CIEH Pest Control Conference

Alexia Naylor, Business Manager at the Bed Bug Foundation CIC and Director at Cimex Store Ltd. Alexia has worked for the Bed Bug Foundation (BBF) CIC since 2016, alongside her husband Dr Richard Naylor, author of the European Code of Practice: Bedbug Management. BBF CIC is an independent not-for-profit organisation that raises bed bug awareness through communication and education. They provide information and advice to homeowners and businesses alike, to help combat the stigma, financial and emotional cost that bed bugs can bring. BBF CIC is also a specialist certifying body for the bed bug canine scent detection industry, supporting a network of teams across Europe to promote good practice in the detection of bed bugs.

Ana Carolina Yamakawa, Master of Veterinary Science, University of Reading. Ana is a veterinarian with a background in serological diagnosis, molecular biology, and public health. Her expertise extends to scientific research, with a focus on diagnostics, molecular biology, and the intersection of zoonoses and one health. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Reading, Ana is dedicated to advancing knowledge with a specific emphasis on working with rodent diseases and their implications for public health. The research aims to enhance disease understanding, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for both animals and humans.

Brandon Collier, PhD student, University of Galway. Brandon Collier is a PhD student at the University of Galway's Venom Systems & Proteomics Laboratory. His primary focus is the Noble false widow spider (Steatoda nobilis), their interactions with human populations, and their ability to establish growing populations in a variety of environments around the world. His previous work includes collaborations with the US National Park Service and the Native Irish Honey Bee Society. Brandon is honoured to oresent the most current information on the false widow spider with the CIEH on behalf of the Birtish Arachnological Society.

Matthew Davies, Head of Technical Department, Killgerm Chemicals Ltd, and Chair of Rodenticide Resistance Action Group (RRAG). Dr Matthew Davies is Head of Technical Department at Killgerm Chemicals Ltd, Technical Editor for Pest Control News, Chair of the Rodenticide Resistance Action Group, was Chair of the 9th International Conference on Urban Pests 2017 and holds a medical entomology PhD from Aston University. He studied for a Bsc (Hons) in Biology (with a year in industry at the Food and Environment Research Agency), at the University of York. At Killgerm, Matthew advises on all aspects of public health pest control, particularly entomology and provides pest control training, product testing, insect identification, pest control audits and technical literature.

Tim Bloomer, Areas Sales Manager - South West, Midlands & Wales, Killgerm. Tim has worked in the pest control industry for 27 years having gained experience through many different roles in that time, and has been with Killgerm for the past 13 years as Area Sales Manager. He now uses that experience in his role at Killgerm to help customers with product advice, treatment advice and support in many other aspects of running a business. If asked what the best thing about life in the pest control industry is the answer would be the people and the satisfaction gained when helping people to develop in different ways. Away from work Tim enjoys playing lawn bowls, reading and touring the UK in his caravan with his wife and two dogs.