10 Things to Check Before Choosing a Pest Control Company
- PGM & Son Pest Control
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
Finding pests in your home or business can be stressful. Whether you've discovered rats in the garden, mice inside your property, a wasp nest near your front door or signs of insects in your workplace, choosing the right pest control company is an important decision.
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Not all pest control companies are equal and operate in the same way. Effective pest control is not just about eliminating pests today. The best pest control companies look at why the problem happened and how to prevent it happening again. It requires expert knowledge of pest behaviour, biology, safe treatment methods, prevention strategies and a responsible approach to protecting people, pets and the environment.
Before choosing a pest control company, here are 10 important things to check.
1. Are They a Professional Pest Control Company?
What to check:
Is pest control their actual profession/business activity?
Do they have a professional website and clear business information?
Can you easily find their contact details?
Do they clearly explain the pest control services they provide?
Are they established and traceable as a legitimate business?
Why it matters:
Avoid choosing solely on price or whoever can arrive fastest. A professional pest control service should be transparent about who they are and what they provide.
2. Are They a BPCA Member?
What to check:
Are they a current member of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA)?
Can you find the company on the BPCA website?
Does the company’s membership status match the business you are considering?
Are they displaying the BPCA logo appropriately and accurately?
Does their membership cover the pest control services they are offering?
Why it matters:
BPCA membership demonstrates that a pest control company has chosen to work within recognised professional standards. BPCA members are required to meet recognised professional standards and are independently audited to ensure they continue to meet the Association's requirements. This includes areas such as training, competence, insurance, health and safety, and professional working practices.
However, don't simply rely on a company displaying a BPCA logo on its website or marketing materials. Check the company directly through BPCA's Find a Pest Controller Near Me Service to confirm that their membership is current.
Some pest control companies may also hold additional recognised accreditations, such as NPTA's Membership or TrustMark Government Approved Registration, providing further reassurance that they have been assessed against recognised standards and providing further reassurance of their commitment to professional standards.
Always check the relevant organisation's register rather than relying solely on logos displayed on a company's website.
Membership is just one part of choosing a pest control company, but it can provide an important indication that you are dealing with a business committed to professional standards.
3. Are the Technicians Trained and Qualified?
What to check:
Do the technicians have appropriate pest control training and qualifications?
Are their qualifications relevant to the type of pest control work they carry out?
Does the company provide ongoing training and professional development?
Can the company explain the experience and competence of the technicians who will carry out the work?
Are technicians trained in the safe use of pest control products and equipment?
Why it matters:
Pest control requires specialist knowledge. Technicians need to understand pest identification, behaviour, biology, treatment methods, chemical product use, health and safety and prevention techniques to carry out work safely and effectively.
Qualifications such as RSPH Award in Pest Management can demonstrate that a pest technician has undertaken recognised training, while ongoing professional development helps ensure their knowledge and skills remain up to date.
Don't be afraid to ask who will be carrying out the work and what training or qualifications they have. A professional pest control company should be proud to provide clear information about the competence of its technicians.
4. Do They Have the Right Insurance?
What to check:
Does the company have appropriate public liability insurance?
Do they have employers' liability insurance where required?
Is their insurance suitable for the type of pest control work they carry out?
Are they willing to provide evidence of their insurance if requested?
Does their cover remain current?
Why it matters:
Pest control work can involve working in homes, businesses, public spaces and other environments where accidents or damage could potentially occur. Appropriate insurance helps protect both the pest control company and its customers if something goes wrong.
A professional pest control company should have suitable insurance for the work it undertakes and should be able to provide evidence of its cover when requested.
5. Do They Identify the Pest Problem Before Treating It?
A professionl trusted pest controller shouldn't automatically reach for a chemical treatment without understanding what is happening. A common mistake is choosing a company that immediately recommends treatment without understanding the problem.
What to check:
Have they correctly identified the pest involved?
Do they ask questions about where and when you have seen pest activity?
Do they assess the circumstances before recommending treatment?
Do they consider the type of property and the environment in which the pest problem is occurring?
Do they have experience dealing with your type of property?
Can they explain what may be causing or contributing to the problem?
Do they recommend the most appropriate treatment for the situation?
Where rodenticides are being considered, do they work in accordance with the CRRU UK Code of Best Practice?
Do They Focus on Prevention as Well as Treatment?
This may include:
Pest proofing
Identifying entry points
Improving waste management
Reducing food sources
Addressing environmental factors
Why it matters:
Different pests require different approaches, and treating the wrong pest or addressing only the visible signs of an infestation may not solve the underlying problem. A professional pest controller should gather enough information to understand the situation and, where appropriate, inspect the affected area before recommending treatment.
This should include looking for signs of pest activity, identifying potential entry points and considering factors such as food, water, shelter and environmental conditions.
