Month: October 2026

Some people shy away from a puzzle. Neill Gibson makes a career out of cracking them. From tracing hidden rodent routes to outsmarting persistent pigeons, Concept’s Operations Manager knows that effective pest management starts with getting to the bottom of the problem.

Now, his expertise takes centre stage in Professional Pest Controller, with the British Pest Control Association featuring Neill in “Puzzling it out: problem solving prowess with Concept”.

The feature explores his 13 years in the industry and the practical thinking behind protecting demanding environments, including Belfast Grand Central Station. Remote monitoring, drainage inspections and innovative bird control all play their part, backed by experience and careful investigation.

His approach to leadership is equally grounded: get involved, support your technicians and never ask someone to tackle a job you wouldn’t undertake yourself.

For The Concept Group, this is proud recognition of Neill and the wider Concept Pest Control team, whose knowledge, teamwork and determination turn complex challenges into practical solutions.

Congratulations, Neill. Leading from the front. Getting to the root. Giving us every reason to be proud.

Read the full BPCA feature⁠
Click to view article below:

https://ppconline.org/ppc123/puzzling-it-out?fbclid=IwZnRzaAVQVk5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWZkaWQWURNKex5nxUB89PUEbrLcDnPA8VV6FHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR9j59MMDLIKV_z2uvrLeYwzsohnDFyi_J218TNrf6ivlSxf4xLr0vGE2TbmYg_aem_i3rU9Tju3eCsxFN0gjBWXQ

Bluetongue is becoming an increasingly serious threat to Irish farms, with reported cases rising by 50% in just one week. The danger needs no open gate or broken fence. A single infected midge can carry it straight to your livestock.

The Irish Farmers Journal reported on 20 October that confirmed cases this season had reached 39 across 12 counties in the Republic of Ireland, up from 26 the previous week. Wexford accounted for 15 cases, making it the hotspot in that update.

Small insects, serious consequences

Bluetongue spreads mainly through infected Culicoides biting midges. They pick up the virus when feeding on an infected animal and can pass it to another through a subsequent bite. Wind can carry infected midges between locations, taking the threat beyond farm boundaries.

These midges breed in damp organic material, including manure, compost and moist soil. They are particularly active around dawn and dusk, with seasonal activity generally extending from April to November, depending on conditions.

Stay alert. Take practical action.

• Keep muckheaps away from livestock and housing where practical, and review damp areas that could support midge breeding.
• Watch for fever, drooling, mouth sores, facial swelling and lameness. Some infected cattle show few obvious signs.
• Contact your vet immediately about suspected infection, follow official reporting requirements and discuss vaccination.

DON’T LEAVE FARM PEST MANAGEMENT TO CHANCE

Contact Concept Pest Control today to book a professional farm survey. We can assess pest activity, identify potential breeding areas and recommend practical pest management measures for your premises, supporting your farm management alongside your vet’s disease prevention advice.

T: +44 28 9061 0999
E: pestcontrol@the-concept-group.com
W: conceptpestcontrol.co

The Concept Group
FIVE Divisions | ONE Complete Solution

A flash of silver across the bathroom floor, then nothing. Silverfish are quick to disappear, but their presence can reveal something worth investigating. Behind the skirting boards, your property could be offering these unwelcome guests the perfect combination of moisture, shelter and food.

These small, wingless insects are most active at night, emerging from hidden spaces to feed. They can remain active throughout the year indoors, while autumn and winter condensation can create particularly favourable conditions for common silverfish.

What makes them feel at home?

Five common attractions could be encouraging them to settle in:

1. Lingering moisture. Steamy bathrooms, condensation and leaking pipes create the damp conditions common silverfish favour.

2. Poor ventilation. Drying washing indoors and leaving wet towels in rooms without adequate airflow can increase humidity.

3. Paper and cardboard. Undisturbed books, newspapers and packaging can provide food and shelter.

4. Starchy food debris. Crumbs and other carbohydrate residues provide an accessible meal.

5. Hidden spaces and wallpaper paste. Gaps behind skirting boards and loose wallpaper offer shelter, while paste and bookbinding glues can become part of the menu.

Silverfish do not bite or spread disease to people, but they can cause damage particularly to wallpaper and other materials. Repeated sightings deserve attention, particularly where damp may be involved.

Improving ventilation, repairing leaks and removing food debris are sensible first steps. However, different silverfish species have different moisture requirements, making correct identification essential to effective control.

DON’T LET A SILVER FLASH BECOME A REGULAR FIXTURE

Spotted silverfish in your home or business? Contact Concept Pest Control today to book a professional survey. Let our team investigate the activity, identify the pest and recommend targeted treatment and practical prevention measures to bring the infestation under control.

T: +44 28 9061 0999
E: pestcontrol@the-concept-group.com
W: conceptpestcontrol.co

The Concept Group
FIVE Divisions | ONE Complete Solution

Buying rodent bait is no longer simply a matter of picking a product off the shelf. Since 1 January 2026, stricter UK certification requirements apply to purchasing and using professional rodenticides. For farms and businesses tackling rats or mice, there has never been a better reason to put the problem in professional hands.

What has changed?
Under the CRRU UK stewardship requirements, buyers must provide either:

• Certification from a CRRU UK approved training course completed within the previous five years.

• An older approved certificate, supported by current membership of a CRRU UK approved Continuing Professional Development scheme and compliance with its requirements.

Farm assurance membership alone is no longer accepted as proof of competence. Evidence must be presented at purchase, alongside the required purchaser declaration. These changes concern professional rodenticides, the products used to control rats and mice, rather than every type of pesticide.

Effective control takes more than bait.

Finding where rodents enter, what sustains them and where they hide is essential to tackling the problem. A professional approach combines inspection, appropriate treatment, monitoring and practical prevention, with responsible product use that considers risks to people, pets and wildlife.

All Concept Pest Control technicians are fully qualified and certified, giving you the reassurance that your rodent problem is being handled by professionals with the appropriate training and expertise.

At Concept Pest Control, we look beyond the immediate infestation to help you address the conditions behind it.

LEAVE THE GUESSWORK OUT. BRING THE PROFESSIONALS IN!

Contact Concept Pest Control today to book a professional survey and discuss a targeted rodent management plan for your farm, business or property.
T: +44 28 9061 0999
E: pestcontrol@the-concept-group.com
W: conceptpestcontrol.co

The Concept Group
FIVE Divisions | ONE Complete Solution