With budgets tightening and all expenditure being scrutinised, it’s a good time to evaluate your pest control provider. It’s well worth looking at regional pest control companies. They can offer better value and often more transparent, fair pricing. You will also get a more personal service. With shareholders wanting better returns, the larger companies can put a lot of pressure on their salespeople who then become focused on their targets rather than the problem they are trying to solve for the customer.

Regional companies are usually large enough to afford to invest in good training, accreditations and the latest products and services, but don’t have the huge overheads and marketing costs associated with national brands.

If you have a contract with a national company, carefully examine any hidden costs and extras that may be charged alongside the charges for regular site visits. It is worth comparing the original contract with what you were actually charged.

Pricing should be completely transparent and there should be communication after every visit so you know what has been done and why. All of our technicians use iPads so instant reports can be sent to customers and there are no surprises.

Accreditations and standards are also something that should be checked. The European Standard for Pest Control is EN 16636 Certification (CEPA Certified®). This is independently assessed by qualified and experienced auditors with an in-depth working knowledge of the industry. Audits validate practices to a clear professional standard to ensure activities are delivered safely, effectively and within European and national regulations.

Also critical is British Pest Control Association membership and accreditations including ISO9001, ISO14001, Altius Vendor Assessment, Safe contractor, Exor, Constructionline and Achilles Health and Safety schemes. Accreditations are expensive and time consuming to achieve, but essential as they offer third party endorsement that the company you are dealing with takes everything from health and safety to training and the environment seriously.

Accreditations also mean that a pest control contractor will help customers to comply with regulations such as:

• Prevention of Damage by Pests Act
• Health and Safety at Work Act
• Control of Pesticides Regulations
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
• Food Safety Act
• Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations
• Animal Welfare Act

Evidence that staff are well trained is very important. Look for proof such as Investors in People.

Insurance should include public liability insurance and employers’ liability - both up to at least £10 million for a regional company.

With headquarters in Kenley, South Croydon, Surrey, and offices in East Sussex, Bristol and Bucks, Cleankill has been solving pest problems for commercial and domestic customers for nearly 25 years.

Go to www.cleankill.co.uk or call 0800 056 5477