The type of property can also influence the pest risks and the most appropriate approach. A family home, farm, restaurant, school, warehouse or office can each present very different challenges. A professional pest controller should understand these differences and tailor their approach to the property rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all treatment.
Not every pest problem requires a detailed survey before treatment, particularly where the pest and appropriate treatment are straightforward to identify. What matters is that the technician has enough information to make a professional assessment and recommend an appropriate course of action.
Where rodent control involves the use of rodenticides, the CRRU UK Code of Best Practice provides guidance on their responsible use, including considering non-chemical methods and using rodenticides appropriately and responsibly.
A professional pest controller should also be willing to explain what they have found, why treatment is recommended and what you can do to help prevent the problem from returning. A company that only treats the symptoms may leave you facing the same problem again.
6. Do They Use an Integrated Pest Management Approach?
What to check:
Do they consider prevention as well as treatment?
Do they look for ways to reduce access to food, water and shelter?
Do they consider proofing and exclusion where appropriate?
Do they use monitoring to understand pest activity?
Do they only recommend chemical treatments where they are necessary and appropriate?
Do they provide advice to help prevent the problem from returning?
Why it matters:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) takes a broader approach to pest control. Rather than relying solely on pesticides, professional pest management involves:
Identification and monitoring
Hygiene improvements
Removing food and water sources
Proofing and exclusion
Habitat management
Targeted treatment where necessary
Follow-up and prevention
The approach taken will depend on the pest, the property and the circumstances. A professional pest controller should consider the most appropriate and proportionate combination of methods rather than automatically relying on chemical treatment.
The objective should not simply be to “kill the pest”, but to understand why the problem exists and reduce the likelihood of it returning.
7. Do They Explain the Treatment and Any Risks?
What to check:
Do they clearly explain the treatment they are recommending?
Can they explain why that treatment is appropriate for your pest problem?
Do they explain any precautions you need to take before, during or after treatment?
Will they tell you if people or pets need to stay away from treated areas?
Do they explain any restrictions or follow-up requirements?
Where products are used, can they provide appropriate information about their safe use?
Do they consider the potential impact on people, pets, livestock, wildlife and other non-target animals?
Why it matters:
Pest control treatments can involve a range of methods and products, and customers should understand what is being proposed before work begins. A professional pest controller should be able to explain the treatment in clear, straightforward language and answer any questions you may have.
This is particularly important where pesticides or other products are being used. The pest technician should explain any precautions that need to be followed and make sure appropriate measures are taken to protect people, pets, livestock, wildlife and other non-target animals.
Responsible pest control should always consider the wider impact of treatment. This is particularly important when using products such as rodenticides and insecticides, where incorrect use can create unnecessary harm to people, animals, wildlife and aquatic life.
For commercial customers, there may also be additional site-specific requirements, such as risk assessments, method statements and COSHH information, depending on the work being undertaken.
You should never feel pressured into agreeing to a treatment that has not been properly explained. A professional pest controller should be willing to discuss the proposed approach and the precautions involved before work begins.
8. Is the Pricing Clear and Transparent?
What to check:
Is the price clearly explained before treatment begins?
What is included in the quoted price?
Does the price cover one treatment or multiple visits?
Are follow-up visits included or charged separately?
Are there any additional or potential charges?
Does the company explain what happens if the problem persists?
If proofing or other preventative work is recommended, is this included or priced separately?
Why it matters:
Pest control prices can vary considerably depending on the pest, the extent of the problem, the property, the treatment required and the number of visits involved. The cheapest quote is not necessarily the cheapest or most appropriate solution.
A professional pest control company should be clear about what you are paying for and explain any conditions that may affect the final cost. If several visits are required, for example, you should always ask whether these are included in the initial price or charged separately.
Be cautious of prices that appear unusually low without any explanation of what is included. A low headline price may only cover an initial visit or assessment, with further treatments or other work charged separately. Pest control prices explained
Before agreeing to treatment, make sure you understand what the price covers, what may cost extra and what happens if further treatment is required.
9. Do They Provide Clear Records and Follow-Up?
What to check:
Will you receive a clear record of the work carried out?
Does the report explain what pest was identified and what treatment was provided?
Are treatment products or methods recorded where appropriate?
Can you request the relevant Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemical products being used?
Has an appropriate risk assessment been completed for the work?
Are recommendations for proofing, hygiene or prevention included?
Does the company explain whether follow-up visits or monitoring are required?
Can you easily access your service records if you need them later?
Why it matters:
Good pest control should not necessarily end when the technician leaves. Depending on the type of pest problem and the treatment provided, follow-up visits, monitoring or preventative measures may be needed to confirm that the problem has been resolved.
Where chemical products are used, customers should be able to request the relevant Safety Data Sheets (SDS), which provide important information about the product, its hazards, handling, storage and emergency measures.
