Sheffield magistrates have ordered a pest controller to pay £1,000 in fines and costs after his actions led to the death of thousands of honey bees – and put human health and the environment at risk.

John Allison pleaded guilty to four offences of not taking all reasonable precautions in using an insecticide containing bendiocarb.

According to the investigation Allison was not competent in the use of the product, lacked the necessary training and failed to use safety clothing and eye protection.

He used the insecticide in windy conditions to kill wild bees but failed to tell local bee keepers he was doing so, leading to the eradication of thousands of honey bees.

The court heard how this was a ‘good example of how not to carry out a pest control treatment’.

Sam Bond

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