A pest controller diagnoses, controls and eradicates pest infestations in residential and commercial buildings. Pest control in the UK is partially regulated - the use of rodenticides (rat and mouse poison) is controlled under the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU), and professional pest controllers using restricted rodenticides must hold a BASIS PROMPT or BPCA (British Pest Control Association) certificate of competence. For Japanese knotweed, specialist contractors must be approved under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 framework. The BPCA is the main industry body and BPCA membership is the primary quality indicator for domestic and commercial pest control.
What they do
- Survey properties and identify pest species and infestation sources
- Treat rodent infestations (rats and mice) with baiting and proofing
- Eradicate wasp, hornet and bee nests safely
- Treat cockroach and bedbug infestations with insecticides and heat treatment
- Control pigeon and other bird problems with deterrents and exclusion
- Treat and manage Japanese knotweed under a management plan
- Produce pre-purchase pest surveys and reports
- Advise on proofing and preventative measures to avoid re-infestation
- Provide ongoing contracts for commercial premises requiring regular pest management
When you need one
A pest controller is needed at the first sign of an infestation - early treatment is always cheaper and more effective than allowing a problem to establish.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Rodent treatment (2-3 visits) | £200 - £400 |
| Wasp nest treatment | £70 - £150 |
| Bed bug treatment (per room) | £200 - £500 |
| Cockroach treatment (per visit) | £150 - £350 |
| Pest survey and report | £150 - £350 |
| Japanese knotweed treatment plan | £500 - £2,000 |
Some local councils offer free or subsidised pest control for rodents. Always check if your council provides this service before paying for private treatment. Japanese knotweed treatment typically requires multiple visits over 2-3 years and may involve a lender-approved guarantee.
Qualifications to look for
BPCA membership is the main quality indicator for pest controllers. Members must hold a recognised qualification and comply with a code of practice. For rodenticide use, BASIS PROMPT certification or equivalent is required. Check membership at bpca.org.uk.
The Royal Society for Public Health Level 2 Award in Pest Management (or equivalent City and Guilds qualification) is the standard entry-level qualification for pest controllers. Higher-level qualifications cover specialist areas including rodenticide use and wildlife management.
For Japanese knotweed, look for a contractor that is a member of the Property Care Association (PCA) and holds PCA Invasive Weed Control contractor status. Management plans backed by a PCA member guarantee are typically required by mortgage lenders.
How to find a reputable pest controller
Related Calculators
Extension Cost CalculatorFrequently asked questions
Is Japanese knotweed a legal issue?
Yes. Japanese knotweed can affect mortgage applications and property sales. It is listed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as an invasive species and allowing it to spread to neighbouring land is a legal offence. A specialist treatment plan is required to satisfy most mortgage lenders, and many lenders will not lend on affected properties without a management plan backed by a guarantee.
Do I need a professional for a wasp nest?
You can treat an accessible nest yourself with appropriate products available from hardware stores, but professional treatment is safer and faster, and ensures the colony is properly eradicated. Nests in wall cavities, loft spaces or underground locations are best left to a professional with the right protective equipment and insecticides.
How do I know if I have a rat problem?
Signs of rats include droppings (dark, tapered, approximately 12mm long), gnaw marks on cables, pipes and structural timber, burrows in garden banks or under decking, runways through vegetation, and scratching or scurrying noises typically in wall cavities, under floors and in loft spaces. Contact a pest controller promptly - rat populations can double in as little as three weeks.