The quest to beat the pest: essential pest control gear

Savage B22 Precision Lite

The rimfire has come a long way and the Savage B22 Precision shows precision chassis engineering no longer belongs exclusively to the centrefire world. Built around a black MDT chassis, complete with a Picatinny rail and AccuTrigger, the standard model features an 18in bull barrel with a ½x28 thread and is chambered in .22 LR.

For those who want to shave weight without sacrificing accuracy, the Precision Lite variant replaces the steel barrel with a carbon-wrapped Proof Research one. That justifiably commands an RRP around £1,200, delivering a rifle that performs consistently across permissions and target ranges. Both versions offer a genuinely adjustable trigger and exceptional rigidity, resulting in a platform that rewards careful ammunition selection.

Hornady .17 HMR 17-gr V-MAX Varmint Express

For the British pest controller, the .17 HMR has become the cartridge of choice when ranges stretch beyond what a .22 LR can reliably handle. Hornady’s 17-gr V-MAX load delivers a muzzle velocity of 2,550fps and a flat trajectory that makes confident shooting out to 150 yards entirely achievable without complex holdover adjustments.

The polymer-tipped V-MAX bullet is designed for rapid fragmentation on impact, which Hornady states significantly reduces the risk of ricochets – a meaningful consideration when working near livestock buildings or field margins. It ensures energy is delivered efficiently, producing clean results on rabbits, grey squirrels and corvids. Quality brass cases and consistent propellant loading make this a dependable choice that punches well above its price point.

Hikmicro Lynx LH19 3.0 thermal monocular

Scan first, shoot second – that discipline defines effective pest control and the HikMicro Lynx LH19 3.0 is built for the scanning role. Compact and lightweight, it offers a wide field of view ideally suited to working across farmland, hedgerows and woodland edges, allowing users to detect heat signatures at range well before quarry becomes visible to the naked eye. Performance holds up in mist, rain and dense vegetation cover and the LH19 3.0 works equally well in full daylight. For those who are using a thermal for the first time, it represents a sensible entry point that covers the essentials without unnecessary complexity.

Hikmicro Stellar SH35L 3.0 thermal scope

Where the Lynx detects, the Stellar 3.0 delivers the shot. Designed in a traditional riflescope format, it integrates naturally into a conventional shooting setup without requiring significant changes to technique or mount configuration. The standout feature is HikMicro’s shutterless sensor paired with the Sync Pro processing algorithm, which eliminates the brief image freeze that affects many rivals during recalibration. For fox control, where a target may be moving across a field margin at any moment, maintaining continuous visual awareness is a genuine advantage. The SH35L 3.0 represents the most accessible point in the Stellar range without compromising on the core technology that sets it apart.

Night Master NM1 IR Illuminator

The NM1 is the lamp that has made solo lamping genuinely practical. Available in three lens configurations – the CL for wide-area close-range work, the SL as an all-round performer and the XL for maximum reach – each version runs on the same body with fully interchangeable LED modules covering white, red, amber, green and infrared wavelengths in both 850nm and 940nm. For pest controllers pairing the NM1 with a digital night-vision or thermal device, the infrared modes provide supplementary illumination without alerting quarry. The rotary dimmer switch across all models allows fine adjustment on the spot, preventing white-out when working at close quarters in barns or outbuildings. Competitively priced and built to withstand field use, this is a system that genuinely grows with your needs.

Wildcat Evolution sound moderator

The moderator is not an optional extra on a pest control rifle – it is standard equipment, both for hearing protection and for reducing disturbance across a permission. The Wildcat Evolution delivers both at a competitive price, using an aluminium 50/50 over-barrel design that keeps overall length in check and adds minimal weight. A stainless steel blast baffle protects the internals and the straightforward strippable design means cleaning and inspection require no specialist tools. Service parts are available from Wildcat dealers and the Evolution is rated for all standard non-magnum calibres, covering the full range of centrefire cartridges typically used in pest control.

Zeiss Secacam 1 Trail Cam

Knowing what is visiting a permission – and when – turns reactive pest control into a planned operation. The Zeiss Secacam 1 brings optical quality and connectivity to a price point that makes deploying multiple cameras across a farm entirely practical. Image quality in complete darkness is detailed and high contrast, and setup is deliberately fast to minimise scent left at the camera site. The companion app allows images and settings to be managed remotely, reducing unnecessary visits to sensitive areas. A multi-network SIM provides extensive coverage across the UK and Europe, and full compatibility with the Zeiss Secacam accessory range means the system can be expanded as needs grow.

Sitka Downpour Jacket

Pest control does not pause for weather and neither should your kit. The Sitka Downpour is built around a 100% waterproof and breathable three-layer Gore-Tex construction with a soft, brushed polyester face fabric that keeps movement completely silent – no rustle, no crinkle at the moment it matters most. The articulated cut provides comfort in the crouched or seated shooting position, with extra length in the back to shed water when prone or leaning against a post. A sculpted, adjustable hood maintains peripheral vision without obstruction, and the jacket packs down neatly when conditions improve. Available in Gore Optifade concealment patterns – designed around animal rather than human vision – it disappears into the landscape as effectively as it sheds the rain.