Gun Trade Insider (GTI): For those who aren’t aware of Killgerm, could you describe your approach to training pest control professionals, the kinds of courses you run, who attends and what qualifications you offer?
Alastair Fernie (AF): Killgerm is essentially a pest control products and equipment provider, and training is a huge part of what we do. We offer everything from entry-level courses for those just starting out, to RSPH Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, right through to specialist courses like air weapons, bird proofing, insect management and rodent control. Training is both online and in-person, and it’s very diverse, because that’s how you bring on good pest controllers.
GTI: What specific gaps or issues led to the development of the “Safe Use of Air Weapons for Bird Control” course? AF: It’s mainly about education. Many pest controllers, and even those outside the trade, aren’t fully aware of the legislation around birds, protected species and what you can and can’t do. Some think they’re operating legally when they’re not. We wanted to fill that knowledge gap, because if lethal control is needed after all other methods have been tried, it has to be done properly and legally.
GTI: What are the core elements of the standard air weapons course, and is anything given priority?
AF: Everything is given priority. We cover General Licences — GL40, 41, 42 — legislation, storage, weapon handling, ranges, distances, risk assessment and more. Some people have been shooting for years but have lost track of changes in the law, so I always start with the legal framework before moving onto the practical aspects.AF:
"WE GIVE EVERY DELEGATE COPIES OF THE GENERAL LICENCE AND GO THROUGH THEM THOROUGHLY"
GTI: How does the advanced “Safe Use of Air Weapons” course deepen attendees’ skills?
AF: Unlike most other ‘how to’ courses, the advanced course builds on the basics such as the legal and safety aspects of shooting with practical elements such as fieldcraft, setting up hides, pre-baiting, working with the wind, accurate shot placement, the finer points that make the difference in the field. We also go into safe carcass disposal, which is often overlooked. It’s about making sure people are competent, safe and, above all, legal. When a trainee rings me up afterwards saying, “I followed everything from the course and it worked perfectly,” that’s when I know it’s hit home.
GTI: What legal topics do you emphasise to ensure delegates understand compliance? AF: We give every delegate copies of the General Licences and go through them thoroughly. Most pest controllers work under GL41 (public health and safety), but we cover the others too, like those relating to farms, food stocks and property damage. I stress that they need to keep up to date themselves via gov.uk, and I make myself available if they ever need clarification.
GTI: Do you work with anyone in the airgun trade when developing the courses? AF: Yes, I work closely with Tony Belas from Brocock and Daystate, and with people like Richard Saunders and fellow experienced airgun pest controllers and hunters Neil Davis and Kevin Barnwell. They bring huge experience, Tony has a military background and deep airgun expertise. Having knowledgeable people around helps me refine and enhance the advanced course.
GTI: What are the most common misunderstandings or legal pitfalls trainees bring with them, and how do your courses correct them?
AF: The biggest mistakes are poor storage, like keeping the rifle and pellets together or leaving a gun in the back of a van, and not realising certain species have been removed from the General Licence.
GTI: Is it difficult to persuade some pest controllers, particularly those set in their ways, to operate differently?
AF: Yes, especially shotgun shooters. They often think, “I’ve always carried my gun like this,” but air weapons are different. They sometimes assume having a shotgun certificate means they know it all, but the legislation and handling are not the same. Changing those mindsets can be tough.
GTI: Beyond technical skills, how do the training sessions support best practice and public safety?
AF: We always push best practice and ethics. That means shooting discreetly, outside of public hours, not in front of shoppers or passers-by, and always considering non-lethal measures first. We want trainees to think not just as pest controllers but from the public’s perspective, too.
GTI: How does Killgerm integrate regulatory updates, like the 2025 General Licence changes, into its courses?
AF: I download all the General Licences every January and check for changes. I’m registered for updates on gov.uk, and I’m part of the BPCA specialist interest group, so I stay on top of consultations and new rules. Any updates go straight into the training and into our PCN News bulletins.
GTI: Do you see positive changes in how trainees apply their learning on the job? AF: Absolutely. I often get calls saying, “I did exactly what you said and it worked perfectly.” Trainees leave knowing how to risk assess properly, avoid ricochets, stay discreet and use non-lethal methods first. Our area sales managers also collect feedback, which is nearly always positive.
GTI: Does attending Killgerm courses help professionals secure permissions?
AF: Yes, I believe so. There are other training providers out there, but our courses cover everything thoroughly, and delegates also have the backup of Killgerm’s technical department afterwards. That ongoing support is something others don’t provide, and it makes a big difference in the long run.