Pests we can deal with and our fees
Fees
Fees are included within each pest section below.
Areas we cover
We treat throughout Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire including:
| Bedfordshire | Barton-le-Clay, Caddington, Dunstable, Eaton Bray, Hockliffe,Houghton Regis, Harlington, Slip End, Streatley, Studham, Sundon Park, Toddington, Tottenhoe, Tilsworth, Whipsnade |
|---|---|
| Hertfordshire | Cockernhoe, Flamstead, Hexton, Lilley |
Pests we can deal with
Ants
Ants are widespread and relatively harmless although they can cause considerable nuisance when they get into houses.
We treat:
- black ants (common ant) - nests are found in flowerbeds, under paving and at the base of walls. Worker ants usually invade properties in search of sweet food substances during the spring and summer months
- red ants - commonly found in garden areas, typically under paving stones or slabs. The red ant can deliver a painful sting which is injected with formic acid
- Pharaoh ants - an indoor species favouring warm heated buildings. Colonies are highly mobile making it difficult to self treat
How to get rid of ants - the treatment
You should only need to seek professional help if you have tried treating them yourself and have been unsuccessful.
Each treatment is tailored to individual premises. Once the type of ant infestation has been established, we will use the most appropriate treatment (sprays, gel baits, dusting powders) to remove the ants safely and effectively. Our customised treatments will be best suited to your needs and most effective for your unique ant problem.
Pricing
| Dwelling house | POA for ant treatment. No charge (for Luton residents only) for Pharaoh Ant treatment (unless missed appointments). POA for residents outside Luton. |
|---|---|
| Rented dwelling | POA for ant treatment + VAT (payable by landlord) |
| Business premises (VAT) and local authorities (no VAT - excluding food premises) | POA for ant treatment + VAT |
Bed bugs
Bed bugs feed on many warm blooded animals but unfortunately their preferred hosts are humans.
Bedbugs can infest even the cleanest of homes and an infestation does not indicate a dirty home.
They feed at night and leave often irritating bite marks on the hosts reflected in small specs of blood on sheets and pillows.
How to get rid of bed bugs - the treatment
Bedbug treatments require a fair amount of preparation. Please download our council leaflet for further advice.
Pricing
All dwellings - treatment of all bedrooms and beds are based on site survey of property, price on application (POA). For a free evaluation and quote please call us on: 01582 510330 or 01582 546814 .
Beetle, weevil, mites and moths
Stored product insects such as beetles, weevils, moths, and mites will damage foodstuff making them unfit for use.
How to get rid of Beetles, weevils, mites and moths - the treatment
The first stage of treatment for any stored product pest is the correct identification of the problem species. We offer a free insect identification service, and any treatment required will be tailored to your specific need. For more information please call 01582 510330.
Pricing
| Dwelling house | £88 |
|---|---|
| Rented dwelling | £88 (payable by landlord) |
| Business premises (VAT) and local authorities (no VAT - excluding food premises) | £88 |
Cockroaches
The two most common types of cockroaches to infest commercial and domestic properties in the UK are the:
- German cockroach
- Oriental cockroach
Cockroaches carry a huge host of diseases transferring them direct to foodstuffs or through their faeces. They multiple rapidly in favourable conditions and often go unnoticed until they are seen during the day which, because they are a nocturnal insect, suggests a serious infestation.
Cockroaches rely on water and warmth and this encourages their presence behind freezers, fridges and cookers, where they are often undisturbed with food debris and a nearby water supply.
How to get rid of cockroaches - the treatment
Each treatment is tailored to individual premises. Our Technicians will seek out all potential hiding spots. Monitoring devices may be used to find the worst affected areas and to determine the progress of the treatment. Once the type of infestation has been established, we will use the most appropriate treatment (sprays, gel baits, dusting powders) to eliminate the problem safely and effectively. Our customised treatments will be best suited to your needs and most effective for your unique cockroach problem.
Pricing
| Dwelling house | No charge (for Luton residents only) (unless missed appointments). POA for residents outside Luton. |
|---|---|
| Rented dwelling | £92 - per visit + VAT (payable by landlord) |
| Business premises (VAT) and local authorities (no VAT - excluding food premises) | Price on application |
Fleas
Fleas lay eggs in bedding materials of pets or on the pets themselves.
A single female may produce 800-1000 eggs in one life time, which can be as long as two years. The larvae thrive on organic matter and adult flea excrement. At any one time a cat bed can host an infestation of 8000 eggs and larvae and 2000 mature adult fleas.
How to get rid of fleas - the treatment
Each treatment is tailored to individual premises and are family and pet friendly. A thorough treatment to all floor and fabric areas is usually required. We will use the most appropriate treatment following a positive identification.
Pricing
| Dwelling house | £83 |
|---|---|
| Rented dwelling | £83 per visit (payable by tenant or landlord) per visit |
| Business premises (VAT) and local authorities (no VAT - excluding food premises) | Price on application |
Flies
Everyone has experienced having flies in their home. Flies do have the potential to spread germs and diseases, there should be no problems encountered if good hygiene standards are maintained and foodstuffs are not freely available to them.