A professional pest control company should also carry out an appropriate risk assessment for the work being undertaken, considering the risks to people, pets, property and the environment and the control measures required to manage those risks.
Clear records also provide a useful record of what was found, what action was taken and any recommendations made. This is particularly important for commercial customers, who may need to demonstrate that appropriate pest management measures are in place as part of their own health, safety, food safety or audit requirements.
A professional pest control company should provide appropriate documentation and explain any follow-up that is recommended, giving you a clear understanding of what has been done and what happens next.
10. Do They Have Good Reviews and a Professional Reputation?
What to check:
Do they have genuine reviews from previous customers?
Are the reviews recent and consistent?
Do customers mention professionalism, communication and reliability?
Do they have experience dealing with the type of pest problem you have?
Do they respond professionally to questions or concerns?
Do they have a clear complaints procedure if something goes wrong?
Look for feedback about:
Professionalism
Communication
Reliability
Quality of advice
Long-term results
A strong reputation is built through consistently providing honest advice and effective solutions.
Why it matters:
Reviews can be a useful way of understanding what other customers have experienced, but they should not be the only factor when choosing a pest control company. Look beyond the overall star rating and consider what customers are actually saying about the service they received.
Look for consistent feedback about professionalism, communication, reliability, treatment effectiveness and aftercare. Recent reviews can also give you a better indication of the company's current level of service.
Also check whether the company has experience dealing with the particular pest or circumstances you are facing. A company that regularly handles the type of problem you have may be better placed to provide appropriate advice and treatment.
Finally, consider how the company communicates with you before you book. Are they willing to answer your questions, explain the proposed treatment and provide clear information about costs and what to expect?
A professional pest control company should be willing to stand behind the service it provides and have a clear process for dealing with any concerns or complaints.
Choosing a pest control company is about more than finding someone who can make the problem disappear quickly.
A professional pest controller should be able to identify the pest, assess the situation, explain the options, work safely and professionally, and provide appropriate advice to reduce the risk of the problem returning.
For consumers and businesses, checking professional membership, technician competence, insurance, treatment methods, pricing and documentation before booking can help them make a more informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a good pest control company?
Look for a professional, established pest control company - like PGM Pest Control - with appropriately trained technicians, suitable insurance and a clear approach to identifying and treating pest problems. Check whether they are a member of a recognised professional organisation such as BPCA, and consider their reviews, experience and the information they provide about treatments and pricing.
Should I choose a BPCA member for pest control?
Choosing a BPCA member can provide additional reassurance when selecting a pest control company. BPCA members are required to meet the Association's professional standards and are audited to ensure they continue to meet its requirements. You can use BPCA's Find a Pest Controller service to check whether a company is a current member.
What qualifications should a pest control technician have?
Pest control technicians should have appropriate training and qualifications relevant to the work they carry out. Recognised qualifications, such as RSPH pest management awards, can demonstrate formal training and knowledge. It is also important that technicians receive ongoing training and keep their knowledge and skills up to date.
Should a pest control company provide a risk assessment?
A professional pest control company should assess the risks associated with the work it undertakes and put appropriate control measures in place. Depending on the type and circumstances of the work, customers may also require supporting documentation such as risk assessments, method statements and COSHH information, particularly in commercial environments.
Should pest control include prevention as well as treatment?
Ideally, yes. Professional pest management should consider why the pest problem has occurred and how the risk of it returning can be reduced. Depending on the situation, this may involve monitoring, hygiene improvements, removing food or water sources, proofing and exclusion, habitat management and targeted treatment where necessary.
How much does professional pest control cost?
The cost of pest control varies depending on the pest involved, the extent of the problem, the type of property, the treatment required and whether follow-up visits or preventative work are needed. Before agreeing to treatment, ask the company to explain exactly what is included in the price and whether any additional charges may apply. The cheapest quote is not necessarily the most appropriate or cost-effective solution. Learn more about pest control costs
Pest Problem? Don't Panic. Don't Google.
Think PGM!
Choose PGM Pest Control
At PGM & Son, we believe professional pest control is about doing the job properly.
As a BPCA member, award-winning, local family-run pest control company, we combine technical knowledge, responsible treatment methods and preventative advice to help homeowners and businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
We do not believe in unnecessary chemical treatments or quick fixes. We focus on understanding the cause of pest problems and finding the safest, most effective solution.
Whether you need help with rats, mice, wasps, bed bugs, woodworm, cockroaches, fleas, birds, carpet beetles or other pests, our experienced and highly trained team is here to provide professional advice and reliable support.
Need Professional Pest Control Advice?
If you are unsure which pest control company to choose, speak to a trained professional who can provide honest advice and recommend the right solution for your situation.
Contact PGM & Son today for professional pest control throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
