FAQs
Questions you should ask when you find a pest controller
How do I know you are a genuine, qualified pest controller?
Anyone who is genuinely qualified will be registered with BASIS, who hold a Professional Pest Controllers Register. Registered technicians also carry a card with their photo and registration details and a phone number so you can verify their qualifications.
Membership of the Professional Pest Controllers register also requires that regular training is undertaken to ensure up to date methods are used.
I have children and pets, are they safe with your treatments?
Of course! Before we carry out any treatment, we complete a thorough survey and risk assessment. Poisons we may use for rats or mice are housed in tamper-proof containers where exposed. Insecticides are selected for their safety where this is required. Children and pets are safe when chemicals are correctly used by properly trained professionals.
How much will it cost?
For some pests, for example wasps, we can give you a fixed price over the phone. Other pest problems (such as bed bugs) may require us to conduct an inspection to ensure you get an accurate price for a proper and complete service. The inspection will most likely form part of the whole job, and there will be a charge which we will agree in advance. This helps avoid additional costs once a job begins, which is a favoured tactic of unprofessional operators.
How do I know your prices are reasonable?
We offer the most appropriate, cost effective pest control solution for YOUR situation, so you can be assured that you are getting the best possible treatment and advice at a sensible price. Our prices are frequently lower than local authorities and our service is always faster.
Do you charge for an inspection to find out the extent of my pest problem?
Commercial services. This service is free to businesses locally where long term pest prevention may be required. we can then accurately estimate the cost of any work. Domestic services. Usually we can provide an accurate quote over the phone. If this is not possible, we do charge an inspection fee, which we can quote for in advance. The reason for the charge is that often we can solve the problem during an inspection, or treat the pest there and then. In this case, a charge may apply, or the standard charge for that particular treatment (such as a wasp nest) There will also be a charge if the property owner can treat the problem themselves with a little instruction and advice, this is designed to save you money. If an inspection charge is made, it may be set against a subsequent treatment if the treatment is carried out within a month of the inspection.
If I call you out, and it turns out not to be a pest problem, or something that cannot be treated, is there a charge?
This does happen occasionally, especially when bees are mistaken for wasps, or bat droppings are mistaken for mouse droppings. We will make a charge for this to cover our time and expenses.
Will you send a salesman?
Absolutely not! You will be correctly advised by a qualified technician as to what treatment you need. We are here to solve your pest problems, not wrap you into long term, expensive or unnecessary treatments. Our business is based on recommendation from satisfied customers, so we only offer good advice to achieve this.
I want to get rid of my pest, but do not like harming animals. How can we clear pests humanely?
Sometimes animals invade our spaces, often with associated health risks. Control has to be carried out and this is done with animal welfare second only to human safety as primary concerns. You can be assured that we choose the most humane methods available to us. Often, a pest problem can be solved without turning to chemicals. Where possible, we will take this option to get rid of pest problems.
Are you a licensed pest controller?
Incredibly, there is no licence system for pest control operators. This means you have to be very careful when selecting your pest control service provider. Thankfully, purchase restrictions on harmful pesticides are being tightened, but it’s a slow process.