Pest Control

Pest control is not just about putting down poisons and traps, it is a much wider and more detailed subject which seeks to understand;

What pests are a problem? - identification of pest types,

How are they getting in?, and why - what are they after?

Where are they living and feeding? - what are they eating and what paths and travel routes do they follow or avoid?

How big is the problem? How can they be removed and/or kept out?

How can they be deterred from coming in?, by simple things such as hygiene (cleaning), containing or removing alternative food and water sources, making entry difficult, removing shelter and potential hiding places,

Are there any particular risks involved? - such as working at height, in darkness or confined spaces (lofts), contamination/disease (working in sewers and drains) or where there may be access by children or pets, or where non target animal species (bats, squirrels, birds of prey) may be poisoned either directly or indirectly by eating bait or vermin, or be caught in traps not intended for them?

SOMETIMES thinking about poisons or traps - but considering which would be the safest whilst being effective, which are approved for indoor or outdoor use, how to deal with unused bait or dead vermin corpses, bait 'shyness' (avoidance) and bait resistance (the poison does not work), and the habits of the target species.

Traps may sometimes be offered as a choice but clients may be required to check them daily and deal with any vermin in them.

We can only consider poisons or traps when we are satisfied that the other aspects of control have been addressed. Our trained professionals will make these decisions.

SAFETY is the most important factor in our work - we will always look for the safest effective method of resolving pest problems. Sometimes, this may NOT involve poisons or traps or MAY require the client or householder to play their part. We CAN, Will and MUST refuse to carry out poison or trap treatments where it is not going to be safe or effective - due sometimes to clients failing to follow our necessary advice. We may, however, have to insist on some measures (such as clearing up rotten food) under public health legislation.

This is more than 'traditional' pest control or treatment - it is known as Integrated Pest Management and is a requirement of updated safety laws.

Payments and refunds

- animal warden staff can offer refunds if a paid for treatment cannot be carried out or a fee is otherwise unnecessary. Jobs should only be paid for by credit/debit card in advance, unless in exceptional circumstances for WASPS ONLY by cheque on site, and NEVER by cash. People not having a bank account, cheque book or debit/credit card are advised to seek payment from another person - friend, family or neighbour? - to whom they can give cash.  This decision is to protect the staff from the risks of carrying cash - OUR STAFF CARRY NO CASH.