Fact-checked against 3 sources · Updated 20 September 2026On this page
Newark & Sherwood District Council’s own advice is to find a pest-control company through the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), because the council doesn’t offer a pest control service itself. Whoever you choose, these questions help you spot a professional.
The 12 questions
- Are you a member of a recognised trade body? The BPCA and the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) are the two most widely recognised. Membership can be checked with the association.
- What training do your technicians hold? Professionals using rodenticides in Great Britain must follow a UK stewardship regime. From 1 January 2026, according to Think Wildlife, professional users must be able to show proof of training on an approved course completed within the past five years, or proof of earlier certification plus membership of an approved continuing professional development scheme.
- Do you have public liability insurance? Ask to see the certificate and check the amount.
- Will you inspect before quoting? A firm price should follow an inspection, not a guess over the phone.
- Is the quote in writing, and what does it include? Total price, VAT, number of visits, and what is extra.
- How many visits are included? Ask how many follow-up visits are included and what a further visit costs.
- What treatment will you use, and where? A good answer mentions secured bait stations and traps positioned along rat runs.
- How will you protect children, pets and wildlife? They should explain where stations go and what precautions to take.
- Will you find and seal the entry point? Ask whether proofing is included or priced separately. See rat proofing.
- What do you do if the rats come back? Ask about guarantees and what they cover.
- What will you leave me with? A written summary of what was found and done, and where any bait is placed.
- Can you give me a reference or a business address and contact number? A genuine business should have a clear name, number and identification.
Red flags
- A fixed low price offered on the phone with no inspection, then upsold on arrival.
- Pressure to decide immediately or pay a large sum up front.
- No mention of follow-up visits.
- Reluctance to show identification, insurance or training.
- Claims that rats can be cleared “in one visit”, or that poison alone is enough.
- Bait left loose or in open containers where children and pets can reach it.
How the HSE describes the rules for professionals
The HSE says both professionals and the general public may use rodenticides, with different restrictions. Products sold to the public are limited in strength, pack size and where they can be used, while professionals must follow the requirements of a UK rodenticide stewardship regime, which includes training, certification, auditing, point-of-sale verification of competence, and a code of best practice. Asking about training therefore isn’t fussy: it’s part of the regime.
What about this website?
This site is a referral service. We point you to an independent local technician, and we don’t carry out treatment ourselves. Apply the same checklist to whoever you are put in touch with, and feel free to compare with other providers. See how the site works and how it is funded.
Choosing a pest controller: common questions
Does a pest controller need a licence?
There is no single licence for pest control in the way there is for some trades, but professionals using rodenticides must follow the stewardship regime, including training. That is why asking about training and trade-body membership matters.
Is the cheapest quote the best one?
Not necessarily. Compare what is included (inspection, follow-up visits, proofing, guarantee). A low price that leaves out follow-ups often costs more in the end. See what rat control costs.
Should I use a national chain or a local technician?
Either can do a good job. Local independents are often quicker to attend and flexible on timing, while larger firms offer contracts and wider cover. Judge each on accreditation, insurance, the quality of the quote and follow-up.
Sources and further reading
- Newark & Sherwood District Council: Pest control
- Think Wildlife: Professional rodenticide users and training
- HSE: Rodenticides
Facts on this page were checked against the sources above on 20 September 2026. Laws, prices and council services change, so check the current position before relying on them.
This site connects households and businesses in the Newark-on-Trent area with an independent local rat-control technician. We are not the servicing contractor and do not carry out treatment ourselves. See our terms & disclosure.