ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS WE GET

QUESTIONS ABOUT PESTS

1. I'VE ONLY SEEN 1 OR 2 MICE/INSECTS! SHOULD I EVEN WORRY?

Unfortunately with pests like mice, rats and insects; seeing one or two normally means theres a a lot you haven't seen. Pests have become accustomed to living out of sight and breeding/feeding where they are not prey and wont be disrupted. Most of the time, being seen at all means that they have grown in number and are foraging out and looking for nesting opportunities when there's more noise and lights. ONE MOUSE ESPECIALLY IS NEVER GOOD. Get a free inspection where we can use our tools equipment to give you an accurate assessment and solutions.

2. I'VE BLOCKED UP HOLES SO SHOULD I GET PEST CONTROL INVOLVED?

Yes. At Merit Services we conduct thorough inspections and have the preparations available to track activity and carry out strategic proofing. Without the correct preparations and tools you can't be sure that you've blocked up the correct holes and that you haven't missed any behind units, fabrics or heavy items.

3. I'VE NOTICED ACTIVITY HAS LESSENED RECENTLY. EVERYTHINGS FINE RIGHT?

Most of the time, no. Rodent and insect breeding patterns mean that while activity has lessened they are simply breeding within the property and will return in higher number as then more food will be required.

4. I JUST WANT A QUOTE, CAN YOU DO THAT?

Yes we can provide general quotes. BUT... Any professional tradesperson needs to look at the job at hand to determine time needed, tools required and the level of the issue at hand. Without looking at the property or problem we can't give a completely thorough assessment.

5. I'M EMBARASSED ABOUT MY PEST PROBLEM, SHOULD I BE?

Absolutely not. We've seen it all and go to every type of property imaginable weekly. Many pests are present because of reasons out of your control and the fact you are persuing pest control means that you are proactively combating them. It could also be the case that the pests are there because of a neighbouring property thats unused or nearby building works disrupting nesting/harbourage points for pests.

QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR SERVICE

1. HOW SOON CAN YOU COME FOR A TREATMENT?

Our phone lines are open 24/7 so you can contact us as soon as you notice a problem and schedule a treatment. The soonest we can come is one hour after your call, or later in the day if we are too busy. However, if our schedule doesn’t allow us to help you in the nearest days, we will provide you with information on how to deal with the problem in the meantime.

2. HOW LONG WILL A VISIT FROM YOU TAKE?

Our services are not timely-based so your exterminator will stay until the job is done. Each service takes a different amount of time and depends on the type and size of infestation.

3. WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?

  • Insecticides – we use top level products provided by official pest control suppliers in the UK, such as Kill Germ and First Environmental. Those are not available to the wide audience because of how powerful they are;
  • Endoscopic cameras – they help us detect pests even within the smallest cracks and crevices of your house and behind walls and we can bring them upon your request;
  • Specific heaters – our go-to machines for heat treatment procedures. These powerful heaters manage to eradicate insects in all their life stages;
  • Others – such as spikes, fire gel, traps and every other small gadget which help us in the fight against pests.

4.WHAT TYPES OF PESTS DO YOU TREAT?

We’ve been called to deal with all kinds of pest infestations and we’ve always managed to get the job done. You can look around our website and see the whole list of services amongst which are: mice and rat control, bed bug removal ', wasp control, cockroach eradication. We treat fleas, moths, pigeons and seagulls, carpet beetles, squirrels, spiders, silverfish, ants, woodworm and much more.

5. WHAT PROCEDURE DO YOU FOLLOW WITH YOUR TREATMENTS??

We will send you an experienced and certified pest technician at the time of your appointment. He will arrive and inspect your property to define the type and size of infestation. Then he will proceed with the most appropriate treatment procedure for your particular case. At the end, you will receive a written report of the service and COSHH and Risk assessments (if applicable).

6.ARE YOUR PEST CONTROL PROCEDURES SAFE FOR PEOPLE AND PETS?

Our treatments and the products we are using are pretty safe but we do advise you to remain out of the property and let them settle for a couple of hours. This will help the treatment work at its fullest without any harm to you and your pet. Again, once the products have settled they become safe. We do ask to cover any fish tanks you have during the treatment.

7. CAN YOU TREAT MY PET FOR FLEAS?

Unfortunately, we cannot treat your pet for fleas as it is not our job nor are our treatments suitable for animals. Though, we advise you to take your pet to the vet while the flea treatment is executed – this will ensure both your home and pet are free of fleas.

