Five checks before you book
- Membership of a trade body such as the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) or the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA). Members are expected to meet training and conduct standards.
- Qualifications. Technicians should hold a recognised pest management qualification, such as an RSPH or BPCA Level 2 award.
- Insurance. Ask for public liability insurance and check it's current.
- A survey before a price. A fixed quote over the phone for rats or bed bugs, without seeing the property, is a warning sign.
- A clear written quote that says how many visits are included, what products will be used, and what happens if the problem isn't solved.
Questions worth asking
- How will you find out how they're getting in?
- Is proofing included, or extra?
- How many visits does the price include?
- Is there a guarantee, and what does it cover?
- What should I do, and avoid, between visits?
- Are the products safe around children and pets, and for how long?
- Will I get a written report?
Red flags
- Pressure to decide on the spot, or a price that drops sharply if you agree now
- Cash only, no written quote, no business address
- No survey, just a spray or bait drop
- Trade body logos you can't verify on the body's own website
- Very cheap headline prices that grow with extras once they arrive
- Promising one visit will clear bed bugs or cockroaches
Scams to watch for. Cold callers offering pest control, especially for bed bugs after news coverage, aren't unusual. Find a firm yourself rather than responding to door-knockers or unsolicited messages.
Where to look
Both main trade bodies run free directories of member companies: the BPCA find a pest controller search and the NPTA. Check your council's website too. Some still offer a service, sometimes with reduced charges for people on certain benefits. For bees, contact a beekeeper. For bats, contact the Bat Conservation Trust.
What a good service looks like
| Pest | A proper service usually includes |
|---|---|
| Rats | A survey inside and out, drain checks, baiting or trapping, proofing advice or work, and follow-up visits |
| Mice | A survey, trapping or baiting, proofing of entry points and at least one follow-up |
| Bed bugs | Inspection, preparation instructions, two or more treatments or a heat treatment, and monitoring |
| Wasps | Usually a single visit to treat the nest entrance |
| Cockroaches | Gel baiting, monitoring and repeat visits, often across a whole building |
| Squirrels | Humane removal and proofing of the entry point once they're out |
Questions people ask
Is the cheapest quote a bad idea?
Not always, but compare what's included. A cheap single visit that doesn't solve the problem costs more in the end.
Do I need a professional for mice?
Often not. Many mouse problems can be solved with snap traps and proofing. Call someone if it's not working after two to three weeks.
Will the council treat pests for free?
Some councils offer free or reduced-cost treatment for rats, sometimes only for people on certain benefits. Many charge, and some offer no service.