Pest Control
The service is provided for pests considered to be a risk to public health or food safety including rats, house mice, cockroaches and bed bugs. A service is also provided to control pests that may become a nuisance in houses such as wasps, fleas and ants.
What type of pests does pest control treat?
Rats and mice, bedbugs and cockroaches, wasps and fleas. We also offer contracts and one off treatments to local businesses. The Council's pest control officers will not normally kill bees. This is because of their scarcity and value to the environment. If you experience problems with bees call for advice.
How long will I have to wait for a pest control appointment?
Pest control visits are allocated on a priority basis. We aim to treat rats and mice in a domestic property within 2 working days. We aim to treat other pests within 5 working days.
How much does the pest control service cost?
There is no charge for visits to deal with rats in domestic properties. There are charges for all other services, see fees and charges or alternatively call (01438) 242908 for more information.
Business customers should call the senior pest control officer to discuss their individual needs. Alternatively e-mail us at envhealth@stevenage.gov.uk for more information.
Anyone who lives, owns or runs a business in Stevenage is entitled to use the Council's Pest Control Service.
- our trained and experienced pest control officers will eradicate infestations of pests such as rats, mice and a wide range of insect pests including fleas, wasps, bed bugs and carpet beetles
- treatments in private homes for bed bugs or cockroaches are FREE (in the interests of public health)
- most other pest treatments are charged at 50% of the full charge if you are aged 65 or over; 60-64 and not working, registered disabled, unemployed, or in receipt of Income Support or Job Seeker's Allowance (income based).
- we will answer your pest control queries by phone, in person, by email or in writing
- we will do our best to identify samples of any pests you find on your premises and advise you about the most appropriate form of treatment
- for an annual fee, we will provide a comprehensive pest control service for most types of business premises. If you would like further details of this service please contact us on 01438 242252
If you arrange an appointment we will specify whether the visit will be in the morning or afternoon, whichever is most convenient for you.
We will try to visit within:
- 2 days - for bed bugs and cockroaches
- 2 days - for rats and mice
- 5 days - for fleas, wasps, bees and hornets
- 5 days - for all other pests
- in emergency cases (such as a rat trapped inside a home), we will try to visit the same day;
- before any treatment, we will give you safety information, in writing, about the proposed treatment and will answer any questions you may have;
- we use pesticides which are considered by experts to be the least harmful available to both humans and the environment;
- we will, where practical, visit as often as necessary to eliminate the infestation, within the charge quoted.
Help us to help you
Check your garden regularly for signs of vermin, especially near sheds, compost heaps and overgrown areas. If you have cats or dogs they should be treated for fleas using preparations available from pet shops or vets.
When you make an appointment
- check before you ring us or use the online form when you will be available over the next few days
- make sure you are at home for the appointment, otherwise we may have to impose an extra charge
- give us your full address and give us clear directions about how to find you
- If possible, describe the type of pest which you have and the extent of the infestation
- tell us if you have tried any other treatments - this is important.
Before our pest control officer arrives
- If you are eligible for a reduced charge because you are claiming benefit, please have proof that you are receiving that benefit available for the officer to examine
- Before flea treatments, clear the floors and vacuum the floor ensuring all movable items e.g. toys, papers etc are moved off the floors onto tables rather than soft furnishings
Click on the link to complete the pest control form on-line.
Environmental Health and Licensing
Stevenage Borough Council
Daneshill House
Danestrete
Stevenage
Herts
SG1 1HN
Email: envhealth@stevenage.gov.uk
Tel: 01438 242908/242916
Fax: 01438 242142