Pest Perspectives | Pest Control & Pest Management Podcast

Shaun Muller

Pest Perspectives is a UK-based pest control and pest management podcast hosted by Shaun Muller of Oakham Pest Control Ltd, created for pest professionals, technicians and pest control business owners worldwide. Weekly episodes explore rodent control, bed bugs, insect control, fumigation, bird and wildlife management, integrated pest management (IPM), pest control training, CPD, legislation, technology, marketing and business growth. Expect expert guests, practical industry discussions, real-world pest management experience and honest conversations about the challenges, opportunities and fut

  1. 22h ago

    Bed Bug Heat Treatments Explained: The Full Process | Brad Harvey

    How do professional bed bug heat treatments actually work? What temperatures are needed to kill bed bugs, and can heat treatment eliminate an infestation in a single visit? In this episode of Pest Perspectives Podcast, host Shaun Muller is joined by Brad Harvey from Trio Pest Control and Tales From The Crawlspace 2.0 for an in-depth discussion about professional bed bug heat treatments, the equipment involved and the complete treatment process. Brad shares his experience from the American pest control industry as we explore how bed bug heat treatment works, from the initial property inspection and customer preparation through to heating equipment, temperature monitoring, treatment completion and follow-up inspections. Topics discussed include: How bed bug heat treatments work – Understanding the process of using controlled heat to eliminate bed bugs and their eggs. Property inspection and preparation – What technicians and customers need to consider before treatment begins. Professional heat treatment equipment – The heaters, air movers, fans and temperature monitoring systems used during treatments. Bed bug heat treatment temperatures – Understanding the importance of temperature, exposure time and heat penetration. Cold spots and hidden bed bugs – The challenges of reaching harbourages inside furniture, mattresses and other difficult areas. How long heat treatments take – Exploring the different stages of a professional treatment. Heat treatment failures – Common challenges, mistakes and reasons bed bugs may survive a treatment. Heat treatment versus chemical treatment – Comparing different approaches to professional bed bug control. Follow-up inspections – Assessing treatment success and managing customer expectations. We also discuss the practical realities of bed bug extermination, the importance of proper equipment and training, and the lessons pest control professionals can learn from real-world treatment experience. Whether you're a pest control technician, pest management business owner, bed bug specialist, or simply interested in understanding how professional bed bug heat treatments work, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the industry's most widely discussed treatment methods. 🎙️ About Pest Perspectives Podcast Hosted by Shaun Muller, Director of Oakham Pest Control Ltd in the UK, Pest Perspectives is a pest control and pest management podcast featuring industry experts, technicians, manufacturers and business owners from around the world. Episodes explore rodent control, bed bug treatments, insect management, integrated pest management (IPM), pest control training, CPD, industry technology and pest control business growth. #AD Pest Perspectives Podcast is proudly sponsored by Powered Now, helping trade and service businesses manage jobs, quotes, invoices, scheduling and reporting. ⁠https://powerednow.com/⁠ please check out the guests business belowTrio pest control https://triopestcontrol.com/