8. WHAT TYPES OF PROPERTIES DO YOU TAKE CARE OF?

Our services are suitable for various types of properties. We treat domestic and commercial properties alike. If you are curious about our business-tailored solutions, make sure to contact us over the phone to discuss what exactly are you looking for.

9. Do you do pest control for businesses?

Yes. We work with a wide range of industries and businesses such as the hospitality industry, food manufacturing and processing businesses, pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, agriculture and farming sector, commercial buildings and much more. Check out our commercial pest control page and contact us to discuss your particular case.

10. Are the exterminators trained? What kind of experience do they have?

All the pest technicians we work with undergo the Kill Germ and Safe Use of Pesticides training courses. Besides that, we only work with experienced pro’s who are knowledgeable in their field of work.

11. What is your area coverage?

We cover all of the M-25 ring, all London areas and even some of the nearby ones. Check the full coverage in our Call or message us if you don’t see your area but still need a pest control treatment.

We work outside these areas too.

12. Should I do regular treatments to keep my property pest-free?

Sometimes it is necessary for domestic properties. We have very good residential packages available.

For businesses, we utilize a different approach and focus on preventing infestations. This requires regular visits from exterminators who inspect the premises, take preventative measures and treat pests if needed.

13. A household near me had an infestation. Should I worry?

It depends on the pest itself. Sometimes treatments drive pests away of the property and they will search for another house to hide in. We advise you to get your property inspected just in case. You can book an inspection by clicking this link.

14. What if the pest issue persist and I see the creatures after the treatment?

You should know that it’s completely normal to notice an increase in the pest activity right after the treatment. This just means that the treatment is working because the pests try to escape. If you are still seeing them after 7 days, you’ve probably haven’t booked our insured services which include multiple visits. This is the program we recommend for complete pest eradication.

15. How can I find out the type of pest issue I have?

You can look for the different clues left by roaches, or how you can identify bed bugs infestation, or whether you have a mice problem. But the best way to identify your pest problem and the size of it is to schedule a pest inspection. You can do it by pressing the button above.

16. Is it true that pests trigger asthma symptoms?

Yes, insects like cockroaches and bed bugs spread illnesses around and can trigger allergic reactions, particularly in children.

17. What should I do before a bed bug treatment?

You will have to bag up all linens and bedding (duvet covers, sheets, bedding, etc.) in the affected room and hot wash them on 60-90’C. Do the same with clothing items, especially if you have ones that are stored under the bed. Make sure to empty the area and hot wash everything. After that, it’s best to thoroughly hoover around the bedroom including all sides of the mattress/es and throw away the bag. Our team will give you all the needed info before and after the actual bed bug treatment.

18. Should I clean after a treatment?

It is not advisable to clean a treated area after a pest control procedure because you’ll wash off the products your exterminator has applied. They are completely safe once they settle, so you shouldn’t worry about that.

19. Why shouldn’t I just do it myself and use pesticides?

Store-bought pesticides do not do much against pests. The truly powerful solutions are available only for the industry experts. The fact is, when you use the store solution, all you do is increasing the resistance of the pest against the said pesticide. It will then become more difficult to eradicate an infestation than, say if you called the experts right from the start.

20. I see tiny bite marks on my body when I wake up, why is that?

The said marks are a sign of a bed bug infestation. Be sure to check for other signs and call for a pest inspection as soon as possible.

21. Why do rodents and bed bugs require more than one pest control procedure?

This is due to their life cycle which has dormant stages. For example, bed bugs eggs are hard to destroy, it’s easier when they are in a nymph or adult stage. Multiple treatments manage to destroy the entire population and that’s why an insured procedure is required in those cases.

22. Do you charge for quotes?

No, our quotes are free and we do not have any hidden charges, you get a final price.

23. Should I pay in advance? What types of payment do you accept?

Payment is completed upon booking or some time before the service begins.

24. Should I leave the property while the pest control treatment takes place?

It depends on the treatment you have booked. If it involves spraying, say when you have bed bugs, then it will be best for you to leave your home for a couple of hours while the treatment takes place as the insecticides need to settle in order to achieve maximum effect. Of course, you will be instructed beforehand.


25. Should I clean before the exterminator has arrived?

It depends on the pest issue you have. You will receive full instructions from our friendly staff when we confirm your booking.

26. How can I prevent pests from infesting my home?

You can never be 100% sure and avoid pest infestations. Nevertheless, once the pest technician is done with the task at hand – ridding you of an infestation, he will give you some insights on how to avoid future problems.

27. What is the cost of commercial pest control?

Commercial solutions are much more complicated than residential ones. That is why we prefer working with individually tailored plans for each business and according to its unique situation. Make sure to contact us and we will further discuss your needs.

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