their homes. From a dedicated web page to billboard advertising and a YouTube video providing crucial information for residents, BPCA was on hand to offer advice and support. Six months on and the bin strikes in Birmingham continue to demonstrate how disruption to kerbside services can result in a range of problems for householders, from untidy streets and unpleasant smells to pest activity and increased risk of infestation.

Both regional and national press have also covered alterations to kerbside collections some councils are already making in preparation for the government’s new Simpler Recycling rules which come into effect in March 2027.

The policy will require more consistent recycling services across the country but does not set a minimum standard for general waste collections, prompting many councils to start making the switch from fortnightly to three-weekly collections for general waste.

In some areas the gap is even longer with at least four councils in Scotland and Wales collecting general waste every four weeks. 

But why are bins such a key issue for pests and public health?

Why do we control pests?
Pest activity in human environments can be a public health risk because many species are vectors of disease or carry dirt and bacteria into food preparation areas, which can cause people to become ill.
Rats can spread diseases including Leptospirosis, Salmonella, Listeria and Hantavirus to humans through contact with their body, urine or droppings in food preparation areas.
While uncommon, at least one BPCA member reported a rat bite incident while working in Birmingham in the spring. When cornered, a rat may spring at the perceived threat and bite to defend itself.
Rat bites can be deep, but even if the skin isn’t broken, a thorough wash and medical support is advised.

Mice can spread diseases though their urine, droppings and bedding. They transfer dirt and bacteria to countertops, shelves and anywhere they travel. They can squeeze through tiny gaps to access shelter and food.
Bluebottles and house flies are among several species of large buzzing flies that have great capacity for transmitting the bacterial agents of food poisoning through their feet and defecation. They vomit on food in order to soften it, further spreading bacteria.

Feral pigeons reportedly carry more than 110 pathogens and their droppings, once dry, can become airborne in small particles, which can cause respiratory conditions. Pigeons and gulls can also carry parasites including mites, ticks and fleas.

All of these common pests, and more, are attracted to the waste left in bins. And when refuse goes uncollected and bags are left outside overflowing bin stores or bins, it’s like opening a buffet for them.

Destruction and distress
Pests can cause major damage to homes, businesses and commercial operations.
Rats and mice need to gnaw to maintain their teeth. If they are inside a property, this can result in damage to electrical cables, pipes and even brickwork.
Fires and floods have been attributed to rodent gnawing.

Residents and business owners affected by pest activity or infestation can experience a range of emotions from revulsion and horror to misery, embarrassment and shame.
This can prevent people from seeking help from a pest professional and turning to amateur use, or even unlicensed products.

A fear of pests can, in some cases, manifest as a mental health condition known as delusional parasitosis, in which an individual believes they or their home is infested with insects or parasites.

They often suffer with a ‘crawling’ sensation on their skin or complain of itching or numbness.

In serious cases, people have resorted to self-mutilation or using harmful pesticides on themselves.

Conversely some householders may refuse to acknowledge any pest activity or admit that action needs to be taken, which means an infestation can rapidly become established and spiral out of control.

DIY pest control
Pest control products can also be a hazard in the wrong hands. Incorrect use of pest control products can put adults, children, pets and wildlife at risk.

In December 2021, Fatiha Sabrin died on her 11th birthday as a result of phosphine gas poisoning, caused by her neighbour in Tower Hamlets, London, using excessive amounts of an unlicensed imported product to exterminate bed bugs.

The neighbour, Jesmin Akter, admitted manslaughter by committing an unlawful act and importing a regulated substance.

Products must be licensed for use in the UK and used strictly in accordance with the instructions on the label.

Untrained use of pest products can also have the opposite of the intended effect and cause some infestations to spiral out of control.

Many pest species have rapid breeding cycles and infestations can escalate to become major incidents in a relatively short time scale.

Prevention is better than cure
Bins, bin collections, recycling and waste services are all vital factors in helping householders and businesses avoid problems with pests.

Food waste and packaging, and in some cases even garden waste, are an easy meal for pests if left in bins that are not securely shut.

If bins are overfull or overflowing, rats, mice, foxes and birds will have no problem tearing open bin bags to get to food scraps, leaving access for flies, ants and other insects.

When bins have become an established food source for pests, they will look for a sheltered spot nearby in which to settle down and breed.

As bin storage areas are often next to homes, pests will seek somewhere warm and sheltered, which maybe a shed or garage, but could be inside a home or business too.

Rats and mice can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps around windows, doors and cable or pipe entry points, while birds may nest in chimneys or loft spaces and insects can enter through a variety of routes depending on the species.

While residents and businesses have a duty to ensure waste is disposed of responsibly, in order to avoid attracting pests in the first place, frequent collections are still key. It means less rubbish is left to accumulate and bins are more likely to be securely closed and therefore less appealing to pests who will seek easier pickings elsewhere.

Local authorities must balance budgets, government regulations and a wide range of other factors that influence decision-making on refuse and recycling services, but from a pest management point of view, regular kerbside collections must be a key consideration when it comes to protecting public health.