Traditionally, many councils offered pest control services and even had a dedicated pest control officer to manage pest infestations throughout the local area.
Unfortunately, these services have been depleted over recent years, and today, most councils don’t offer pest control or charge for their services.
Pest control companies like Countrywide can help fill the gap and provide fast, effective support if you can’t get a council pest control appointment.
Here’s our guide to council pest control prices in Newbury and Berkshire and how our services could help local residents to deal with pest problems promptly.
Do All Councils Offer Pest Control Services?
Every local council is different, but many don’t offer pest control services. Those that do will usually charge a fee for their services and will have restrictions in place, such as a limit on the number of pest control officer visits they provide or the types of vermin they can remove.
Newbury, where Countrywide is based, is covered by West Berkshire Council, which doesn’t offer pest control. The council does provide a reporting service for rats and mice to help them deal with infestations in public areas, but no treatments for properties in the area. Other councils do sometimes offer pest control services or provide residents with lists of trusted private providers who can offer their services.
How Much Do Council Pest Control Services Cost?
Local council pest control prices usually depend on a range of factors, including the type of pest you’re dealing with and whether or not you receive benefits or live in a council-managed property.
Every council is different, and each one will have different restrictions on their services as well as different pricing options. Here are the details of the pest control options offered by the councils in the areas that Countrywide covers.
- Newbury: West Berkshire Council does not provide pest control.
- Reading: Reading Borough Council offers pest control through a third party, with services for rodents and insects but not birds. These services can be paid for at full price from the third-party provider or at a discounted rate for holders of a Your Reading Passport- a council-run discount scheme.
- Southampton: Southampton City Council offers both commercial and domestic pest control, and their charges start from £283.16 for residential rodent treatment, including 3 visits. Bed bugs and fleas can be treated, but the cost depends on the size of the property and is high, with a fee of £636.08 for three visits to a 1-2 bedroom property to remove bed bugs, plus the mandatory initial survey and report for £115. Residents on council tax benefits or housing benefits can get a discounted rate.
- Portsmouth: Portsmouth City Council provides pest control services for some insect pests and rodents, but some services, such as its bed bug treatments, are only offered for council-owned properties. Rat control starts from £62 for 3 visits, with each additional visit costing £18.80, and there is a non-refundable £10 call-out charge even if they don’t treat the pests. These charges need to be paid before you can book your treatment date. There is a reduced rate available for those receiving qualifying benefits.
- Basingstoke: Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council offers free pest control provided by a contractor to remove rats, but only for those who receive certain means-tested benefits. The council will not carry out pest control for anyone not on benefits or for other pests.
- Farnborough: Rushmoor Borough Council does not provide pest control.
- Camberley: Surrey Heath Borough Council uses a third-party pest controller to provide services for domestic properties or HMOs of up to 6 bedrooms to treat a limited number of pests. There is a £70 call-out charge if no treatment is given, and costs range from as little as £80 for the removal of up to two wasp nests to as much as £286.50 for a cockroach treatment in an HMO with up to 6 bedrooms. There is a discounted rate available for the recipients of qualifying benefits.
- Bracknell: Bracknell Forest Council does not provide pest control.
- Wokingham: Wokingham Borough Council does not provide pest control.
These prices and services are correct at the time of writing, but you’ll need to contact your council for further information.
Are There Free Pest Control Services Available?
Most councils no longer offer free pest control services, although some will offer discounts or free visits for those who receive qualifying benefits.
Some councils, such as Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, offer a limited free pest control service, but this is restricted to just rat removal and only for those on certain means-tested benefits.
As such, the majority of residents won’t be able to make use of this service to get rid of the pests they are facing. Most councils will advise that homeowners who need pest control that can’t be provided by their local authority use a private pest control company that has BPCA qualified technicians, like Countrywide. While we do charge a fee for our services, our costs will be lower than they will be if the infestation is left for too long and the pests are able to damage your property.
How To Get Effective Pest Control In Newbury And The Surrounding Area
If you live in an area with no council pest control service, like Newbury, then contact Countrywide for fast, effective pest control.
Our pest control prices are competitive, and we work hard to offer the best possible service to treat any pest infestation. We offer a flat rate for some services but can also add additional treatments and support if needed.
Unlike most councils, we don’t have a long waiting list and aim to respond to call-outs as soon as possible so we can deal with your pest control problem quickly and efficiently.
With our flexible solutions and affordable prices, Countrywide is the perfect choice to deal with any pest problem. We can provide multiple visits if required and will make sure that the infestation is completely eradicated, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best possible service when you work with us.
Our team also deals with all pests, including rodents like rats, mice and squirrels, insect pests such as ants, cockroaches, fleas and bed bugs, as well as pest birds. So, unlike many local councils, we can support you when dealing with any type of vermin.
To book your visit and get fast domestic or commercial pest control services across Newbury, Berkshire and the South of England, get in touch on 0800 078 7255.