Pest control services

There's nothing worse than an unwelcome infestation in your home or workplace. The best way to get rid is to nip it in the bud as quickly as possible. While there are ways to do this yourself, bringing in a pest control service will make sure every corner of your property is free from these menaces. They can also help you with preventative measures for the future.

Here's how to find the right pest control service near you.

What are pest control services?

If you suspect an infestation of any kind in or around your property, a pest control service will help you to exterminate the unwelcomed critters. A pest control professional will inspect your property for any signs of pests, lay down any treatment to get rid of the pests and write-up a pest control plan for preventing any further infestations in your home. They deal with everything from mites to cockroaches and possums to wasps.

What does a pest control service do?

Pest control services are there to remove and prevent pests in your home. During your appointment, the service person will inspect your property to check for signs of infestations. Once they have assessed the severity of the situation, they will design a personal pest control treatment plan. Depending on the course of action they want to take, they may start the job straight away, or do it over the course of a few days.

A few common services they provide, include:

• Insect pest control including cockroaches, fleas and spiders
• Termite inspection and treatment
• Possum removal and relocation
• Wasp and bee nest removal and relocation
• Rodent extermination and removal

How do I find a pest control service?

Thanks to the internet, you already have hundreds of pest control services available at your fingertips, and a quick search will reveal hundreds of businesses in your local area. Using an online job marketplace like Airtasker, hipages and Oneflare will also connect you to professionals who can get the job done for you. These are effective platforms that allow you to collect quotes, compare reviews and hire a pest control professional all in a day's work.

How much does pest control cost?

It's impossible to put one price on a pest control service, as it depends on a number of things including the type and size of your property, the severity of the infestation, the type of pest and if any on-going treatment is required. Pest control services typically charge by the hour. Rates can range between $30 and $60 an hour, depending on your location and the expertise of the business.

To get an idea of what you might need to pay, here are some job prices from hipages:

• $225 for possum removal and relocation
• $200 for termite control of a medium-sized area
• $260 for rodent removal
• $170 for one-off treatment in a four-bedroom house

How do I compare pest control services?

Comparing pest control services does demand a little bit of work from your end. To make sure you're getting the best price for the job, and a reliable service, it's best practice to collect and compare quotes from several different companies in your area. As well as speaking to individuals on the phone, it's also important to delve into reviews and testimonials from past customers.

What to consider when hiring a pest control service

Beyond finding the right price, and a high-quality service, one of the most important factors when it comes to hiring a pest control professional is to make sure they have the right license. While licensing specifics vary across Australia, pest control services are required to have a license of some sort in every single state. This allows them to handle and store the chemicals and treatment safely and correctly.

How should I prepare for a pest control service?

How you prepare for your pest control appointment depends on the type of pest you're dealing with. If the service is likely to involve the use of harsh chemicals, you need to make sure that all of your kitchen utensils and food is put away, and that any pets or children are out of the room which is undergoing treatment. Professional services will also inform you of any additional steps you need to take before their arrival.

How long does a pest control service take?

Most treatments and inspections will only take a couple of hours to complete. However, as a safety measure after some chemicals are used, you won't be allowed in your home or in a certain room for up to eight hours.

Do I need to be at home for a pest control service?

It is best to be at home when a pest control service comes to inspect your home. You will need to be there to explain the ins and out of the infestation and point out where you see the most activity. This will help the serviceman work out the right treatment plan for your needs and target it correctly.

Pros and cons of pest control

Pros

• Helps to rid your home of pests quickly.
• Fights allergies and irritations.
• Ensures thorough cleaning and inspection of your home.
• Reduces the chance of catching diseases from pests.

Cons

• Harsh chemicals used can be harmful to humans.
• Treatments are expensive.
• Non-targetted chemicals can affect other beneficial insects.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between pest control and an exterminator?

Pest control services tend to look at the problem as a whole, hoping to address the root of the problem and prevent future pests. Exterminators have one prerogative, and that is to kill and remove the pests without looking at the cause of the problem.

Can you do pest control yourself?

There are various ways of controlling pests yourself, although these may not be as efficient or effective as calling in a professional. Depending on the problem at hand, you can use traps, baits, sprays and repellents to help get the situation under control.

Is pest control spray dangerous?

Some types of chemicals that a pest control service uses can be harmful to both humans and animals. Professionals are trained and licensed to use these hazardous chemicals correctly and reduce the effects on humans. As well as targeting the chemicals in a specific area, they may ask you to leave your house for a few hours while the spray settles.