    Bed Bug Heat Treatments Explained: The Full Process | Brad Harvey
  2. Sep 29

    Bed Bug Treatment: Are We Getting It Wrong? | Leah Darby

    Are pest control professionals approaching bed bug treatment the wrong way ? In this episode of Pest Perspectives, host Shaun Muller is joined by Leah Darby from Complete Bed Bug Solutions to explore specialist bed bug management, why treatments fail and what it really takes to achieve effective, long-term bed bug control. From detailed inspections and understanding bed bug behaviour to steam treatment, desiccant dusts and insecticide resistance, Leah shares her practical experience and challenges some of the conventional approaches to treating bed bug infestations. We discuss why simply applying insecticides isn't always the answer, the importance of identifying harbourages and why a structured, multi-visit treatment programme can make a significant difference. Leah also shares a particularly challenging case involving 21 insecticide treatments over 14 months, highlighting why pest professionals sometimes need to rethink their entire treatment strategy. Topics include: Why professional bed bug treatments fail Understanding bed bug behaviour and harbourages Specialist bed bug inspections and surveys Steam treatment: benefits and limitations Desiccant dusts and ChinChex Insecticide resistance in bed bugs Non-insecticide and alternative treatment methods Combining vacuuming, steaming and dust applications Multi-visit bed bug treatment programmes Monitoring and follow-up inspections Reinfestation in flats and shared buildings Bed bug management in hotels and commercial properties Why specialist training and experience matter Is successful bed bug control more about understanding the pest than choosing the product? This episode explores that question through practical experiences, real treatment challenges and an honest discussion about what works in professional bed bug management. Whether you're a pest control technician, business owner, hotel manager or housing professional, this conversation offers valuable insights into improving bed bug treatment strategies. Guest: Leah Darby – Complete Bed Bug Solutions Host: Shaun Muller – Pest Perspectives Podcast 🎧 Follow Pest Perspectives on Spotify for more specialist conversations covering pest control, integrated pest management, industry training, practical treatment techniques and professional development. #BedBugs #BedBugTreatment #PestControl #PestPerspectives #AD Pest Perspectives Podcast is proudly sponsored by Powered Now, helping trade and service businesses manage jobs, quotes, invoices, scheduling and reporting. ⁠https://powerednow.com/⁠

    Bed Bug Treatment: Are We Getting It Wrong? | Leah Darby
  3. Sep 22

    Chads Pipe Guards, Wasp Control & Rat Proofing | Ep 82

    Pest Perspectives Podcast Episode 82 welcomes Jason McPhie for a wide-ranging conversation about pest control products, innovation and what pest professionals are seeing out in the field. One of the big topics is Chads Pipe Guards, a pest-proofing product designed to help prevent rats and mice using drainpipes as an access route into buildings. Shaun and Jason discuss the thinking behind the product, where pipe proofing fits into modern pest management and why stopping pest ingress can be just as important as controlling an existing infestation. We also look back at this year's wasp season and talk about some of the equipment changing how pest professionals approach wasp and hornet work, including the TLK35 Electric Pump Handle for the DR5 Duster and the Vespikill E-Duster.Plus, Shaun and Jason get into rat control, proofing, pest-control equipment, product development and the realities of working in professional pest management. In Episode 82:Chads Pipe Guards and pest-proofing Preventing rats and mice using drainpipes* Jason's experience developing a pest-control product. The 2026 wasp season,TLK35 Electric Pump Handle for the DR5 Duster,Vespikill E-Duster,Wasp and hornet treatments,Rat control and rodent proofing, Pest-control tools and innovation,General pest-control conversation from two people working in the industry 🎙️ Hosted by Shaun Muller🎧 Guest: Jason McPhie📺 Pest Perspectives Podcast – Episode 82 Pest Perspectives brings together pest professionals, manufacturers, innovators and specialists for open conversations about the professional pest-management industry. The views and opinions expressed by Shaun Muller on Pest Perspectives are his own personal views and do not represent the views or opinions of the NPTA.

    Chads Pipe Guards, Wasp Control & Rat Proofing | Ep 82
  4. Sep 19 ·  Bonus

    What Does It Really Mean to Be a Pest Professional?

    Welcome to the first Pest Perspectives Solo Edition. This is a new format for the podcast where, instead of interviewing a guest, I sit down on my own and share my personal thoughts, experiences and opinions on different subjects within the pest management industry. For Episode 01, I'm asking: What does it really mean to be a pest professional? Does holding a qualification automatically make somebody a professional, or is professionalism about what you continue to learn and how you conduct yourself afterwards? This Solo Edition is designed to start discussion rather than tell anyone how they should think. Everything discussed in this episode represents my own personal views and opinions only. My views are my own and should not be taken as representing the views or official position of the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA), any organisation I am involved with, Oakham Pest Control Ltd, podcast guests, sponsors or any other third party. I'd genuinely like to hear what other pest professionals think: What does being a pest professional mean to you? Join the discussion in the comments. #AD Pest Perspectives Podcast is proudly sponsored by Powered Now, helping trade and service businesses manage jobs, quotes, invoices, scheduling and reporting. ⁠https://powerednow.com/⁠  I'm inviting you to try Powered Now - it saves me hours on quotes, invoices, and admin. Use my link to get £50 off: https://www.powerednow.io/refer?code=FAB82F72  Pest Perspectives Podcast is a UK independent pest control podcast hosted by Shaun Muller of Oakham Pest Control Ltd. The show features practical conversations with pest control technicians, business owners, suppliers and industry experts, covering rodent control, drainage investigations, bee removal, bed bugs, wasps, commercial pest management, compliance, business growth and wider pest industry topics. Listen, watch and learn more at: ⁠https://www.pestperspectivespodcast.co.uk

