Pest control

In this section

Domestic pest control advice

We provide domestic services for residents on means tested benefits only.

Pest control officers deal with pests that might affect public health. For example, rats can damage woodwork and cables and transmit disease.

We also treat other pests, including mice, squirrels, pharaoh's ants, wasps, fleas, bed bugs and cockroaches.

Rodent infestation

For rodents please download our fact sheets for rats (PDF 111kB) and mice (PDF 116kB).  You will need professional help to remove rodents, as they can burrow, climb and jump.  You also need to take action urgently as they can breed very rapidly. View the fees and charges for rat treatments or mice treatment.

  •  mechanical traps can be less effective, as rodents may avoid them
  •  ultrasonic boxes can be used as a deterrent, but rodents may ignore them
  •  poison baits are the best solution

Bed bugs

If you are on means tested benefits and have booked a treatment with Watford Borough Council please download our bed bugs fact sheet (PDF 174Kb) listing the preparations that you need make before we visit. We use safe and very effective treatments. View the fees for bedbug treatment.

Wasps

For wasp advice please download our wasps fact sheet (PDF 125kB). View the fees of wasp or Hornet treatments.

Cockroaches

For cockroaches advice please download our cockroaches fact sheet (PDF 122kB). View the fees for cockroach treatments.

Fleas

For fleas advice please download our fleas fact sheet (PDF 119kB). View the fees for flea treatments.

Bees

We do not treat bees, however, if you have a nest that is causing issues, you should contact a local bee keeper through the British Bee Association.

Charges

We charge for all pest treatment services, which can you view on our treatment fees page.

Three Rivers District Council

From 1 April, we will no longer provide a pest control service for Three Rivers residents. We are unable to take new bookings after 1 March 2024.

If you rent your property you should contact your landlord or Housing Association. They are responsible for the building's condition.

If you are the homeowner, we recommend that you use a company approved by an industry body such as:

General advice on pest control

  •     keep refuse bin areas clean, clean up spillages of food material
  •     residents should manage communal bin areas responsibly
  •     keep buildings in good repair, seal gaps around doors and other possible access gaps
  •     clear away rubbish, debris and any overgrown vegetation

If you are on means tested benefits, to book a treatment for any of the above please call us during office hours on 01923 226400.

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