Dr Phil Ridley
Dr Phil Ridley is the owner of BD Publications who published Professional Pest Manager magazine, Termite Professional magazine and indeed, this website!
With a PhD in entomology / animal behaviour and over 25 years experience in the pest control industry in a variety of roles, Dr Ridley has a broad knowledge of a wide range of pest control subjects.
Dr Ridley is passionate about pest control education, both for industry professionals and the general public.
Current Position
Dr Ridley is the owner and director of BD Publications, who publish Professional Pest Manager magazine, Termite Professional magazine and this website – professionalpestmanager.com. Professional Pest Manager are always looking to expand their educational offerings and in June 2023 hosted the inaugural Termite Professional Conference on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
Dr Ridley is also the owner and director of Bug Doctor Media, a specialist full service marketing agency that provides marketing support to pest control companies.
Experience
In his over 25 years in the pest control industry, Dr Ridley worked for Reckitt Benckiser in their pest control division, developing new products for Mortein. During his time at Reckitt Benckiser, Dr Ridley moved into marketing and had both local and global pest control marketing positions.
After leaving Reckitt Benckiser, Dr Ridley worked for DuPont Professional Products (pest control and turf care), setting up their business in Asia Pacific. During this time he launched a range of products including Acelepryn turf insecticide and Altriset, Advion and Arilon pest control products.
Dr Ridley left DuPont in 2012 and now runs Professional Pest Manager and Bug Doctor Media, a full service marketing agency focused on the pest control industry.
Interests
Dr Ridley is passionate about educating both pest professional and the general public about all aspects of pest control. For homeowners, a key part of his communication involves highlighting the high risk of termite attack to their property and the need for an active termite management plan.
Dr Ridley’s other passion is marketing, particular in helping small business succeed. His business, Bug Doctor Media, provides support to pest control companies in all aspects of pest control marketing, including website design, SEO, advertising and more.
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Southampton – Foraging Behaviour of Leaf-cutting ants
Bachelor of Science (Zoology), University of Southampton
Pest Management Technician (general pest and timber pest)
Publications
Although Dr Ridley did not pursue an academic career, he had one paper published from his PhD Studies:
Ridley, P et al (1996). Control of the behaviour of leaf-cutting ants by their ‘symbiotic’ fungus. Published in Experimentia, 52: 631-635.
Although it was only one paper, it did have a big impact in leaf-cutting ant understanding and indeed in ant behaviour more broadly, being cited in scientific papers over 50 times and being references in the award winning books, The Ants and Leaf-Cutter Ants but Bert Holldobler and E.O Wilson.