AHEAD of the Senedd elections in May, British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is calling on the next Welsh Government to do more to protect people in Wales from preventable pest problems in their homes.

In its new manifesto for public health pest management in Wales, the national trade body says no one should have to live with rats, cockroaches, flies or other pests because of poor housing conditions, slow repairs or inadequate waste management. 

Housing, public health and environmental regulation are devolved to the Senedd. 

BPCA is urging Welsh policymakers to make sure protections against pest problems apply to all renters, not just those in social housing. 

The Association warned that pests in homes are not just a nuisance and can pose a risk to health. 

Rodents can spread diseases, including leptospirosis, salmonella and listeria, while also causing damage by gnawing pipes and wiring. Cockroaches, flies, and other insects can spread pathogens, contaminate food and damage belongings. 

Rosina Robson, Chief Exec of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), said: “Too many people are still being left to deal with pest problems that could and should have been prevented. 

“Where there are building defects, poor waste management or delays to repairs, infestations can quickly take hold. That has a real impact on people’s health, well-being, and quality of life. 

“It should not matter whether someone lives in social housing, private rented housing or temporary accommodation. The risks posed by pests are the same, and the protections should be too. 

“We want the next Welsh Government to recognise the danger pests pose in people’s homes and make sure everyone in Wales has the right to live in a decent home that is protected from avoidable infestations.” 

BPCA’s manifesto calls on the next Welsh Government to: 

• Recognise the danger that pests pose to the health and well-being of tenants  
• Ensure protections for all renters, including people living in social rented, private rented and temporary accommodation  
• Back a stronger public health approach to pest management in Wales.  

The manifesto also highlights the wider role of professional pest management in protecting public health, food supply chains and the built environment across Wales. 

BPCA says tackling pests properly means more than responding once an infestation has taken hold. Landlords and property managers also need to act on the advice of pest professionals, including improving communal waste disposal, repairing defects in buildings and addressing the conditions that allow pests to thrive. 

Niall Gallagher, BPCA’s Technical Manager, added: “We wouldn’t accept pest activity in places such as factories or restaurants where food is prepared, and people should not be expected to put up with the same risks in their own homes. 

“This is about prevention, public health and basic standards. Wales has an opportunity to lead the way and make sure fewer people are left living in misery because of pests.” 

BPCA’s full manifesto, A manifesto for public health pest management in Wales, is available from the Association’s website. 

PET owners across west Wales now have improved access to fast, high-detail diagnostic imaging after Carmarthen Veterinary Hospital installed a new in-house CT imaging suite.

The investment brings advanced diagnostics directly into the local community, helping pets receive quicker answers, earlier diagnoses and faster access to treatment.

CT scanning is an important tool in diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including chronic lameness, orthopaedic problems, cancer screening and staging, nasal and dental disease, thoracic and abdominal masses, spinal disorders and suspected foreign bodies.

For pets with unexplained or ongoing health issues, CT can provide a level of detail and accuracy that standard X-rays or ultrasound scans cannot always offer. This can be crucial in identifying subtle problems earlier, allowing for more targeted treatment plans and improving long-term outcomes.

Until now, many families needing this type of advanced imaging have faced long journeys to specialist hospitals and lengthy waiting times. With the scanner now available in a primary care setting in Carmarthenshire, pets can be scanned closer to home, reducing stress for both animals and owners and speeding up the path to diagnosis.

The scanner also offers reassurance for owners seeking answers about their pet’s condition. It can produce clear, high-resolution images within minutes, meaning pets spend minimal time under anaesthetic, while results can be shared quickly with the family vet or a specialist where required.

Michelle Kirk, Practice Director at Carmarthen Veterinary Hospital said: “We’re incredibly proud to offer this level of advanced imaging within a primary care environment.

“A CT scan can make a huge difference in understanding complex conditions, whether it’s chronic pain, cancer staging, internal masses or difficult-to-diagnose problems. Our goal is to help pets receive timely, accurate diagnoses without delays.”

In addition to supporting its own clients, Carmarthen Veterinary Hospital is also offering the CT scanner to other primary care veterinary practices across the region. Local surgeries can refer patients directly for a fixed-price CT scan package, which includes pre-anaesthetic blood tests, general anaesthesia with IV fluids, pre- and post-contrast imaging, and a specialist interpretation report.

The hospital said this collaborative approach will strengthen veterinary care across the region by giving more pets access to advanced diagnostic technology while offering owners greater choice.

The procedure is typically quick and requires only a short period under anaesthetic. Each patient is assessed by a vet at Carmarthen Veterinary Hospital on the morning of the scan to ensure the procedure is safe and to answer any questions owners may have.

Carmarthen Veterinary Hospital is at Llysonnen Road, Llanllwch, Carmarthen, SA31 3SA.

CVS Healthy Pet Club patients receive a 10 per cent discount, even if they are registered at a different CVS practice.

A FORMER Pembrokeshire county councillor who owns many hostelries in the county has submitted plans to the national park to rejuvenate a “tired” seaside pub.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Mike Evans of Harbwr Brewery, a former county councillor and national park authority member, seeks a partly retrospective permission for works at the Old Chemist Inn, The Strand, Saundersfoot.

The works include proposed internal alterations to the basement and ground floor, a new rear balcony area to replace the existing one, improvements to front façade, a change of use of shop space to food/drink, and installation of seating booths in the rear garden.

It says the changes proposed will increase the number of staff employed to 15 full time and 10 part-time.

No objections to the proposal were raised by local community council Saundersfoot.

A supporting statement through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect, says the 19th Century pub “has endured many alterations during its lifetime and at present it needs improvements to echo the recent upgrading of the village, both in the general tourism support facilities, as well as the new innovative harbour development,” with the  appearance and interior facilities “tired” and needing “works both inside and outside to enable the inn to achieve and provide the high levels of cuisine and facilities now expected”.

It says: “The Inn has been purchased by a local company who have a number of establishments within Saundersfoot and Tenby. The company is owned by local people, they use local produce, they employ local labour and work actively with local communities to achieve the high standards expected.

“The proposals include internal alterations to the internal layout of basement and ground floor which will improve bar, kitchen and food facilities and allow a much more varied menu including lots of local produce and locally caught seafood dishes. New toilet facilities will be provided on both levels to cater for the increase in visitors to the Inn.”

It adds: “The applicant has recently purchased the small retail unit on the ground floor. This was a single room, situated in between the two entrances into the Inn and with its own entrance door from the street.

“The current proposals include integrating this unit into the public house bar area and consequently the application includes a change of use from retail to the serving of food and drink.”

It goes on to say: “The rear ‘beer garden’ will be improved to allow more space and comfortable seating areas.

“The applicant is well known for the extensive use of external plotted plants in open areas at their establishments and the garden area will give the opportunity of using such to soften the garden area whilst giving greater habitat opportunities for birds and insects.”

There were initial objections from the Park’s buildings conservation officer to some of the parts of the design, a 2025 application being withdrawn early that year; amended plans being later submitted.

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.