Dealing With Pests
If you have a problem with pests you could try reading an online advice guide to take action yourself. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) provides an A-Z of pests with advice on how to deal with each pest (such as insects and mammals).
If this does not work you may like to call in a professional pest controller. When looking for a pest controller, make sure you:
- Get at least three quotations
- Find out if there is a call out fee or fixed charge
- Find out what service and guarantee they will provide you
- Check they have insurance cover
- Check their qualifications (a certificate in Pest Control from the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health (RSPH) or the BPCA)
- Are happy with them and understand the advice they give
- Consider personal recommendations from friends, neighbours or colleagues
The Age UK Directory can help you find a pest controller. Companies included in the scheme have demonstrated their commitment to fair, professional and honest trade.
If the bait is used your pest controller will need to visit a few times to inspect the bait and keep it topped up. He or she should also carry out a final inspection once the program is complete to ensure no bait is left behind. If rodenticides are used, your pest controller should carry out an environmental assessment to consider the possible threats to wildlife and domestic animals.
Foxes
Many people think of foxes as vermin which should be controlled. There is no requirement for local authorities to control fox populations and previous efforts have proved ineffective.
For further information please visit the Foxes page.
Wasps
The Council does not provide a pest control service to deal with wasps. More information can be found on the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) website.
Council Tenants
If you are a Council tenant and are concerned about pests please raise a request for pest control via AXIS on 020 8547 5003 selecting Option 3 (Housing) then Option 2 (Housing Repairs) and Option 2 (non-gas related repairs).
Please notify your Housing Officer once you have reported the matter so this can be monitored.
Private sector tenants
If you are renting in the private sector and you are concerned about pests, please contact your landlord to report the problem.