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Obtaining The Right Pest Control Service |
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 The control of pests can be achieved at a variety of levels ranging from one-off contracts for the control of occasional infestations through a variety of extended contracts where infestations pose a continuing threat to large scale programmes administered at government level. Those affected by pests may institute their own controls whilst, frequently a professional pest control organisation will be employed. The following guidelines, which are not exhaustive, serve to assist in the selection of a professional pest control organisation and establishment of a pest control contract. |
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| A provider of professional pest control services should be able to satisfy the following requirements : |
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 |  Experience. Demonstrate experience in the provision of a full pest control service (or at least advice) on non-chemical as well as chemical methods of control. Many organisations will be members of recognised trade associations whose terms of reference seek to ensure members can provide an acceptable standard of service. |
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|  Suitably qualified. The provider should be adequately qualified with a knowledge of relevant legislation governing pest control and the use of pesticides. |
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|  Technical resource. The provider should be able to demonstrate sufficient technical resources to meet the demands of the task in hand. |
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|  Survey and reporting service. Resources should be available to provide a full survey of the infestation and progress in its control with adequate reporting. In the food industry this may involve working with food business operators as they seek to conduct and implement the results of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) risk assessments. |
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|  Terms. A firm quotation of terms of the contract and cost should be available. |
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|  Adequate business standing. The provider should be able to demonstrate the existence of adequate insurance cover and financial stability. |
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|  Testimonials. The provider should be able to furnish references from existing clients. |
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| Developing The Appropriate Contract |
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Pest control organisations range from large multinational companies to small companies operating locally. They can be located through business and telephone directories, specialist publications, local authorities and trade associations.
An essential part of securing the right pest control service involves the development of an appropriate contract. The following points should be considered but do not seek to provide definitive heads for agreement. |
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|  Define qualifications of service provider. The qualifications of the provider should be defined in terms of competence, business standing etc; i.e. can the provider meet the relevant requirements of the first part of this guide? |
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|  Pests. The pests which are to be the subject of the contract should be defined. |
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|  Standard of control. An acceptable standard of pest control must be defined for the various areas covered by the contract. "Riddance" is a useful criterion and can be defined as: "achieving the best level of control or eradication which is technically and practicably possible". |
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|  Visits. The number of visits of the provider required and their purpose should be defined. These may include visits for the purpose of Risk Assessment, Routine control procedures, Emergency response (a time should be defined), Technical Review and Quality Assurance Inspections. |
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|  Special considerations. Special requirements should be identified. These may include details regarding training, access to the client's premises, special clothing requirements and other limitations pertinent to the pest control operation. |
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|  Pesticides. The client may wish to specify pesticides which should not be used under the contract or, conversely those which should. In any case the pesticides should only be those accepted for the purpose by the local regulatory agency or, if there is no independent approval process, recommended by a reputable supplier. |
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|  Reporting. The keeping of reports is an essential part of pest control. The actual reporting requirements for a particular contract should, however, be defined. |
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