There are many species of fly you may find indoors but the most common are:- house fly
- cluster fly
- fruit fly
How to get rid of flies - the treatment
Luton Pest Control Services have a range of techniques to deal with unwanted swarms and rid your house of these pests. Each treatment is tailored to individual premises. For more information please call 01582 510330.
Pricing
| Dwelling house | Price on application |
|---|---|
| Rented dwelling | Price on application (payable by landlord) |
| Business premises (VAT) and local authorities (no VAT - excluding food premises) | Price on application |
Pigeons and gulls
Birds such as feral pigeons and gulls can be a nuisance not only creating constant noise but their excrement can carry the risk of disease and can cause damage to brick and stonework.
How to get rid of pigeons - the treatment
The best way to discourage birds is to remove their food sources, however this is not always a practical solution in busy urban areas.
Buildings covered in fouling looks unpleasant can smell, and projects a poor image of a business, potentially ruining an organisation's reputation. Our experienced technicians are trained in bird control and have access to a range of professional use products and tools which are not available to the public. For a free quote call us on 01582 546814
Pricing
For a free evaluation and quote please call us on: 01582 510330 or 01582 546814.
Rats and mice
Rats and mice both carry unwanted diseases into our environments. The most well known is leptospirosiss or Weils Disease which is passed to humans when they come into contact with rat urine. Other diseases such as salmonella are also prominent.
Rats and mice contaminate food, destroy building structures and cause fires when gnawing on electric cables. They are feared and unwelcome in any surroundings.
How to get rid of rats and mice - the treatment
Treatment often involves a combination of rat and mouse traps and tamper resistant bait stations containing rat poison. baits.
Tailored to each job to ensure control, we will identify where the rodents are gaining access and recommend proofing requirements. Our customised treatments will be best suited to your needs and most effective for your rodent problem.
Pricing
| Dwelling house | No charge (for Luton residents only) (unless missed appointments). POA for residents outside Luton. |
|---|---|
| Rented dwelling | Price on application |
| Business premises (VAT) and local authorities (no VAT - excluding food premises) | Price on application |
Silver fish
The presence of silver fish is an indication of damp conditions. This may be a warning that repairs are needed.
Look at the floor, walls and ceiling for signs of staining due to dampness. Check that all the water pipes, gutters and damp proof courses are intact.
How to get rid of silverfish - the treatment
Home DIY products such as sprays can help control Silverfish populations but larger or repeated infestations will require professional treatment. Luton Council Pest Control offers experienced technicians and expert, targeted solutions catered to eliminate insect issues effectively. Our customised treatments will be best suited to your needs and most effective for your silverfish problem.
Pricing
| Dwelling house | £88 |
|---|---|
| Rented dwelling | £88 per visit (payable by tenant or landlord) per visit |
| Business premises (VAT) and local authorities (no VAT - excluding food premises) | £88 per visit + VAT |
Squirrels
Grey squirrels, like most other rodents, are experts at gaining access to otherwise inaccessible areas of our homes, such as loft spaces and attics.
Good climbers, squirrels will often take advantage of fence lines, rows of conifers etc. If grey squirrels are infesting your roof space, they can be denied access by sealing up access routes using chicken wire. However, you must ensure there are no young or adult squirrels in your loft space before carrying out proofing work and any pest control treatment.
How to get rid of squirrels - the treatment
All treatments are carried out in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and are specifically tailored to individual premises. Contact us for advice or if you wish us to carry out a free survey.
Pricing
| Dwelling house | £123 + VAT |
|---|---|
| Rented dwelling | £123 + VAT (payable by tenant or landlord) |
| Business premises (VAT) and local authorities (no VAT - excluding food premises) | £123 + VAT |
Wasps and hornets
Wasps are smooth-bodied and bright yellow with thick black stripes. They tend to live in roofs of houses or round nests in trees or sheds.
Hornets are generally bigger than bees and wasps and have a very loud, low buzz. They are black and brown with a hint of orange and big curved tail. They tend to live in roofs and sheds.
How to get rid of Wasp nests - the treatment
During the summer months wasp nests rapidly grow and can contain thousands of wasps all of which can deliver a painful sting. Removal of these nests should not be treated lightly - the wasps become more aggressive towards late summer and can swarm around the nest making treatment in enclosed areas such as loft spaces particularly dangerous. Wasp removals are customised to ensure effective control of the wasp nest, based on its location.
Pricing
| Dwelling house | £48 + £24 per additional nest treated on same visit |
|---|---|
| Rented dwelling | £48 + £24 per additional nest (payable by tenant or landlord) |
| Business premises (VAT) and local authorities (no VAT - excluding food premises) | £48 + £24 + VAT per additional nest |
Pests we won't deal with
The following is advice with how to deal with protected wildlife which is causing a problem.
Badgers
The Protection of Badgers Act (1992) makes it an offence to kill, injure or take a badger, or to damage or interfere with a set unless a licence is obtained from a statutory authority.
Using a professional
GOV.UK - Badger protection surveys and licenses
Bats
All bat species, their breeding sites and resting places are fully protected by law It’s an offence to disturb or destroy bats, or any place they’re living (roosting), even if it’s inside your home.
