We no longer provide a pest control service, therefore there are 2 options available:
- hire a pest controller, or
- control the pests yourself
Professional help
If you choose to hire professional services, ensure you are employing a suitably qualified company.
We promote the Buy with Confidence Scheme - a national initiative which vets and approves legitimate local businesses before allowing them to join and promote themselves as a reputable company to consumers.
Controlling pests yourself
There are things you can do to control pests (insects or animals causing harm or nuisance) on your property.
If you choose to control the pests yourself, you can:
- only trap or kill permitted animals
- use permitted methods to kill animals
- only use poison to kill the pests it's intended for - this will be written on the packaging
- only use traps that have been approved for use with the species you want to control - you must follow the instructions for use
You can be fined or imprisoned if you cause unnecessary harm to any animal.
Get professional advice if you don't know:
- which animals you're permitted to trap or kill
- how to use control methods (eg traps and poisons) correctly
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) lists what you can use to control specific pests.
Protecting other wildlife from harm
You must protect other animals from traps or poison you put down for pests by:
- placing lethal traps under cover or so that other animals and birds aren't caught
- preventing wildlife from eating poison you've put down
It's an offence to disturb or destroy bats, or any place they're living (roosting), even if it's inside your home.
Keeping your house pest free
A few top tips to help keep your home pest free:
- Wipe kitchen surfaces, clean up any food, and throw away uneaten pet food waste
- Keep foodstuffs covered
- Keeping you home ventilated, by regularly opening windows for example, helps prevent bug breeding grounds – fresh air prevents warm, humid areas being created
- Block up any cracks and crevices
- Keep an eye on your pets - fleas are common and can be managed by the use of flea treatments.