Pest control

badatDIY

Heard some scratching around in my loft, went up to investigate and low and behold there are droppings everywhere. Too big for mice, so I suspect rats or squirrels.

I contacted a few pest control companies, most seem to quote a fee depending on what it turns out to be (without even coming to look to see what needs doing and leaving it open to it being more expensive!) and one said they'll come and assess it for a fee before offering a (paid) treatment process.

What's going on here? No other type of tradesperson I've hired in the past has ever offered a quote without looking or charged a fee to assess the problem (now admittedly I've thankfully never had an emergency that required someone like a plumber - I know they charge a call out fee!). Am I being unreasonable to be suspicious here? They all seem well reviewed on Google or checkatrade, although I know that those places can be gamed, and the one charging an upfront fee is often recommended on a local Facebook chat - not really sure what else to go on really...

GrubbyGirl_2

If you think about it there is not much variety to the job so probably easy to quote without seeing. You’ve already established you have critters in your loft. It will either be rats, mice or squirrels. The relevant bait will be laid and they will know what needs to go down and where to get the best result when they see where the droppings and runs are. There is probably a set number of baits needed in a loft regardless of size and they probably don’t need to see it until they do the work, so I can easily see why they can quote without seeing. 

Check with your local council as they may have an in house service it recommended pest controllers. 

YoungBlueEyes

See if your council has a 'pest control' department.

I've got varmints under my decking. I rang the council, woman said I had to pay a fee if I booked someone to come out and look + treat. £80 and a guy came out 2 days later. He put some blocks and pellets down, and told me to stop feeding the birds He came back 2 weeks later to check/change/move the poison, and he was such a nice man I was asking him questions about various bits - he was very knowledgeable and helpful.

This wasn't a company recommended by the council, he's working for the council. A pedantic distinction perhaps, but still.  Hope that helps

badatDIY

YoungBlueEyes said:

See if your council has a 'pest control' department.

I've got varmints under my decking. I rang the council, woman said I had to pay a fee if I booked someone to come out and look + treat. £80 and a guy came out 2 days later. He put some blocks and pellets down, and told me to stop feeding the birds He came back 2 weeks later to check/change/move the poison, and he was such a nice man I was asking him questions about various bits - he was very knowledgeable and helpful.

This wasn't a company recommended by the council, he's working for the council. A pedantic distinction perhaps, but still.  Hope that helps

The council do seem to have a page for this, but looks like a subcontracted company and as my council is Croydon and I know how bad they normally are with services I'm a bit sceptical! Thanks though

YoungBlueEyes

Ah ok. Well I'd go with what @GrubbyGirl_2 says then. Companies are probably all set for whatever you think you have up there cos there really aren't that many options. Rats or mice or squirrels.

I know it goes against everything you're supposed to do, but I wouldn't be spending hours researching every company in this case. Someone that's not charging the earth and can come out quite quickly would do me.

badatDIY

Well I've now managed to get 3 quotes and the prices are hugely variable. Handily the cheapest one also happens to be a guy my brother has used before so here's hoping he's good

YoungBlueEyes

Good luck to ya @badatDIY, I hope he's successful.

diystarter7

Hi OP

As with anything like this and or builders etc, if you wish, look up the reviews, look up the negative ones and look up the reviews that are relevant to your scenarios.

Once they do come round and had a look, confirm quote and exactly what this will entail

Good luck

FreeBear

Bawcro said:If you're feeling unsure, consider reaching out to [redacted]. They’re experienced in dealing with pests like rats and squirrels, and their team will be happy to guide you through the process.

Are they any good with dealing other pests like spammers that go necroposting across multiple boards ??

tealady

From memory there are 2 bodies for pest control companies (one being the British Pest Control Association).
Their members should work to industry standards.
I would look at their website for advice on finding someone suitable.

HTH

bjorn_toby_wilde

tealady said:

From memory there are 2 bodies for pest control companies (one being the British Pest Control Association).
Their members should work to industry standards.
I would look at their website for advice on finding someone suitable.

HTH

The original post is over a year and a half old and has been resurrected by a spammer. Doubt the OP still has the problem, but good advice nevertheless