Using a professional
Contact the bat helpline if you have any concerns and need advice. Where appropriate can arrange for one of Natural England's volunteer bat roost visitors to inspect your property
Bees
Luton Council does not offer commercial treatments for bees
Contrary to popular belief bees aren't protected and can be treated, however, they are endangered so we'd always recommend exploring all other avenues before considering eradication.
Using a professional
If you suspect you have honeybees and they are causing you problems then we would recommend you use a swarm collector from the British Bee Keepers Association.
Foxes
Luton Council does not deal with fox control. The fox is sometimes referred to as vermin, but it is not, and never has been categorised as such by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
The council has no statutory powers or legal rights to eradicate foxes on private or other land. Anyone who illegally harms a fox may face a £5,000 fine and a six month prison sentence.Using a professional
The Fox Project is a charity that offers useful advice on humanly deterring foxes from your home
Snakes
The four most common types of snakes found in Britain are:
- the adder or viper
- the grass snake
- the smooth snake
- the slow-worm
All these reptiles are protected species and it is an offence to kill them
Using a professional
GOV.UK - Reptiles protection surveys and licences
Spiders
Luton Council does not provide a pest control service for the treatment or identification of spiders / false widow spider but please read the following information for further guidance.
Avoiding infestations
Rats mice and cockroaches are the most common pests in most homes and flats, causing health hazards, contamination of food, safety risks and various unpleasant odours. On top of this, a number of pests can damage buildings and fittings, with rats and mice gnawing electrical cables, which can short-circuit and cause a fire. That’s why it’s key to keep on top of things so that you don’t get an infestation that only a professional pest controller can sort out.
The real pest control is done in the home itself. It’s good to keep your surroundings and home environment clean to avoid infestation from invading pests. If you fail to adhere to reasonable hygiene and good housekeeping, then one day you will inevitably have to call in a professional pest controller. The most popular solutions in handling pest problems are prevention and action. A prevention strategy will reduce the chance of you getting a pest problem and needing to call a professional.
There are a few ways you can tailor your home to prevent pest infestations. Here are a few key tips that anyone can implement straight away:
- ensure your food items are kept in dry and airtight containers, preferably glass or heavy plastics. Pests love sugar and flour. Hungry pests are aggressive enough to chew through tough polythene bags to get what they want
- clean up all areas used to prepare meals and ensure your dishes are kept clean when not in use. Small crumbs are especially attractive to mice, cockroaches and ants
- keep all uneaten food in the fridge
- sweep, vacuum and mop your kitchen regularly. Pests will find the smallest crumbs that fall onto the carpet or collect around corners and between the kick boards
The following tips will help you ensure no infestation occurs in your home:
- ensure all common areas including gardens are free of rubbish
- buy proper waste bins to help prevent infestation
- ensure containers are sturdy and come with lids which should remain secured at the top. Ensure they don’t develop holes and cracks where roaches may enter through
- get rid of water and clutter around your property
- ensure hedges are well trimmed, and the lawns are mown
- check gaps around your property, around waste pipes, holes in brick work and where possible block with appropriate materials
- look at your air vents - rodent proof air vent covers can be purchased from most builders merchants
We hope you find these tips useful and help prevent you from having a pest problem. However, if you do find that you still need help or advice from a professional please call us on 01582 510330.
Pest control and conservation
Animal Welfare
You can be fined or imprisoned if you cause unnecessary harm to any animal.
Controlling pests yourself
You can:
- only trap or kill permitted animals
- use permitted methods to kill animals
- only use poison to kill the pests it’s intended for - this will be written on the packaging
- only use traps that have been approved for use with the species you want to control - you must follow the instructions for use
You can’t use the following control methods for any wildlife:
- self-locking snares
- bows and crossbows
- explosives (other than legal ammunition for a licensed firearm)
- live birds or animals, known as ‘live decoys’, to attract pests (unless you have a license)
It’s an offence to keep or release some wild animals, eg grey squirrels - you must kill them humanely if you catch them alive.
Get Advice
If you need advice on any element of pest control you can call us on 01582 510330.
Pigeons in the town centre
In Luton we face problems with increasing pigeon populations as the town provides pigeons with all the food and shelter they could possibly need.
However, what makes the problem with these birds even worse, is simply that people feed them. With unlimited food supplies and no natural predators the pigeon populations can grow quickly.
Why is this a problem?
- Bird droppings are unsightly and their acid corrodes stonework and damages buildings. Droppings on pavements can become slippery when wet and pose a hazard to passing pedestrians.
- Excessive feeding can actually harm pigeons as it can cause overcrowding at feeding sites, and promote the spread of disease among birds. In addition, many pigeons are killed each year by people trying to reduce their numbers.
- Pigeon feeding in public areas has a detrimental effect on rodent control programs, as it provides a food source, and is an attractant for rats.
If you feed the pigeons in Luton you risk facing a fixed penalty for littering which can be issued by the councils Neighbourhood Enforcement team.
There are a number of pigeon proofing devices which can be used to prevent or deter pigeons from roosting or nesting on buildings. The council’s pest control department is experienced in carrying out this work. For further info please call 01582 546814.