PestEx 2026 Creates a Real Buzz in London

Editor’s note: PestEx 2026 was held March 18-19, at ExCel in London. Frances McKim, a UK-based freelance journalist, who was a co-founder of the independent Pest magazine, provided PCT the following report.

LONDON — Exhibitors and delegates from across the globe convened at PestEx 2026, held at the ExCel exhibition center in London, from March 18-19.

Held every other year and organized by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), there was a real buzz at the event, matched by the lovely sunny weather. There were over 2,100 delegates and the exhibition was a sell-out with nearly 130 companies with booths, an increase of 16% compared to 2024.

As to be expected, there was a strong contingent of delegates and exhibitors from the U.K. Remarkably, there were 532 guests from overseas, slightly over 25% of the total and an increase of 1% on PestEx 2024. These came from 46 different countries representing Europe, Scandinavia and the U.S., with a large contingent from as far away as Australia and China. Very nearly 50% of the exhibitors came from overseas. So, consolidating the standing of PestEx as a key event in the international diary.

Good Representation from the U.S. U.S. companies were well represented in the exhibition by AP&G Catchmaster, Bell Laboratories, Earthcare Products, JT Eaton, TrapX and Xcluder. Jim Harper and his wife, Robin, from Technicide were also present launching the Exacticide Power Duster.

Frances McKim

Sadly, Kness had a booth booked but Joe Belcher, their international sales manager, failed to arrive as his flight from Des Moines, Iowa was cancelled due to a blizzard.

What was noticeable in the exhibition was the large number of booths promoting services, such as insurance, and digital applications ranging from remote monitoring software for both rodents and flying insects to a whole array of business management support software.

The Chinese company booths had extensive, pesticide free, product ranges on display and were actively seeking out distributors, but were also happy to sell direct to end users. The only new active ingredient being promoted was dinotefuran on the BASF booth. Available as Alpine in the US, it is to be sold as Seclira Fly Bait in the UK, once registration has been granted.

More Than Just an Exhibition. But PestEx is more than just an exhibition. Running in parallel throughout the event, in two separate theatres located within the exhibition hall, were a series of presentations and discussion sessions. This was made possible as delegates used headsets so as not disturb the exhibition area.

Frances McKim

Frances McKim

One particularly popular session debated the potential sale of your company and what to look out for when an acquisitor comes calling. All four panel members had experience of selling and buying businesses in the UK. Key take home messages were to be well prepared in advance, have all your accounts in order, know what you want to get out of it and to be open and honest with your staff.

A Real Buzz. Summing up the event, Rosina Robson, BPCA’s chief executive, said she was thrilled with her first PestEx experience, commenting: “The event had a real buzz. It was very busy, especially on the first day, yet there was still plenty of time for people to network and make new connections. Several of the exhibitors remarked on the high quality of the visitors and the number of international people was amazing. Thanks again to everyone who made PestEx 2026 so memorable, and we look forward to seeing you again in 2028.”