Pest perspectives EP 18 - Andrew McDonald -  Highland response!

In Episode 18 of Pest Perspectives, Shaun Muller is joined by Andrew McDonald of Highland Pest Response for an open, honest conversation about life in pest control, rural wildlife management, and what it really takes to build a business in challenging environments.

Andrew shares his journey from gamekeeping and estate work into running a pest control business in the Scottish Highlands — where long travel distances, low population density, and seasonal work create very different pressures compared to urban pest control.

This episode goes far beyond treatments and tools. It explores decision-making, risk, business growth, trust, and learning on the job, with practical insights for anyone working in pest control, countryside management, or self-employment.

• Moving from gamekeeping into pest control

• Rural pest control vs urban operations

• Deer management, overpopulation, and public perception

• Why wildlife management requires education, not emotion

• Building a business from scratch and learning through mistakes

• Managing risk, pricing, and saying “no” to the wrong work

• Proofing, prevention, and why some customers ignore advice

• The realities of lone working and mental resilience

• Why networking and industry relationships matter

• Working smarter, not harder — systems, reports, and efficiency

This episode is entertaining, practical, and honest, offering real-world insight into pest control outside the city environment — where no two days (or jobs) are the same.

🎧 Pest Perspectives is a UK pest control podcast created to educate, inform, and spark conversation across the industry.
Episodes may be eligible for CPD self-reflection (check your scheme requirements).