Pest Control Frequently Asked Questions

The three Cs are cleanliness, clutter reduction, and closing entry points. Removing food debris and maintaining a clean environment takes away the resource pests need to survive. Reducing clutter removes the harbourage spaces where they breed. Closing gaps, cracks, and structural openings prevents them from re-entering after treatment. Together, these three principles form the foundation of any lasting pest management programme.

Before booking, ask:

1. Are your technicians registered with the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) or the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA)?
2. Do they hold an RSPH Level 2 certificate in pest control as a minimum qualification?
3. Will you receive a written survey report after the inspection?
4. Is a follow-up visit included in the price if the problem persists?
5. Do you offer unmarked vehicles and plain uniforms if discretion is important?

A reputable company will answer all of these without hesitation.

The five-day rule is used by pest controllers to assess whether a rodent bait station is being actively used. If a bait block has not been touched within five days of being placed, it suggests either the pest population in that area is lower than expected, the bait station is poorly positioned, or the infestation has already declined. Technicians use this as a checkpoint to reposition stations or adjust the treatment programme. It is a monitoring tool, not a guarantee that the infestation has cleared.

Yes, when applied correctly. Technicians use products approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and follow strict safety guidelines throughout every visit. In most cases there is no need to leave the property, though you should keep children, pets, and fish away from treated areas until any liquid products have fully dried, which typically takes a few hours.

A few additional points worth knowing:

• Fish tanks should be covered completely before any spray treatment begins, as aquatic life is particularly sensitive to airborne chemicals.
• Poisons for rodents are placed inside tamper-proof bait boxes, so pets and children cannot access them directly.
• For more serious treatments such as bed bug heat treatment or full fumigation, temporary vacancy may be required. Your technician will advise you in advance.
• You can always ask for a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment and risk briefing before work starts.

It depends on the severity of the infestation. DIY products such as shop-bought sprays and consumer-grade baits work reasonably well for occasional insects, minor fly problems, or as a preventative measure when you have not yet seen signs of an established infestation.

For severe, recurring, or hazardous infestations, including bed bugs, cockroaches, fleas, or wasps nesting inside wall voids, a professional is strongly recommended. Pests multiply rapidly, and insect control services give you access to professional-grade insecticides, proofing methods, and the expertise to locate the source rather than just treating the surface. For wasp nest treatments, attempting DIY removal without the right equipment carries a risk of stings and, in some cases, structural disturbance if the nest is inside a building.

A typical visit follows three stages:

1. Inspection – The technician evaluates the extent of the problem, locates the source of the infestation, and identifies the specific pest species involved.
2. Treatment – Depending on the findings, the technician will apply insecticides, lay bait, set traps, or use a combination of methods suited to the pest and the property.
3. Prevention advice – You will receive guidance on proofing structural entry points and removing food sources or harborage conditions that could allow pests to return.

On follow-up visits for rodent infestations, the technician will also search for and remove any dead rodents from accessible areas.

Treatment times vary by pest type:

For rodent control, patience is important. Trying to rush the process by using additional retail products alongside a professional programme can interfere with the technician’s ability to assess natural pest activity.

Good preparation helps the technician work effectively and gets results faster:

1. Vacuum your carpets and floors thoroughly, paying attention to skirting boards and beneath furniture.
2. Clear away open food, unwashed dishes, and any debris that could mask pest activity or food sources.
3. Remove any DIY traps or retail poisons you have placed, ideally at least two weeks before the visit, so the technician can assess the natural level of pest activity without interference.
4. Make sure someone is home during the visit to grant access and receive aftercare advice directly from the technician.

This is normal and does not mean the treatment has failed. Residual insecticides and disturbed bait stations cause pests to become agitated and move away from their harborage points, making them temporarily more visible. In most cases, increased activity settles within a few days as the product takes full effect.

If you are still seeing significant activity seven days after treatment, contact your pest control provider. A follow-up visit may be needed, particularly for insects with a fast breeding cycle such as fleas or bed bugs.

No. A pest control technician can only legally treat the property that has booked the service. If pests are travelling from a neighbouring property, the most direct first step is to speak to your neighbour.

If that is not possible, or if the property poses a clear public health risk, your local council has powers to investigate and issue enforcement notices. In some cases, landlords also have statutory obligations regarding pest prevention in rented properties.

Yes, both are protected under UK law. Bats are strictly protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning they cannot be handled, disturbed, or treated without a specialist licence from Natural England. If bats are roosting in your property, you will need a licensed bat survey before any building or pest work can proceed.

Gulls are also legally protected, which means removing nests or treating eggs requires a specific licence. Our bird control service can advise on legal deterrent and exclusion methods where direct intervention is not permitted.

Look for contractors who are registered with the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) or the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA). BPCA members operate under a strict industry code of practice and are subject to ongoing due diligence requirements. NPTA membership carries similar standards for technician competence and professional conduct.

As a minimum, check that individual technicians hold an RSPH Level 2 Award in the Application of Pesticides or equivalent. Avoid booking on price alone, as a poorly executed treatment can allow an infestation to re-establish, costing more in the long run.