This week we discuss what you should look for in a pest controller.
QUALIFIED
Always make sure your pest controller is suitably qualified. Those involved in the application of pesticides must be able to demonstrate that they are adequately trained and competent to purchase and use professional products and equipment.
At PGM & Son Pest Control we hold the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) Level 2 Award in Pest Management. This qualification fulfils the legal requirement relating to the training of pest control technicians as set out in the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986.
TOP TIP – ASK TO SEE A COPY OF YOUR PEST CONTROLLER QUALIFICATIONS!
KNOWLEDGEABLE
Make sure your pest controller keeps their knowledge up to date. Changes happen in any industry and it’s important to refresh knowledge and keep up to date with new developments.
PGM & Son Pest Control are members of BASIS Prompt – an independent industry and Government recognised register for professional pest controllers.
The BASIS PROMPT Pest Controllers register is an industry initiative which provides independent proof that a pest controller has received proper training and continues to update their expertise through Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
TOP TIP – ASK YOUR PEST CONTROLLER FOR THEIR BASIS PROMPT REGISTRATION NUMBER!
PROFESSIONAL
Your pest controller should be a member of a recognised trade body. The two main ones in the UK are the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA).
PGM & Son Pest Control is a member of the NPTA.
TOP TIP – CHECK OUT MEMBERS OF THE NPTA IN HEREFORDSHIRE BY SEARCHING THE NPTA REGISTER AT: http://www.npta.org.uk/member-search
PEACE OF MIND
Make sure your pest controller carries adequate public liability insurance. Sometimes things go wrong, even with the best of intentions so your pest controller should have measures in place to mitigate the risk that something doesn’t go to plan.
Your pest controller should also have the correct waste carrier’s licence in place.
PGM & Son Pest Control carries comprehensive public and products liability insurance. We are also hold an Upper Tier Waste Carrier Licence.
TOP TIP – DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK YOUR PEST CONTROLLER FOR DETAILS OF THEIR INSURANCES AND LICENCES. A PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROLLER WILL BE HAPPY TO SUPPLY DETAILS FOR YOU.
LOCATION & SERVICES
Most people pick up the ‘phone to national pest control companies usually because they recognise the brand name, or they appear top of the list when searching on internet. There’s nothing wrong with using a national firm of course but there are some benefits to using local firms.
A local firm can offer faster response times because they’re based closer to you. And, a local firm may have a better understanding of the issues facing your area and community. Local firms often have a great local network so can help with connected issues.
Check your pest controller offers the services you require. Not all pest controllers handle all types of pest problems. For example, some only offer wasp control others offer commercial services but not residential.
Check out your pest controller’s eco credentials. A pest controller should be able to discuss environmentally friendly solutions with you and explain how they try to reduce their own carbon footprint.
PGM & Son Pest Control offers a wide range of pest control services, We handle most pest problems, offer both residential and commercial services and additional services such as pest waste cleaning, pest waste removal and insect identification.
The environment is important to us, we’re always happy to share our views on preventative pest control measures. Managing the risk to non-target species is top priority. We educate through working with individuals and businesses and through our regular weekly blogs.
And, we’re working hard to reduce our carbon footprint, for example, jobs are carefully planned and coordinated so that we keep the amount of time we spend on the road to a minimum – essential in a vast rural county like Herefordshire.
TOP TIP – BE ALERT FOR FIRMS WHO ALWAYS ADVOCATE ERADICATION AND NEVER FOCUS ON PREVENTION
QUALITY OF SERVICE
It can be expensive calling out a pest controller. Often the chemicals and materials used are expensive and costs have to be covered. So, it is essential you are provided with a quality service. Make sure your pest controller has good credentials.
Also, make sure your pest controller provides you with a quote for services and explains clearly to you what the service will entail and what the cost will be.
PGM & Son Pest Control was crowned Sole Trader of the Year 2019 ate the British Pest Management Awards (BPMA) and 2019 Family Business of the Year finalist in the Herefordshire Business Awards. What better accolade than being recognised by your industry peers and local businesses in this way!
TOP TIP – CHEAPEST ISN’T ALWAYS BEST! COMPARE QUOTES AND SERVICES TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE GETTING VALUE FOR MONEY.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It can be a worry engaging the services of a firm or individual when you have no prior experience of them. Word of mouth referrals are a great way to sharing information on local services. Similarly, social media have local business boards so the individuals can share their experiences and details of local traders.
Feedback and ratings can also be found online which can also be a useful indicator.
PGM & Son Pest Control has excellent feedback from customers – check out our feedback and ratings on our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk/reviews look up our reviews on Google by typing in PGM Pest Control and clicking on Google reviews. Read the feedback on Trustpilot at https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk
TOP TIP – CHECK OUT ADVERTS FOR LOCAL PEST CONTROLLERS IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINES, PARISH NEWSLETTERS AND LOCAL STORE NOTICE BOARDS!
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