    What Does It Really Mean to Be a Pest Professional?
  5. Sep 15

    Bird Control & Pigeon Deterrence: How Bird Free Optical Gel Works | Ian Smith

    How does Bird Free Optical Gel work, and where does it fit within professional bird control and pigeon management?In this episode of Pest Perspectives, Shaun Muller is joined by Ian Smith from Bird Free to explore professional bird control, pigeon deterrence and the science behind Bird Free Optical Gel.We discuss how Bird Free is used to change pigeon behaviour, how visual, smell and touch stimuli contribute to its deterrent effect, and why understanding bird behaviour is so important when tackling persistent pigeon problems.The conversation explores Bird Free Optical Gel alongside more traditional bird proofing methods such as bird spikes and netting, including where different approaches may be suitable and why correct site assessment and installation matter.Topics include:• Professional bird control and pigeon control• Bird Free Optical Gel and how it works• Pigeon behaviour and long-established nesting or roosting sites• Bird deterrence and bird proofing• Optical gel compared with spikes and netting• Site surveys and choosing the right bird-control solution• Common mistakes in pigeon management• The future of professional bird control bird free website below Bird Free - HomeWhether you're a pest controller, bird-control specialist, technician, facilities manager or pest management business owner, this episode offers practical insight into modern pigeon control and professional bird deterrence.🎙️ Pest Perspectives | Pest Control & Pest Management PodcastHosted by Shaun Muller of Oakham Pest Control Ltd. #AD Pest Perspectives Podcast is proudly sponsored by Powered Now, helping trade and service businesses manage jobs, quotes, invoices, scheduling and reporting. ⁠https://powerednow.com/⁠  I'm inviting you to try Powered Now - it saves me hours on quotes, invoices, and admin. Use my link to get £50 off: https://www.powerednow.io/refer?code=FAB82F72  Pest Perspectives Podcast is a UK independent pest control podcast hosted by Shaun Muller of Oakham Pest Control Ltd. The show features practical conversations with pest control technicians, business owners, suppliers and industry experts, covering rodent control, drainage investigations, bee removal, bed bugs, wasps, commercial pest management, compliance, business growth and wider pest industry topics. Listen, watch and learn more at: ⁠https://www.pestperspectivespodcast.co.uk

    Bird Control & Pigeon Deterrence: How Bird Free Optical Gel Works | Ian Smith
  6. Sep 8

