Find pest control companies near me

Dealing with a pest infestation? Use Checkatrade to find professional pest controllers in your local area.

How to find pest control experts near me

Rats, insects, birds, mice, whatever it is, you'll need to find a local pest control company to help you.

Once you search your postcode below, you'll see which of your local tradespeople have passed up to 12 checks and continue to meet our high standards for quality and service.

Short on time? We are here to help. Request a quote today and our approved local pest exterminator services will be in touch.

Finding the best exterminator near me

Read online reviews and ask for recommendations

Don't hire the first exterminator service you find online. Ask friends and family for reviews or find out if your neighbours have used a professional exterminator in the past. Asking for recommendations is an effective way to find a trustworthy service.

If no one has any recommendations, head online for help. Read reviews of local exterminator services and discover what their customers have to say.

We make sure that real customers write all of our reviews.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

Check certifications

All UK exterminators must have a license to use pesticides. To legally use these chemicals, exterminators need a Specified Certificate in the Use of Pesticides, issued by the NPTC.

Only hire a licensed exterminator. If you have concerns about the safety of a service, don't risk it.

Use Checkatrade

We are here to help you find the best pest control services near you. Our online directory is full of reputable tradespeople waiting to hear from you. We only approve members who work to our high standards and pass all of our checks.

Enter your postcode below to find a Checkatrade-approved exterminator near you.

Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*

* Eligibility and T&Cs apply

The different types of professional pest control

The type of pest control you need will be determined by the following factors:

• The type of pests in your home

• The severity of the infestation

• The location of the pests

Homes make an enticing environment for fleas, rats, birds, bed bugs wasps and many other creatures. A professional exterminator service will be needed when your unwelcome house guests refuse to move out!

The three methods of insect and vermin control used in the UK are:

• Chemical pest control

• Physical pest control

• Biological pest control

Chemical methods

Chemical pest extermination methods involve using poisons and pesticides. The use of chemical substances effectively kills pests in your home and garden.

Strict laws and guidelines are in place to make chemical extermination methods as safe as possible for humans and the surrounding environment.

The use of poisons and pesticides effectively resolves large scale infestations. While closely regulated, these chemicals can be dangerous.

To protect the health of your family, hire a trained and experienced exterminator. Professionals know how to use theses chemicals safely and effectively.

Physical methods

This extermination method involves catching the pests and blocking their entrance into your home. The traditional mouse trap is the most well known method of physical pest control.

Minor pest issues can be solved with physical methods. For instance, patching up a hole in the roof can be all that is needed to keep squirrels, birds and other vermin away. Lethal and humane traps are frequently used forms of physical pest control.

Professional exterminators assess the severity of an infestation and select their pest control methods accordingly.

Biological methods

Biological control methods are the most natural and environmentally friendly way to deal with pests. Examples of this type of pest control include:

• Introducing a natural predator

• Introducing plants as a repellant

Getting a cat to deal with a rat infestation is a form of biological pest control. Planting certain plants in your garden to deter pesky insects from your lawn is another. Biological pest control changes the environment to keep an infestation at bay.

Results of the biological approach can be slow, especially when compared to chemical and physical methods. Using biological pest control requires patience and works best for minor vermin issues.

Answers to your pest control questions

Do local councils do pest control?

Many local authorities offer a pest control service. Contact your local council to find out exactly which services are available in your area. You will have to pay but councils often charge less than independent services.

Extermination services available via your council may be limited. For example, your local authority may deal with flea infestations but not offer a rat removal service.

How much is a pest control service?

Pest extermination services vary in price. Professional flea control costs £150 but treating a moth infestation is significantly more, costing on average £500.

A full bed bug insecticide treatment costs between £1,000 and£1,500. The average cost for specialist extermination services is £230.

Read our full pest control cost guide for a full breakdown of current prices.

How often should pest control visit?

Regular pest control visits are not necessary for the majority of UK homeowners. Exterminator visits are only needed if there is a pest problem that needs to be dealt with. Homeowners dealing with reoccurring pest problems may require follow up visits in order to stay vermin free.

Commercial businesses, such as food establishments, require regular visits from pest control to comply with health and safety legislations.

What is the hardest pest to get rid of?

Bedbugs are the most difficult household pest to exterminate. These tiny creatures reproduce quickly and are resistant to many commonly used pesticides. Bedbugs can survive a long time without feeding and hide in small crevices.

Don't hesitate to contact a professional exterminator if you discover bedbugs in your home. It is best to deal with this type of infestation sooner rather than later.