Needs the Association’s confirmation. The Northampton Chronicle & Echo (UK) reported on 6 October 2026 that, ahead of World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October, the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) urged households not to delay seeking help if they find pests at home, warning of the impact infestations can have on mental health.
Main points
- Research commissioned by BPCA found that people living with infestations reported severe anxiety, lack of sleep, shame and social isolation; some missed work or school because of exhaustion.
- Natalie Bungay, BPCA head of technical, said infestations can become overwhelming and deeply personal, turning a home into a constant source of stress; many people feel shame or fear being judged, but it is vital to overcome that and seek help.
- Common household pests: rats, mice, bed bugs, fleas and cockroaches, which enter through drains, gaps around doors and windows or arrive on second-hand clothing and furniture. Warning signs include droppings, gnaw marks, unusual smells and noises.
- BPCA estimates that pest control companies attended more than 4.4 million jobs across the UK in 2025, more than 12,000 a day. Ms Bungay said tackling a problem before an infestation is well established is more likely to lead to a quicker resolution.
VPMA’s note
A BPCA public message in the UK. Needs the Association’s confirmation. VPMA could consider linking a professional message to a health awareness day to remind the public to call for help early; any use needs the Association’s confirmation.
- Source
- Northampton Chronicle & Echo – Households urged to act quickly as pest infestations linked to anxiety and sleepless nights
- Published
- 6 October 2026
- Section
- Association news
- World Mental Health Day
- 10 October 2026
Source: Northampton Chronicle & Echo – Households urged to act quickly as pest infestations linked to anxiety and sleepless nights (summarised in English by VPMA). Read the Vietnamese page.