    Family Pest Control Business Growth | Brandon Nordquist

    Pest Control Business Growth: Building a Family Pest Control Company | Brandon Nordquist🎙️ Pest Perspectives Podcast - EP80This week, Shaun Muller is joined by Brandon Nordquist from Family Pest Control in Oregon, USA, for a wide-ranging conversation about what pest control really looks like on the other side of the Atlantic. With around 10 years in the pest management industry, Brandon shares how he went from working for other pest control companies to helping build a family-run business alongside his wife, Candace. We get into rodent control, exclusion and proofing, crawl-space inspections, bed bugs, cockroaches, squirrels, bees, raccoons, snakes and some of the stranger situations Brandon has encountered in the field. Brandon also explains why he refuses to take many internal rodent jobs without exclusion, why he describes himself as someone who actually “hunts” rodents by following the evidence they leave behind, and why simply putting down bait or traps often isn’t enough. The conversation also tackles some bigger industry questions: Is “green” or organic pest control sometimes being used as a marketing gimmick? Are pest controllers losing too many useful tools through regulation? How different are pest-control laws and working practices between the UK and USA? Are non-chemical methods sometimes actually the quicker and more effective option? Could AI ever replace a professional pest controller? We also discuss bed bug treatments including steam, targeted insecticide treatments, Aprehend and silica-based approaches, alongside the realities of working in commercial and multi-unit housing. This is a relaxed but technical conversation covering pest management, family business, regulation, wildlife control, training, problem solving and where the pest-control industry could be heading next. 🎧 Guest: Brandon Nordquist – Family Pest Control 🎙️ Host: Shaun Muller – Pest Perspectives Podcast / Oakham Pest Control Ltd #ADPest Perspectives Podcast is proudly sponsored by Powered Now, helping trade and service businesses manage jobs, quotes, invoices, scheduling and reporting. ⁠https://powerednow.com/⁠ I'm inviting you to try Powered Now - it saves me hours on quotes, invoices, and admin. Use my link to get £50 off: https://www.powerednow.io/refer?code=FAB82F72  Pest Perspectives Podcast is a UK independent pest control podcast hosted by Shaun Muller of Oakham Pest Control Ltd. The show features practical conversations with pest control technicians, business owners, suppliers and industry experts, covering rodent control, drainage investigations, bee removal, bed bugs, wasps, commercial pest management, compliance, business growth and wider pest industry topics.Listen, watch and learn more at:⁠https://www.pestperspectivespodcast.co.uk #PestControl #PestManagement #PestControlBusiness #FamilyBusiness #PestPerspectives

    Family Pest Control Business Growth | Brandon Nordquist
  7. Sep 1

    Pest Control CPD: Why It Matters | Elaine Bliss, PestFix

    Is your pest control CPD just a box-ticking exercise? Elaine Bliss, Technical Manager at PestFix, joins Pest Perspectives to explain what real professionalism in pest control looks like and why the 5-year rodenticide "reset" isn't the same as continuous learning. In this episode, we talk to Elaine about: 🐀 The difference between CPD "box tickers" and technicians who actually retain knowledge 🏆 Why pest control should arguably be a protected title, like "dietician" vs "nutritionist" 👩‍🔧 Being a woman in pest control: lone working risks, industry attitudes, and what's changing 🌍 How regional pest pressures (cockroaches, gulls, field mice, black rats) shape what technicians actually experience 🎓 Getting young people into pest control when careers advisors barely know the job exists Whether you're a technician working toward your RSPH Level 2, a business owner training staff, or just curious what separates a professional from a box-ticker, this one's for you. #AD Pest Perspectives Podcast is proudly sponsored by Powered Now, helping trade and service businesses manage jobs, quotes, invoices, scheduling and reporting. ⁠https://powerednow.com/ ⁠I'm inviting you to try Powered Now - it saves me hours on quotes, invoices, and admin. Use my link to get £50 off: https://www.powerednow.io/refer?code=FAB82F72 Pest Perspectives Podcast is a UK independent pest control podcast hosted by Shaun Muller of Oakham Pest Control Ltd. The show features practical conversations with pest control technicians, business owners, suppliers and industry experts, covering rodent control, drainage investigations, bee removal, bed bugs, wasps, commercial pest management, compliance, business growth and wider pest industry topics.Listen, watch and learn more at:⁠https://www.pestperspectivespodcast.co.uk

    Pest Control CPD: Why It Matters | Elaine Bliss, PestFix

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Pest Perspectives is a UK-based pest control and pest management podcast hosted by Shaun Muller of Oakham Pest Control Ltd, created for pest professionals, technicians and pest control business owners worldwide. Weekly episodes explore rodent control, bed bugs, insect control, fumigation, bird and wildlife management, integrated pest management (IPM), pest control training, CPD, legislation, technology, marketing and business growth. Expect expert guests, practical industry discussions, real-world pest management experience and honest conversations about the challenges, opportunities and fut