Spotlight on Young Pest Controllers: Celebrating Dedication and Innovation in the Pest Control Industry
The anticipation builds for this year's Young Pest Controller of the Year award which will be announced at the National Pest Awards. This renowned and respected industry event unites professionals from the British pest control sector to celebrate, acknowledge, and honour the outstanding achievements within.
Hosted by Pest magazine, the Awards evening is scheduled for September 7th at the Hilton in London Bankside. The awards showcase a diverse array of categories, including Pest Business of the Year, Sustainable Initiative of the Year, and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Envu proudly sponsors the Young Pest Controller of the Year. This category recognises the outstanding contributions of young pest management experts, underlining the importance of attracting fresh talent to the field. The judging panel has been on the lookout for a champion who demonstrates unwavering commitment to enhancing their expertise and staying current with ongoing learning.
After the rigorous judging process, the 2023 finalists for the Young Pest Controller of the Year are:
- Joe Martin - PGM & Son Pest Control
- James Craig - Beaver Pest Control
- Joe Strong - Beaver Pest Control
In anticipation of the awards ceremony, we caught up with the three finalists to learn more about their work and passion for the industry.
James Craig - Pest Technician / Bird Control Specialist at Beaver Pest Control
How did you enter the industry?
I got into the industry through a job recruiting site. Pest and bird control had always interested me due to the job variety and detective-type skills required for the role.
How do you feel about your nomination for Young Pest Controller of the Year?
Just to be nominated for this award gives me a great feeling of achievement and pride: it’s shown me that my hard work has been noticed and that all of my training and self-development has come together.
What excites you most about your job?
I love learning new things and having different scenarios each day. Wild animals and pests all have different behaviour patterns and tenacity to overcome pest control techniques, so combating this with new ways of control is always exciting and rewarding.
What do you envisage for the future of pest control?
The future of pest control appears to be getting tougher with the reduction of certain pesticides and changes in licensing in regard to some species. Technology is now a massive part of our industry and I feel this will continue to benefit us in the way we conduct our day-to-day tasks. I feel technology will play a huge part in the future.
Share an interesting fact about yourself!
I love my fishing - I guess it’s a peaceful escape! I joined a tricky private lake where the biggest fish in the lake (at around 35 pounds in weight) had not been caught for many years. I caught this fish within the first 6 months of being a member. Many other anglers/ members have been trying years to catch this fish. Some said it was luck, but I went on to catch it again within another 6 months!
Joe Martin – Pest Technician at PGM & Son Pest Control
How did you enter the industry?
PGM & Son Pest Control is our family business. I've been involved since a young age, watching my dad handle tasks like removing wasp nests. After finishing school, I joined the business full-time about a year and a half ago.
How do you feel about your nomination for Young Pest Controller of the Year?
I feel incredibly proud; it's like a recognition of my passion. I truly love what I do.
What excites you most about your job?
Being on the move, travelling across different counties. I enjoy working on jobs in rural areas, where solving a rat problem feels like being a detective! Every day is unique, and each task presents a new challenge. I also relish the opportunity to meet and interact with a diverse range of people, sometimes even encountering famous individuals.
What do you envisage for the future of pest control?
The use of chemicals is on the decline, and we're already exploring and implementing alternative methods to minimise their use. We're actively embracing different approaches and placing a strong emphasis on Integrated Pest Management.
Share an interesting fact about yourself!
I have two boxer dogs, and they can be as much of a handful as any pests!
Joe Strong, Division Manager for Pest Exclusion and Drainage at Beaver Pest Control
How did you enter the industry?
I saw a job advert and I was intrigued by the job description -I started at Beaver a few days after my 20th birthday and nearly 8 years later I am still here.
How do you feel about your nomination for Young Pest Controller of the Year?
I am just really proud that I have been able to represent the company and humbled that my efforts have been recognised in this prestigious award.
What excites you most about your job?
I get to see many different places, people, and things. In my job, I deal with many different aspects and areas of the company and work with different equipment. I’m always learning! No day is the same.
What do you envisage for the future of pest control?
I think it is going to be more about solving issues long-term, such as repairing drains for rats and proofing properties as we are now.
Share an interesting fact about yourself!
I like to explore and do new things in my free time. I recently completed the O2 climb experience -the views from the top are brilliant!
Best of luck to all the finalists. It's evident that the industry's future relies on the enthusiasm and dedication of young professionals like Joe Martin, James Craig, Joe Strong, and many others. Our sector is lucky to have such a wealth of young talented people joining the profession.
