Pest control in Hertsmere
Your pest control questions answered
Most pests are harmless and can often be dealt with by using humane traps and chemicals available from DIY stores, garden centres and supermarkets. It is important to always read the label carefully and only use the insecticide for the use that it is intended.
However, sometimes it is advisable to call in experts to solve a persistent problem. Whilst the Council does not have a legal obligation to provide a pest control service, it has a small team of officers who specialise in getting rid of certain pests, using a comprehensive range of pest control treatments and techniques not available to buy over the counter. Some private companies also offer Pest Control Services, and their details can be found in publications such as the Yellow Pages, similar directories and local newspapers.
The Council offers free advice over the phone, but charges do apply for callouts, treatments and appointments, even where no treatment is required. The Council charges competitive rates for these services, a full breakdown of which can be viewed below. Where the main householder is in receipt of Pension Credit or Income Support they will receive a basic pest control service for rats and mice free of charge.
Please note most bees are a protected species. Advice can be given but no treatment is available.
Council Officers will apply safe and effective treatments. If the problem persists they will return and make reasonable efforts to ensure the problem is dealt with.
Pest control services can be arranged by telephoning the Environmental Health Unit on 020 8207 7435 during normal working hours. Alternatively you can email us at environmental.health@hertsmere.gov.uk , or use this online form.
Pest Control FAQs
Q: When should I call out a pest control officer/pest control company?
A:
- If you have seen rats or mice in your garden over a period of time.
- If you find droppings and/or items chewed inside your property.
- If you have heard noises i.e. scratching over a few days, and cannot find a non-pest related cause for the noises.
Q: How do I make an appointment?
A: Contact the Environmental Health Unit on 020 8207 7435 during normal working hours. Alternatively you can email us at environmental.health@hertsmere.gov.uk
Q: How much does it cost?
A: A full list of costs is attached here 
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Q: I receive Pension Credit / Income Support. Do I get a discount?
A: If the main householder is in receipt of Pension Credit or Income Support you will receive a basic pest control service for rats and mice free of charge.
Q: How long does treatment take?
A: It depends on the scale of the problem. A technician would discuss this with you once an initial assessment is made.
Q: Does someone have to be at the property when the pest control technician arrives?
A: Yes, especially on the first visit. For re-visits if you have agreed with the technician at the initial visit that alternative access will be available, you no longer need to be at the property during treatments.
Q: What appointments are available?
A: The current schedule is detailed below. However it may be subject to change and can be affected by other considerations such as adverse weather etc.
AM appointments are between 8am and noon. PM appointments are between noon and 4pm. No specific times can be given as it is difficult to determine exactly how long a particular job will last.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thurs | Fri | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | Borehamwood | Bushey | Potters Bar | Borehamwood | Borehamwood/Bushey |
| PM | Potters Bar | Borehamwood | Borehamwood | Bushey | Potters Bar |
Q: Are weekend appointments available?
A: No. If alternative access cannot be made available (eg through a neighbour) it is suggested you contact a private pest control company.
Q: Is any advice available over the phone?
A: Yes. Our team will be happy to advise you on treatments available to help try to get rid of your pest control problem. In some cases we can advise on products you can buy over the counter to help, for example in the case of foxes.
Q: How do I know what treatment to buy if I don’t know what the insect is?
A: If you can bring in a sample of the bugs in a secure container to our offices in Borehamwood we offer a free identification service. Our pest control technicians will explain what they are and how to eliminate the problem. You will need to make an appointment to do this.
Q: I rent my property from a private landlord/ Housing Association; do I have to pay for a pest control service?
A: Yes, unless the principle householder is in receipt of income support or pension credit in which case a free basic rat or mouse service is available. Alternatively your landlord may agree to pay but you would need to arrange this with them.
Q: Are there any after affects with the treatments?
A: In cases of rats or mice being treated with bait inside your property you may experience a problem with smell. You may experience a smell for a few days or longer depending on where the body is, temperature etc. Sometimes were wasp nests are treated a smell may develop which should only last a few days.
Q: What happens to the dead pests?
A: You will need to dispose of these yourself. The council is not responsible for collecting dead target species from your property.